Hunter's Guide to Landowner Relations

Hunting is a New Hampshire tradition, one that we strive to pass on to present and future generations. With greater than 70% of New Hampshire’s land under private ownership, the key to a quality hunting experience for most of us is the ability to access private lands. If we are to maintain the rich New Hampshire hunting tradition, it is important to remember that access to private land is a privilege provided to us through the generosity of the landowner. 

Ask First

Plan to obtain permission whether the land that you would like to hunt is posted or not, as it is a courtesy and act of respect to the landowner. The owner can easily be identified through tax maps, which can be easily accessed at the local town hall or municipal office. 

In meeting with the landowner to ask permission, always dress neatly, be polite, friendly, sincere, and brief. Avoid wearing hunting clothing and do not carry your firearm or bow.  Introduce yourself and state that you would appreciate the opportunity to hunt on their property. Always provide the landowner with your name, address, and phone number, your vehicle’s make, model, color and registration along with a list of landowners willing to serve as references.   A one-page letter of introduction is a good way to provide this information.

If your request is denied, be understanding and remain polite, whether the landowner explains the reason for the decision or not.  Often times you will find that the landowner does allow hunting, but is denying permission because they have already granted permission to a number of hunters and feel that allowing additional hunters will create over-crowding. 

Ask the landowner where you should park, and if there are any areas or times, they would prefer that you not hunt. 

Written landowner permission is required to operate any OHRV including trucks and all terrain vehicles on private property.  If the landowner grants permission, understand clearly where you can and cannot drive.

Become familiar with boundaries of the land you have permission to hunt as well as surrounding properties, recreation areas, farms and active logging operations. If you need to cross another person’s property to access, ask permission first.

Always ask the landowner for permission if you plan to use a tree stand or construct a ground blind.  Written landowner permission is required for any tree stand, ladder or blind which damages or destroys a tree or result in cutting of trees.  Out of courtesy to the landowner, include your name and contact information on any tree stand or blind you leave in the woods.

Obtain permission from the landowner for the method you would like to use to remove your harvest and comply with all requests of the landowner.  Remember that the use of an ATV, truck, tractor, or mechanized equipment or cutting of trees requires written landowner permission.

Remember that you are the guest of the landowner. Treat their property with the same care and respect that you would if it were your own and respect any requests made to you by the landowner.  Always carry out all trash, including that left by others.

Stay within the boundaries on the property you have permission to hunt and do not hunt in areas that the landowner has asked you not to. Do not hunt near buildings, livestock, active logging operations, or hiking trails.

Be careful and conservative in using all vehicles and abide with restrictions of the landowner.  Never block roadways, trails, crossings or gates, and always leave gates or other barriers the way you found them.

Do not walk through crops without permission.  Always cross fences in a manner that will not break or loosen wires or posts.  Remember that many landowners derive part or all of their income from the land upon which they are allowing access, and any damage you cause could affect their ability to earn a living.

If you are bow hunting, always retrieve your arrows. Avoid hunting in fields, as a lost arrow can cause injury to the farmer and farm animals or damage to equipment. 

Do not field dress game near roads, hiking trails, or recreation areas.  If in an area frequented by other outdoor users or close to a developed area, plan to remove all wastes.

Remember that access to hunt is a privilege granted to you through the generosity of the landowner.  Make every effort to express your appreciation and offer to assist with work around their property.

Visit the landowner to express your appreciation for being allowed to hunt and let them know if you were successful.

Follow up with a personal note after the season thanking the landowner and consider providing a token of your appreciation such as a portion of your game or a gift certificate to a local restaurant.

A common concern among hunters is the increasing amount of illegal dumping occurring on private lands and the impact that it will have on future access, as many landowners feel that the only way to stop dumping is to post their property.  Illegal dumping is not the result of inappropriate actions of hunters, but of individuals avoiding the cost and effort of proper disposal by dumping their trash on someone else’s land.  When you come across a dumping site, express your appreciation for the opportunity to hunt by assisting the landowner with cleaning up the area.  Your efforts will be appreciated and you will be welcomed back in the future.

Future of Hunting

Access is one of the biggest challenges facing New Hampshire hunters and is the most significant threat to the future of our sport.

Remember that through your actions, you represent all hunters.  The impression that you make not only determines if you have a place to hunt, but also that of your fellow hunters.  Always be the best ambassador of hunting that you can be in your actions and words.

For many of us, one of the most exciting and memorable hunting experiences will be that of mentoring a young hunter.  As part of the mentoring process it is important that they understand that if we are to preserve our hunting heritage, we must respect landowners and their land. Consider providing them with an opportunity to ask a landowner for permission and to express their appreciation after the hunt.

Hunting is a New Hampshire tradition, one that will only continue if we all follow the basic principle of landowner relations: Treat the landowner as you would like to be treated and treat their land as you would like yours to be treated.  Each time you enter the field take a few moments to reflect upon the partnership between Fish and Game, hunters and most importantly private landowners which has provided you with this opportunity and consider what you can do to ensure that this opportunity will continue to be available for future generations.