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"KNOCK! KNOCK!" 5 Steps to Securing Private Land for Hunting.

Writer's picture: Jared BrunoJared Bruno

5 Steps to Securing Private Land for Hunting


Getting permission to hunt private land isn’t about luck—it’s about effort, respect, and approach. You can’t just roll up in camo, knock on a random door, and expect a handshake deal. Landowners have every right to be skeptical, and if you don’t look or act the part, you’re going to hear “no” more times than you’d like. So lets dive into the five stepts you can implement for securing private land for hunting.



Man smiling, wearing a "Grizzly" cap and brown jacket. Green blurred background suggests an outdoor setting, creating a relaxed mood.
Matt Steele of the Blueline Bowhunters is no slouch when it comes to sweet talking landowners and seeking permission.

Here’s how you do it right.



1. Look the Part – Professionalism Matters


First impressions are everything. If you show up looking like you just crawled out of a treestand, you’re already losing. Skip the full camo and face paint—landowners aren’t looking for Rambo at their doorstep. Instead, wear clean, casual clothing. A nice flannel, jeans, and work boots show you respect their time.


Your vehicle matters too. If your truck is leaking oil in their driveway, or if it’s covered in stickers screaming “Ki!! ‘Em All,” you’re sending the wrong message. Keep your approach clean and professional.



View from inside a car of a man in camouflage and cap standing at a white entry door to a house. Overcast mood. Seeking permission to hunt.
Knocking On Doors Mid-Hunt.



However, there could be times when you're actively on a hunt, looking like Rambo and see something where you must press your luck. We know... It happens. Especially when you're staring at a long beard in a fresh cut field that is literally tripping over his rope.













2. Timing is Everything – Don’t Be That Guy


Knocking on doors in the middle of deer season? Rookie mistake. Landowners don’t want a stranger asking to hunt their land when they’re busy with their own plans.


The best time to ask for permission? Offseason. Spring and summer are ideal—before they’re thinking about hunting but when they’re thinking about property maintenance. This gives you an opportunity to offer your help (more on that later).


Another mistake? Showing up unannounced at dinner time or late in the evening. If they’re eating or relaxing, you’re an interruption, not an opportunity.



3. Offer Something in Return – Be More Than a Hunter


Want to stand out from the dozens of other guys asking for permission? Be valuable.


Most landowners aren’t just managing their land for hunting; they’ve got fields, fences, food plots, and timber that need work. Offer your help:

Man in gray hoodie climbs a ladder in snowy field, gray truck in background, overcast sky, and winter attire indicate cold weather. Working on a farm.

  • Fixing fences

  • Bailing hay

  • Clearing trails

  • Managing predator populations (coyotes, raccoons)

  • Assisting with food plots or habitat improvements


Tell them you’re not just looking for a place to hunt—you’re looking to **contribute** to their land. If you help make their property better, you’ll become an asset, not just another person looking to take.







4. Have a Liability Waiver Ready (Printable Copy Below)


One of the biggest reasons landowners say no? Liability concerns. They don’t want to be responsible if you get hurt on their land.


Beat them to the punch—bring a **signed liability waiver** that releases them from any legal responsibility. This shows that you’re responsible and prepared, which puts them at ease.


Even better? Offer to add them as an additional insured on your hunting liability insurance if you have it. This proves you’re serious about safety and responsibility.


****We included an easy "copy & paste" waiver below. Open up a word document, paste the waiver, make the changes and print it out on hard stock. It's as easy as that!***


NOTE!... We are in no way responsible for damages or loss in reference to this release and waiver. Your actions are your own! We're just here to help you be a more efficient outdoorsman.



5. Respect Their Rules & Keep the Relationship Strong


If you get permission, **don’t screw it up**. Follow their rules to the letter. If they say “no Sunday hunting,” then don’t hunt on Sundays. If they say “no guests,” don’t bring your buddies. This is one thing that will get you kicked off a parcel faster than a greased pig.


Most importantly, stay in touch. A quick thank-you note, a holiday card, or a small gift (like a gift card or venison package) goes a long way. If you build a relationship, you won’t have to ask next year—they’ll be offering.



Final Thoughts


Getting private land access isn’t easy, but the right approach will separate you from the rest of the crowd. Be professional, show respect, offer value, and maintain the relationship. If you do it right, you’ll gain long-term access to some prime hunting land—and possibly even turn a one-time permission into a lifelong friendship.


Now, get out there and put in the work.


A hand writes "DO THE WORK" on a notepad with a pen, placed on a brown pouch, on a wooden table. Sunlight creates warm shadows.
Take good notes. Keep a binder of all the properties you have permission to hunt and create offline maps using a hunting app like "HuntWise". You will know exactly where the property lines are and this is a great way to impress the land owner.





(FREE PRINTABLE WAIVER)

WARNING... We are in no way responsible for damages or loss in reference to this release and waiver. Your actions are your own! We're just here to help you become a more efficient outdoorsman.

Don't try to bring us into your BS if you're "THAT GUY".










Copy and paste this document into a new word doc to edit. It is recommended that you print it on heavy card stock to make a good impression. Make two copies so you can give one to the land owner.


(COPY & PASTE)

________________________________________________________


[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State ZIP Code]

[Date]


[Landowner's Name]

[Landowner's Address]

[City, State ZIP Code]


Permission Slip and Release for Hunting on Private Property.


Dear [Landowner's Name],


I, [Your Name], am writing to request permission to hunt on your private property located at [Property Address] during the hunting season for [specify game, e.g. deer, turkey] on [specify dates or duration]. I understand that hunting is a privilege and I will adhere to all applicable laws, regulations, and safety guidelines related to hunting, as well as any specific rules or instructions provided by you, the landowner.


In consideration of the permission granted to me to hunt on your property, I hereby acknowledge and agree to the following:


1. Release of Liability: I understand that hunting involves inherent risks and hazards, including but not limited to, those related to firearms, wildlife encounters, and natural terrain. I voluntarily assume all risks associated with hunting on your property, and I hereby release and discharge you, your agents, employees, and successors from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, or causes of action arising out of or in connection with my hunting activities on your property, including but not limited to any injuries, damages, or losses that may occur.


2. Indemnification: I agree to indemnify and hold you harmless from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses, including but not limited to attorney's fees and costs, arising out of or in connection with my hunting activities on your property, including any claims made by third parties.


3. Compliance with Laws and Rules: I will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances related to hunting, as well as any specific rules or instructions provided by you, the landowner. I will also obtain all necessary permits and licenses required for hunting.


4. Property Damage: I will take all reasonable precautions to prevent damage to your property, including any crops, structures, or other improvements. If any damage does occur, I will promptly report it to you and take appropriate measures to rectify the situation or compensate for the damage caused.


5. Term and Termination: This permission is granted for the specific dates or duration as stated above, and may be terminated by you at any time for any reason. I will immediately vacate your property upon termination of this permission.


I acknowledge that I have read and understand this permission slip, and I voluntarily agree to its terms and conditions. I also acknowledge that I have read and understand any specific rules or instructions provided by you, the landowner, for hunting on your property.


Please sign and return a copy of this permission slip to indicate your approval.


Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to hunting on your property and will do so responsibly and safely.


Sincerely,

[Your Name]


I, [Landowner's Name], hereby grant permission to [Your Name] to hunt on my private property as described above, and acknowledge that I have read and understand the terms and conditions of this permission slip. I also confirm that I have provided any specific rules or instructions for hunting on my property to [Your Name].


Landowner's Signature: _______________________

Date: _______________________


Landowner's Printed Name: _______________________

Phone Number: _______________________


Note: This permission slip should be signed by both parties and each party should retain a copy for their records. It is recommended to consult with legal counsel or a qualified professional to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations related to hunting on private property.



____________________________________________________


LEGAL NOTE:

We are not attorneys!

Again, use this waiver at your own discretion.


GOOD LUCK!

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