As turkey populations continue to expand in the U.S., many hunters have shifted their focus from large tracts of forested lands to smaller farms and even “farmettes.” Wild turkeys have adopted a page from the whitetail deer playbook and now embrace suburbna and urban locations, where they survive and even flourish. These smaller tracts of land are almost always privately owned, so getting permission to hunt is the key to your success. The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance offer these seven tips for gaining that vital permission.

Hunters across the nation are gearing up for one of the most coveted seasons in the outdoor community — spring turkey hunting. Like coastal residents stocking up on groceries before a hurricane, sportsmen clear the shelves of decoys and ammo at local sporting goods shops. But in the midst of all the madness, many sportsmen forget to gain access to quality hunting grounds — a key component to successfully harvesting a spring gobbler.

Follow these tips to make obtaining landowner permission a breeze.

Visit in Person: When asking for permission to hunt, visit the landowner during times of sufficient daylight. Nobody likes a stranger showing up after dark. Wear clean clothes and explain exactly where you want to hunt and why. Contact landowners through the phone as a last resort.

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