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Author Topic: questions about "scouting" for private land to hunt  (Read 1626 times)

Offline Atroxus

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questions about "scouting" for private land to hunt
« on: October 27, 2013, 10:33:13 AM »
I am looking to find some land to hunt where I can "field" hunt. I don't have a dog or boat yet, so I am hoping if I can hunt some fields I can retrieve my own birds, or even bring my son along and let him help with retrieval.

When looking for land to hunt geese and ducks on, what types of terrain/cover/crops should I look for?

When approaching private land-owners to ask permission to hunt their property, would having my 4 year old son along help, or hurt my chances?

Offline Stick em

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Re: questions about "scouting" for private land to hunt
« Reply #1 on: October 27, 2013, 10:53:48 AM »
Private property is the way I hunt most. Its great with kids. I always approach the property with respect, knock like a neighbor, not a salesman. Its best to talk to the man but I've had women give me permission , usually the second year. Most people are hunter friendly especially if you are a good example. I wouldn't use your son as leverage but it is good to inform them if your alone or with kids. That's just being honest. Some love it while others won't. I always offer help or meat in exchange for access. If you get a yes, exchange your info including phone numbers and vehicle info. An honest relationship hunting on private property can be good hunting for many years. If they say no, thank them for their time and leave with a smile. I have had owners give me permission after several years of asking respectively.Good luck

Offline JJD

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Re: questions about "scouting" for private land to hunt
« Reply #2 on: October 27, 2013, 05:16:29 PM »
As far as hunting fields, which we do a lot of, your success will be extremely limited if you just set up in a field that geese pass over once in a while.

Fields with just about any grain crop will work. 
We hunt mainly grain crop stubble, but have seen them land in cut alfalfa fields as well.
Ask well in advance of season if possible, not always possible.  Not sure having a kid that young along will help or hurt your chances.  Personally, I have a soft spot for the kids.
When you ask, wear street cloths, not your hunting gear.  NEVER take your gun to the door or wear one on your hip.

To have any regular success at all, you must hunt the fields they are currently feeding in, not the one they were feeding in last week or even earlier that week.  Where were they landing yesterday morning and/or last night.  Scouting is THE big key to this style of hunting.  Something that really helps us out is a GPS program called Hunting Maps GPS it gives the name of all the property owners and can be updated on a yearly basis, a bit spendy at $100, but it's been worth it.  Another possibility is that some counties has plot maps on the internet that you can access and find out who the property owner is to try and gain permission.  Or go to the county seat if nearby for said information.
Please, ALWAYS get permission first.  Always follow owner / farmer (not always the same) instructions, if they tell you that you must pack in, do so.
Have lost permission to hunt some fields because some guys got to lazy to do as they were told and drove in where they were specifically told not to,  now no one gets to hunt there.
New farming practices such as no-till are becoming popular, most farmers don't want you on their freshly seeded ground.  No-till looks like stubble till you look at it carefully.  If you don't know the difference have the farmer show you the difference.  This way you will not make someone unhappy.
It don't take the fowl long to figure out where they won't get shot at.

Spent most of my $$ on huntin, fishin & retrievin dogs, the rest I just pretty much wasted.

Offline Kola16

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Re: questions about "scouting" for private land to hunt
« Reply #3 on: October 27, 2013, 08:43:25 PM »
DEFINITELY bring our 4 y/o son :tup:
If guns kill people...then pencils misspell words, cars make people drive drunk, and spoons made Rosie O'Donnell fat!

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Offline irishevox

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Re: questions about "scouting" for private land to hunt
« Reply #4 on: October 27, 2013, 11:54:49 PM »
good guidance on here for alot of people!!! thanks all..... i will follow some of this.... i know a heavnly place in la conner filled with thousands of honkers and mallard... when i get back from deployment i will have to go knock on this guys door :)
Member:  YKWTSASFFRO (The young Buck)

 


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