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Wildlife Extension Program
A Sportsman's Guide to Landowner Relations
by Larry Brence, Fallon-Carter
County Extension Agent and Jim Knight, Extension Wildlife
Specialist
"It
is easy, then, to recognize that sportsmen present
potential for both risk and rewards to the landowner."
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Sportsmen have long enjoyed Montana as one of the premiere
hunting and fishing sites in North America. From the
plains of eastern Montana to the rugged mountains in
the west, Montana offers excellent sporting opportunities.
While many sportsmen utilize Montana's public lands
for their sporting needs, a large number flock to private
lands owned by farmers and ranchers. Even though there
seems to be an endless amount of public land in Montana
available to sportsmen, many find themselves depending
on private land to enjoy their hunting experiences.
 Unlike
public land that is managed for a number of uses by
a government agency and is open to the public in general,
private land is controlled by a landowner who makes
the ultimate decision as to how, when, and by whom the
land is to be used. Consequently, gaining access to
hunt on private land is much different than public land
and can be more difficult.
Fortunately, the extra effort needed to hunt private
land is worth it, as 70% of Montana is in private ownership.
Many game animals in Montana spend considerable amounts
of time on private land. Private land may also offer
more positive opportunities in terms of hunter numbers
and quality of animals.
The Landowner Perspective
In order for sportsmen to develop and maintain a positive
relationship with landowners, it is important that they
understand the landowner's perspective. The landowner,
in most cases a rancher or farmer, depends heavily upon
his land to make a living for himself and his family.
In many cases, the sole source of income for a family
may come from the ranch or farm. Since farmers and ranchers
are so dependent on the land, they have serious concerns
when they allow others to use their land for activities
such as hunting or fishing. Gates left open, livestock
killed accidentally, weeds, fires, and damage to roads
are just a few of their concerns.
Hunting season also falls at what can be a busy time
of year for landowners. Many are rushing to get fall
work completed before cold weather and snow set in.
A steady stream of hunters calling on the phone and
appearing at the front door does little to help a landowner
get his work finished and even less to improve his outlook
on hunters and the hunting season.
On the other hand, many are proud of their land and
the way they manage their natural resources and are
eager to showcase those skills to the public at large.
Wildlife generally benefit from this management and
can become overpopulated. Landowners recognize the role
hunters play in managing wildlife populations. Landowners
also recognize the role of good sportsman/landowner
relationships that keep wildlife in balance with their
agricultural operations.
It is easy, then, to recognize that sportsmen present
potential for both risk and rewards to the landowner.
With a little effort, sportsmen can tip this balance
in their favor and present more rewards than risks to
landowners.
For the first-time private land hunter, developing
a relationship with a landowner can seem like a daunting
task. It may take a number of years, but by being a
good sportsman and respecting the land and the landowner's
wishes, you can ensure a positive hunting experience.
Obtaining Permission
Permission is the most basic necessity for hunting
on private land. Since permission is required to hunt
on private land, hunters must contact the landowner
to gain access. Before contacting a landowner, sportsmen
should consider the situation of the landowner. Fall
can be an exceptionally busy time of year for a farmer
or rancher--shorter days coupled with the need to complete
work before winter can make for a very hectic schedule.
During hunting season, farmers and ranchers are often
bombarded at all hours of the day and night by requests
to hunt. Many times the landowner is taken away from
important activities to deal with requests from sportsmen.
Keep these factors in mind as you approach
a landowner for permission to hunt:
- If you know where you will be hunting, contact landowners
early, possibly even before the season starts. This
will give advance notice that you would like to hunt
in the area and increase your opportunity to receive
permission.
- Contact the landowner during reasonable hours. Driving
into a rancher's yard at 4 a.m. to ask permission
to hunt may be the best way of getting turned down
for hunting access. If you haven't already obtained
permission, calling or stopping at the landowner's
house the evening before you plan to hunt is appropriate.
Otherwise, wait until a reasonable hour during the
day you wish to hunt to ask permission.
- Inform the landowner how many are in your party,
what species you would like to hunt, and how long
you would like to stay. This will make it possible
for the landowner to manage his hunter numbers and
ensure that his land is not overhunted.
- It is important for a landowner to manage his hunting.
Too many hunters may chase off the game animals and
detract from what could be a positive hunting experience.
If a landowner turns you down because his place is
already full, do not take it personally. It is in
the interest of better hunter and game management.
Behavior on Private Land
Probably the most critical step in maintaining the landowner
relationship is how a hunter behaves while he is on
private land. If a hunter has not been a good sportsman
and has not respected the landowner's wishes, he should
not expect to return in future seasons. Following are
some basic rules to follow as you hunt on private land.
- Close all gates that you find closed and leave open
those that are open. Occasionally ranchers will leave
gates open to allow livestock to move from pasture
to pasture or to go to water. Closing the gate may
prevent livestock from getting to water. Also be observant
as you pass through gates. A gate that has been propped
open or up against the fence usually indicates that
it is supposed to be open, but a gate left swinging
or laying on the ground may mean it is not supposed
to be open. If possible, contact the landowner about
such situations, so the landowner has the opportunity
to remedy any problems.
- Do not drive off roads and trails unless allowed
by the landowner. Vehicle traffic across fields and
rangeland tends to knock down grass, spread noxious
weeds, and has the potential for starting fires. If
the ground is wet, vehicles may cause ruts that will
lead to erosion. It's much better to walk further
than to damage roads or rangeland. A good rule of
thumb is, if in doubt, walk!
- Be careful not to spread noxious weeds. If coming
from an area that has noxious weeds problems, be careful
to clean the undercarriage of your vehicle or any
other equipment before you enter a weed free area.
Research has shown that vehicles will transport noxious
weed seeds. Noxious weeds not only cost a landowner
to control them and reduce grazing for his livestock,
but also reduce wildlife habitat.
- Know and respect boundaries. A landowner may give
you permission on only part of his land. It is also
important to know where one farm or ranch ends and
the next begins. If you are unsure of boundaries,
obtain a map of the area, and ask the landowner to
outline all necessary boundaries for you. In some
cases, landowners will supply maps. If you are not
certain that you will remain on the landowner's property
when coming to a fence, don't cross it!
Maintaining the Welcome
In many cases, a sportsman will find an area where he
wants to hunt in future years. Landowners in general
welcome those hunters who have been good sportsmen and
respected their property. There are some things, however,
that will cultivate that relationship.
- Correspondence following the season is appropriate.
A thank-you note to let the landowner know that you
enjoyed the opportunity to hunt will foster good will.
Never assume permission is for multiple years, so
let the landowner know in advance of your plans to
return. If he knows the date when you will be there,
he can make sure you have a place to hunt. Even if
you don't plan to return, notify the landowner, so
he can give someone else a hunting opportunity.
- Do not assume that since a landowner allowed you
to hunt that he wants all your friends and family
as well. If you do plan on bringing more people with
you in succeeding seasons, make sure you ask permission
to bring the additional hunters.
- While it is not necessary to pay landowners for
hunting, gestures of good will are appreciated. In
many cases hunters may offer a service or help with
the ranch chores if needed. In one situation, a hunter
who owns a carpet cleaning business cleans the carpets
in the rancher's house each year when he comes to
hunt. A newspaper from town or a dozen bakery donuts
may be a friendly gesture. Consider offering to share
your game.
Summary
Hunters should appreciate the contributions of private
landowners. In addition to a place to hunt, landowners
provide habitat necessary for wildlife to survive. Disparaging
comments about ranchers and farmers by groups that claim
to represent hunters do nothing but harm hunter/landowner
relationships. On the other hand, thank you's and acknowledgment
of the contribution of private land and agriculture
will help ensure future opportunities for sportsmen.
Good landowner/sportsman relations have the potential
for great rewards to both parties. Landowners have the
opportunity to get some help managing game populations
that reside on their land, and sportsmen can enjoy first
rate hunting opportunities. Hopefully, by understanding
the situation of the landowner and by respecting him
and his land, sportsmen can assure themselves of years
of hunting.
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