Hunting by reservation only

[GoBeavs85]

I am trying to find new areas to hunt. On the days I'm hunting g alone I try to make it a scouting day. That way if it's a bust nobody is disappointed, I can be happy with a nice hike w my pup:) today I tried a  hunt by reservation only property. I signed up for a property in an area I have never been to. I knew it was a long shot for it to be any good but just chalked the trip up to a scouting adventure. When I showed up the farmer was there and told me basically there were no birds on his property. Said I was welcome to try. Pointed me to the areas on his land where people have gotten birds in the past but said they are few and very far between. Basically there was no cover so obviously no birds. I have a hard time knowing that from the satellite picture they include with the map. Some cover is more obvious than other.

I gave it a go but Dakota never even got birdy. So, what's your strategy for hunting theses spots? Do you drive to every one and make a note of the ones that actually have good cover? Does anybody actually use the reservations for upland birds or is it just for deer? I could have shot over 50 does and three bucks today with a bow if I were a deer  hunter. Not taking into considerations seasons and all that.

I'm not asking for which properties hold birds. Just checking on your strategy and opinion on the lands. Want to know if it's worth my time to continue checking these places out. I think it's a great program in theory. Hopefully it's working out for some of you and will in my future:) maybe I'm better off spending these scouting days with smoked salmon and canned tuna in my truck knocking doors in some of my known better areas.

[L-ofalab]

I have had best success writing the hunt by reservation locations down when I see good spots then trying to get them reserved. You'll have to do some driving. Spots look good on the computer but usually aren't. I have done the same thing as you and had the farmer say no birds but help yourself.

[MR5x5]

Most of the country is not posted in any way.  Knock on doors and realize farmers have a weakness for smoked salmon....  Have made many good friends this way.

[Fishnfowler]

My approach to finding places to hunt has been spent scouting public land.  I begin with a surface ownership map, then a satellite photo review.  I generally score a good place less than 30% of the time, or it takes me a couple of trips to a mediocre place to figure out how to hunt it well.  I will often have a place that is stellar become mediocre or the opposite occurs due to changes in grazing, fire, or land management.  I've gotten very particular about sharing a hunting place due to the effort it takes to find a decent one and how quickly they can change. 

Hunting a reservation only location has always seemed distasteful to me.  Some birds thrive in agriculture, especially with good cover adjacent to it.  If you want big success hunting pheasant, then you just can't get away from it.  However, this doesn't mean you need to pay some club or organization fees to hunt worn out land.  Your premise of knocking on doors has significant merit.  I generally drop off a gift like you suggest if they allow me access.  For me, the pursuit of a good hunting place is a bit of an adventure and paying for it takes something away from the pleasure of the experience.