Turkey Hunter’s Guide to Landowner Relations

Turkey 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 turkey 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 shotgun 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. 

Before the hunt

Ask the landowner where you should park, and if there are any areas or times, they would prefer that you not hunt.  Provide the landowner with the Operation Game Thief telephone number 1-800-344-4262, which can be used to report hunting violations to Fish and Game.

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 the land you have permission to hunt on, ask permission first.

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

During the Hunt

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 of 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 by the 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. 

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.

Make mental notes of any fencing that you notice may need repair and any other issues you notice while using the property and inform the landowner about these potential problems as soon as possible.  Go a step further and offer to help out with the work that is needed.  Even if you do not notice anything that needs to be done, offer to help the landowner out with work around the property for a day or part of a day.

After the Hunt

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 tasks the landowner needs help with.

Visit the landowner to extend 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.

Future of Turkey Hunting

If you are a first time turkey hunter, make an effort before the season to learn as much as you can about the sport, as inexperienced hunters often create landowner conflicts.  Each spring, there are a number of turkey hunting seminars available, which provide a wealth of information for first time hunters. In addition, there are a number of videos and DVDs, which provide an excellent introduction to turkey hunting. Through joining organizations such as the National Wild Turkey Federation, you can meet experienced turkey hunters who will help to introduce you to the sport.

For many of us, one of the most exciting and memorable experiences of the season will be 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 trip.

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.