I want to email a couple ranches that raise cattle and offer my time and a good effort ;) if they have a problem with predators on the ranch. Any insight into how to ask permission would be appreciated. I just want to present well. The prospective landowners are all hours away from where I live. It's to my favor, in a way, to send out some correspondance ahead of me. Weed out the no's and visit the yes's so to speak. I would offer the pursuit of coyote or other predators.
THNX

This works for me...

Print up a few business cards (design 'em and print them on your computer. Avery labels # 8371). List your name, address and telephone number, and describe yourself as a varmint specialist. Don't call yourself a professional hunter unless you have a license, some states are touchy about that.

Also print up a hunting permission agreement. Mine has a list of things I never do (drive in fields, shoot things other than agreed to, break down fences) and that I always do (check in with owner, open/close gates, fix/report anything obviously broken). I also have a place to draw a map or describe exactly where I'm allowed to hunt. The form has a place for him to sign and date.

The rancher gets the business card, I get the permission form - and everything is legal, honest and courteous.

I walk up, say Howdy and hand him the card. Ask if he has a varmint problem and how can I help? It works almost every time. I even have permission to hunt fox and such on all lands leased by a high-dollar duck and pheasant club, amounting to a few thousand acres on ten different farms. Sweet deal, and all I did was as described above.

This is a prime example of business that should not be conducted by email. You definitely need the personal touch for a delicate negotation like this. Rocky's approach is so much more personal, yet professional.

If you can't go there in person, use the fone, not email to introduce yourself. You might later use email to send preview copies of your documents, but definitely not before speaking to the landowner.

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I'd second the vote for a personal touch when asking hunting permission. Out here most landowners don't have much problem with hunters taking prediators or varmints. As such it still might take some time breaking the ice if they don't know you. It don't hurt giving them a hand with some chores around the place in the off season and gives you a good way to scout at the same time.

I have made a number of great contacts over the internet, through forums. ALL initial contacts were followed by phone calls and or meetings, such as over dinner or lunch. I have a fellow hunting my property now for yotes and we met over the internet, but I met and sized him up before I opened the gate.

A lot of GREAT people use this media and use it well. Regretably you hear more about the few slobs that mess it up for all.

I have a hunting buddy who seems to know everyone where I hunt. If there is a landowner we don't know we drive to his house ... tell him or her we would like to hunt coyotes with callers not dogs we will close all gates and watch out for cattle. We are very polite ,thank the landowner for their permission and show them what we shoot. If by some outside chance they want to go along we invite them on their land and others. I have had landowners call their neighbors and tell them " I have some boys that want to shoot coyotes" . They say "tell them to come over here we have lots of coyotes". :cool: Q

I'll second what Rocky said but add;

Given the travel time involved, I'd make a phone call first and set up an in-person meeting. This way, you conduct yourself in a standard manner of business. If you just show up without an appointment, chances are they'll think you're just some yahoo wanting to tear up thier place and send you off. Making the appointment shows you did your homework and conduct yourself in a business like manner. And, don't show up in camo, you're not hunting at their office/home, dress nice and wash the truck. Nothing screams "yahoo" more than camo clothing and a muddy pick-up.

And, don't show up in camo, you're not hunting at their office/home, dress nice and wash the truck. .

That is an excellent point. Right or wrong, most people make judgements based on first impressions and perceptions. I see folks every day I wouldn't want on my property if they offered to paint my house for free.

Here in the Ozarks, its an in person thing,If you call first most likely they will hang up on you. Talk to the landowner, tell them exactly the animal you want to hunt. I have never been turned down to hunt coyotes but I have been told please don't shoot the bobcats. Be honest do what you say you will do and most likely you will have more land than you can hunt. That has been my experience. Q