I’m excited to write about this “one day” hunt because it offers so much potential for readers who may be frustrated about late season opportunities or a lack of hunting options in general. When hunters ask permission to hunt from a landowner, they usually ask in general terms which may cause concerns with the farmer or rancher. How many will be hunting… will it be for the entire season… are these strangers people of good character and hunting ability? This is not too far removed from a stranger knocking on your door and asking to borrow your car. Since they are in your vehicle (on your property) you are liable for their actions. If the hunters in this video had asked to “hunt” in general, the answer would probably have been negative, however, since the request was for just one day, the landowner agreed.
Monster Dakota Buck
Two years ago, I was nearly in this exact situation after spotting a giant whitetail buck along a rural roadside. The buck was tending a doe and eventually moved into a treeline. The property was posted and I didn’t know the owner, yet by knocking on his door, he gave me permission to hunt the following day. I didn’t see it that time, yet two years later, a monster buck fell to the same request. Also, once you gain rapport with the landowner and demonstrate your dependability, you may well be invited to extend the hunt to a second day or another time.
Ask Specifically
This strategy can work with turkey hunting as well. Many deer leases are just that, specifically designed for deer hunting, with little interest in spring turkey hunting. Several times I have approached the owner of posted land asking permission to hunt in the spring with good success. Many hunters are only interested in deer hunting and don’t mind if the landowner allows friends or guests to hunt during the turkey season. If possible, ask permission to hunt on a week day where there is less likelihood of conflict and specify which day you wish to hunt. Be sure to thank him/her before you leave and you may well have as successful an outing as in this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTk6ZlISV5Y
