When does asking for permission to hunt become harassment ?

[2MANY]

"elk herds that destroy fences and crops, the landowners often appreciate the call......"

Nothing like an over aggressive novice hunter spooking the herd into the fences.

It's sad but true.

I always kind of assumed my pops was being an Ahole when he wouldn't let some hunt.
Then over the years I have watched the circus.

We have actually had people break into the shop next to the ranch house and steel bolt cutters to cut the chain locks on the gates.
It's pathetic.
Shooting from the road in the middle of the cows.
Fishing bait in a fly only stretch.

And when confronted they all try to lie.
"I didn't see the signs"
"I haven't caught a thing"
"I shot it up there and we tracked it down here"

It's laughable when you show them the phone pictures taken from the spotting scope of them hiding fish, or reading the signs.

I sympathize with the land owner and not that it matters but we hunt 100% public land.

[2MANY]

Good God.
I apologize after reading my post for the attitude but just thinking of the crap is irritating.

[Bean Counter]

I'm always super respectful when I ask. I drive really slow up  as to not kick up dust, and change out of the camo before I get there. Use lots of "sir/ma'am" and don't spend even one second trying to argue or convince someone that they should let me onto their land. People can get uncomfortable being put on the spot and I just accept a clumsy no as a 'no.' Thank them kindly for their time and consideration and move on. Doesn't hurt at that point to ask if they can recommend me to anyone. That has worked surprisingly well 

[The100Road]

I just want to say thank you to Tikka and the landowners on here that are still granting permission for people to hunt..  I have three kids and worry their opportunities are shrinking each year.  It is good to know you guys are still trying to keep an open mind even with the headaches you endure.  Please don't get discouraged, most hunters appreciate your willingness to even be open to permission.  Hopefully you find a way to work it out.

Very well said. we very much appreciate it.

[GBoyd]

It's too bad hearing this from the landowner's perspective. I'd hate to think that I'd made anyone uncomfortable or bothered anyone by asking. I've done a lot of asking in various places over the years and I never got that impression, but you don't always know what someone is thinking.

On the other hand, asking is how you get access when you don't know anyone. Really, I'd be stupid not to.

[pc]

I have always asked ahead of time – I began taking to an acquaintance two years before he invited me to come up to his property.
I waited until he told me of the problem deer on his property eating all his Blueberries, and other fruit trees. I said I think I can help you I have a special permit that allows me to remove problem deer  
Once we walked the property, I came clean and told him... I’m a bow hunter. He was great, he gave me the gate key, and said if you see anything strange or anyone else around let me know. Happy to Sir 
Also tried to work about a full week up at this place every summer, the less I worked, the more of the deer went to him.
Hope that helps~

[NoBark]

I just want to say thank you to Tikka and the landowners on here that are still granting permission for people to hunt..  I have three kids and worry their opportunities are shrinking each year.  It is good to know you guys are still trying to keep an open mind even with the headaches you endure.  Please don't get discouraged, most hunters appreciate your willingness to even be open to permission.  Hopefully you find a way to work it out.

That's Truth!

As more and more people pop for leases, the rest have fewer and fewer places to hunt.  One of the things our founders wanted changed was the way hunting was for the rich only back in jolly old England. They wanted the average Joe to be able to Hunt as well as the rich. I'm afraid we are quickly traveling down the road of reverting back to the old ways.  From someone who will never call or knock on your door Tikka, (have other options) THANK YOU for your attitude of trying to share a little with others.  Wow, made my day.

[Opportunist]

We talked to an old rancher whose neighbors property we used to hunt and he posted up his property with a sign saying "fee hunting only". He said it cut down on 90 % of the stop ins. He didn't allow any hunting on his land.

At least they are asking permission instead of trespassing, a lot of dirtbags out there.

[Brad Harshman]

Tikka,
Thank you for your humble honesty.  It's important that we respect the landowners personal lives. I live in town, once a month, a stranger/salesman/mission knocks on my door.  It drives me nuts. And it's only once a month.  I can't imagine what you go through.  Sorry.

With all this said, are hunters driving by your land and seeing elk out in the fields?  I can see their desire to get permission that very day.  After all, the elk migrate. 

So what should you do? I help manage a lot of public land and I can tell you signs with a positive message are less vandalized.  Signs are expensive.  Signs need to be sized appropriately.  It's an investment. Time and money. 

Maybe signs stating:
Hunting by Written Permission Only
Permission Application Period May - July
Late Requests Will Not Be Considered

It's professional, polite, and enforceable. It's says "no" but also says "try again next year."

Regards,
Brad

[Rob Allen]

 I used to hate no trespassing signs. I used to think  that people who posted their property  every 5  feet  were just  kinda  being jerks  saying to everyone"  hell  no  stay off my  land,  it's mine and no one  can touch it"

 then I went  deer hunting  for the  first time   in an area  with a  huge mix of different kinds of property. Columbia and Garfield  counties. I really appreciated the properties  being well marked..
it  was  actually a huge help.

Tikka, I am curious if  you  are willing to allow  some hunters on your land   what is  your hesitation with enrolling in the WDFW plan?  just curious.

 I am  also  really appreciative to the landowners  who allowed us  to hunt their land even though we were unsuccessful.