So, I'm pretty new to crow hunting and am very excited about it. I tried it as a kid with some success, but was never serious about it. Recently, a buddy and I took the time to build e-callers, make some homemade decoys, practice with hand calls, watch tons of videos and read LOTS of crow hunting articles...before actually going to the field.
We're in East TN, but neither of us are from here and I have to admit that it's been difficult hunting thus far. Public land calling resulted a few birds down and one curious remote control plane operator who buzzed the "crows" with his gear before finally seeing us and retreating in terror. Since then, we've tried singling out large tracts of farmland with crows actually on the ground eating the seed, but the farmers seem reluctant to allow armed strangers to hunt their property.
We were just wondering if you guys had any tips on how to go about respectfully gaining access to private property without stepping on toes. Thanks for any help you might provide!
I think you will find.. most farmers/ranchers/landowners will be happy to give permission. After deer season is out, most all posted or leased land becomes available for us crow hunters. Just knock on the door.....and ask respectfully. I will be surprised if you do not get 80% or more postive replies. Once they find out you are not after turkey, deer, ducks, quail, etc... but CROWS... you might make a friend for life.
Skip hit it right on the head,,,,,Wait til you wont bother anybody anyway. Don't wear camo or pull in the driveway pulling a 4 wheeler. Be extremely curteous. If they have a cat or dog on the porch pet him when you find out he aint gonna bite. Its all about being curteous, and respecting someone elses place
Do NOT wear camo clothing when you go talk to the land owner. Take your wife WITH you. If you have permission from the land owners neighbors to hunt, tell him that you do. Take a permission slip with you, there is one some where on this website, and ask him to sign it, and give him one with your phone No. on it. Ask him to go with you once or twice. Show the land owner highest respect. If he lets you hunt, always thank him. Discuss how destructive crows are to a farmer! That'll get his attention!
While I didn't wear camo when I went to ask, there are some other tips here which hadn't previously occurred to me. The major seasons are over and we're a little ways from turkey season, so hopefully my requests are coming across as legitimate. I'll just keep trying...anyone have a kid I can borrow? j/k! Thanks for the help! I'm sure someone will allow access soon! -Dylan
Over here a bottle of whiskey will go a long way. Once you get in with 1 farmer it seems to snowball and before long you are friends with his neighbours.
Over here a bottle of whiskey will go a long way. Once you get in with 1 farmer it seems to snowball and before long you are friends with his neighbours.
Same thing happens here.
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"If money can fix it, it ain't broke" The great theologian and my crow hunting partner AW.
I almost never get turned down anymore. I make certain to take my hat off before getting out of the truck. (I'm mostly bald) When I was younger, I got turned down all the time. I think it's because the farmers don't want some young, irresponsible guy to go shooting at everything. Not fair, but I believe that's the reason. Looking back, it certainly would have helped to take Dad or Grandpa with me, or a woman like somebody else said.
I almost never get turned down anymore. I make certain to take my hat off before getting out of the truck. (I'm mostly bald) When I was younger, I got turned down all the time. I think it's because the farmers don't want some young, irresponsible guy to go shooting at everything. Not fair, but I believe that's the reason. Looking back, it certainly would have helped to take Dad or Grandpa with me, or a woman like somebody else said.
Kev
I'm 24, still in college (grad school) and look like I'm in high school. I've asked a few different land owners now and have gotten permission from all of them. I do agree with Maine that younger guys may have a harder time getting permission, but being respectful and a good firm hand shake goes a long way. It also doesn't hurt to find some common ground to talk about with the land owner, people like other people who are like them.
I forgot to add that I have permission for many places by asking other land owners. Like, the farmer that already lets you hunt his land, ask him of other farms that might want crows killed.
It sounds good when you go ask for permission and you're able to say, "Joe Mulligan said you might want some of those crows thinned out." (You must be "okay" if Joe lets you hunt his land.......)
I usually get permission after they say "No" at least once. Keep them talking and be very courteous. If u have permission on other landowners property, let them know that. Never walk away after the first "No."
I forgot to add that I have permission for many places by asking other land owners. Like, the farmer that already lets you hunt his land, ask him of other farms that might want crows killed.
It sounds good when you go ask for permission and you're able to say, "Joe Mulligan said you might want some of those crows thinned out." (You must be "okay" if Joe lets you hunt his land.......)
I usually get permission after they say "No" at least once. Keep them talking and be very courteous. If u have permission on other landowners property, let them know that. Never walk away after the first "No."
Are you talking about your experiences with women or crows .Just askin...
