Edict when asking permission to hunt.

[iusmc2002]

"Borrowing" a kid, if you don't have one, is a good way to get people to let you hunt their property. 

Up here, the bigger landowners (60+ acres), HATE turkeys, and want as many gone as possible.  A friend and I were hunting south of Colville for a draw permit deer, and while driving around near where we were hunting, saw 4 groups of turkeys that had at least 60 turkeys in the group.  We swung into a house on the west side of the valley where a bunch of turkeys had just crossed the road in front of us, and asked the lady if we could take a turkey.  She asked how many tags we had lol  It's a little harder to get permission to hunt deer, especially in 117 and 121, but turkeys, most people just want them thinned out

Be polite, don't look like a slob and roll with the punches if someone tells you NO.

[Bean Counter]

"Borrowing" a kid, if you don't have one, is a good way to get people to let you hunt their property. 

I rent my cute kids out for these purposes. You must keep them the whole day so I get free babysitting. 

Be polite, don't look like a slob and roll with the punches if someone tells you NO.

This is also good advice. I am always expecting no and to immediately express my respect for their wishes. I've gotten lucky after a 'no' several times by finishing the conversation with "can you refer me to someone else that might be able to help me?" Been referred to ppl who said yes!

[dmv9]

tag

[Jester052]

This is really helpful. Thank you Mac B for the perspective from the Land Owner side.

[KFhunter]

hunting coyotes during calving season will get you on property that showing up during deer season will not,  kill some yotes, build some trust and probably you'll end up hunting whatever you want eventually.

keep in mind a lot of landowners (like me) have so many nieces, nephews, family friends' kids - there' s not enough deer to go around.  I don't even hunt my own property, everything I take is off colville national or state. 
I don't hunt any private ground with regularity..I know just about everyone around but even I hate to ask permission 

Kinda wish I had more deer so I could get a cooler full of oysters  ...ya - that works very well!   We had hunters on the property for years from the coast they'd bring fresh seafood and we'd set them up with a place to hunt and park an RV

[GreyIC]

I also want to thank everybody - especially the landowners - for their input here.

[wildweeds]

Be pretty interesting to see what kind of an awnser you get,I work for a global billionaire company and I know for a fact what awnser you'd get  from them with that request,they wouldn't awnser back because they are RUDE.I work for the company and I also live adjacent to 320 acres they own outside of their chainlink fence.While the acreage outside the fence isn't posted,it is patrolled and enforced.It's a NO WAY because of liability issues.I'd say the bank owned properties you will get a canned response of" Thanks for the inquiry but for liability reasons we reserve the right to decline your proposal".Last I knew and unless something has changed a waiver of liability isn't worth the paper it's written on in the state of washington.I'd say you've done a great job at presenting it and hopefully it works out in your favor,but I'll add to not hold your breath.Big buisness is cold calculating and always thinks of their best interest first,a few uh-ohs and possible lawsuits from surviving family members should a tree snap in the wind and kill  or maim is  a scenario I can think of.Good luck in your endeavor.

I've never done this before, but Monday I'm sending the following letter to the owner of a parcel of land (approx 80 acres) which is apparently owned by a bank. Hope I'm going about this the right way. Any feedback you guys offer is appreciated.

3/15/2015
Dear XXXXXXX Bank Trustee,
Through a property search I learned of your ownership of a 78-acre parcel located XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX. The parcel number is XXXXXXX. Because of the parcel’s proximity to my home, I am requesting your permission to enjoy deer hunting privileges. Specifically I am requesting permission to walk on the property during the spring and summer months in order to learn likely locations for feeding and bedding areas, as well as permission to hunt during the autumn blacktail deer season.
Given this privilege, I promise to enter and leave the property quietly, and other than footprints, I will leave no trace of my visits. I would also comply with any special requests you may present. I would be happy to provide you an update on the condition of the property, reporting any evidence of trespassing or other illegal activity. I would gladly help remove garbage, and at your request, I would post signs to warn trespassers.
Of course, I would comply with the regulations of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. I prefer to hunt with a rifle which is legal because the parcel is outside of XXXXXX city boundary.  However, at your request, I would only use archery equipment. Also, I would sign a waiver acknowledging that I assume all risks and releasing the property owner from any liability. If you have questions and would like to contact me, please xxxxxxxxx, or you can email me: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Thank you for considering my request,

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Fishnfowler]

I always start with an apology for bothering them.  I also mention that I was planning on hunting the area and wanted to be sure of where the property lines were.  I bring my kids with me and introduce them.  Then after the boundaries are cleared up, I ask if they ever let anybody hunt their land.  If it is yes, we get down to brass tacks.  After the hunt, I show up with a token of my appreciation and let them know how the hunt went.  Generally I thank them effusively and hand them a quart of honey or a pound of home-cured bacon.  I have more land to hunt than I have time for.  People actually look me up and ask why I haven't knocked on their door.  Some time spent asking how many bales/acre they got this year or how the wheat prices are goes a long way. 

I grew up in SE Idaho and was able to drive at the tender age of 14.  A couple of us kids would knock on the door and sheepishly ask if we could hunt their land.  The only times I was ever told no, was with an apology to me and an explanation that a cousin was coming over or some such thing.  Generally they would tell me to come back in a week and have at it.  Sincerity, honesty, a good handshake, and looking someone in the eye goes a long ways.