I have recently moved to the Temple, TX area. I have not done any Crow hunting in over 15 years and i know that the land owners want to charge for hunting leases. How receptacle are farmers/rancher to allowing people to hunt vermin on there land. I was born and raised in England, there the farmers were pleased to have you on there land to clear the vermin of there crops. Any advise on how to approach the land owners would be greatly appreciated.
Welcome to the forum, and land owners here are the same but when hunting rights are leased you may have to also gain permission from them also. As with "approaching" them just be polite, owners usually are "straight forward" to the point folks. Have references ready and permission permits ready for them to sign (written permission is required here). If you don't have references then you have to convince them your an ethical and law abiding hunter that will take care of his property and be an asset.
You can click on the "search" at the top of the forum page and put this subject in. Then you can get info from better resources than me.
Take your wife, assuming you are married, with you. Married men get more respect than single guys do. I know, I've tried it both ways. Your wife, or girl friend, should also go with you to knock on the door, and she should not sit in the truck, while you talk with the land owner. The land owner will be more receptive, less suspicious, and more inviting with a lady at your side.
And as mentioned before, take written references, if you have any, and show them to the land owner.
If you ever served in the military, tell the owner so, and mention that you have been trained in firearm safety.
Ask the owner to go with you hunting. Most won't, but he will feel pleased that you ask him.
There are many other techniques to getting permission, but these should help.
If at all possible, do not wear camouflage clothes when asking permission. Sometimes you may have to, but it is too "assuming" if you do.
Roger that Kencrow on having wife with you on asking permission,offering references and a liability release is a good option and texting when you're hunting along with a picture of the kill is a plus. Finally returning the keys to the property in a timely manner along with a total kill will help in obtaining a life long relationship with landowners. It's nice to drive up and he says where in the world have you been. the crows are eating me up!!!
I have 2 tactics I like to use and it depends on the area that I am in. In locations where other crow hunters persist I try to stay incognito. I tell the landowner my name is Larry and Im looking for my 2 lost brothers, Darryl & Darryl. He lets me search his land and I bust all his crows. I am no longer allowed to hunt in the state of Idaho because of my advanced tactic but it has worked well in other areas.
Another tactic depends on who answers the door. If the wife answers the door just give her one of these moves and you are in for sure. Neil, this is how we respectfully say hello in the states. I have yet to meet a farmers wife (or daughter) who isnt happy to see me return every fall.
