permission

[catdaddy]

hi trappers, i dont know how to ask for permission from land owners to trap on there land, how do yall do it, could yall be specific, thanks a ton

[Bogmaster]

I am lucky,it has been a long time since I have had to seek trapping permissions.Now they come looking for me,especially when they have beaver.
 A few tips for gaining permission---dress neatly,now this doesn't mean suit and tie,it means neat clean clothes--also don't chew,or smoke .
 Be polite,if it is a farmer you are asking,do so when he isn't busy.Go in person,don't use the phone,unless they are absentee land owners.
 Tell them what you want to trap,and also the types of traps you will be using.
 A few other tips--permission to trap--means just that--not hunting,not fishing,etc.
 Do not bring anyone along,unless the landowner oks it up front.Also let them know when you will be trapping and the rough time you will be checking traps.
 Be respectfull of the land and be sure to thank them for sharing their land with you.
 Doing these things has gotten me access to more land than I can set.It has also gotten me hunting privleges--these were not sought,but given to me ,because geese and deer need thinning out also.
 Start now,don't wait till the season is upon us,keep in touch with those that grant you permission.
 Good luck!
 Tom

[catdaddy]

ok, but iam 12, wouild he said no if my dad was with me, so is the trick to sweet talk them

[Bogmaster]

Your dad being with you,would be no problem.
 Forget the sweet talk---just be honest and up front.You are asking to use a persons land, not date their daughter.
 Tom

[catdaddy]

Thanks bud for the info, it helped, But now this is where it gets tricky, All people round here hunt deer on there land. Then how would u ask them to trap on there land, thats the main reason i made this post.

[Bogmaster]

You can do it a couple different ways.You can trap before or after deer season.Or you can check traps when they aren't hunting.
 I have trapped landowners property during deer season.They would tell me what times they would be hunting, and I would tend traps before or after their hunt.
 Tom

[catdaddy]

can i check my traps in midday, would that stil be humane to the critter in the trap

[Bogmaster]

That isn't a problem,if you are using the right sized traps, and they are set up properly.
 Tom

[catdaddy]

so ask nicely,tell them what youre trapping, and youll get permission

[Bogmaster]

In a perfect world---yes.But our world, is far from perfect.You will get your share of no's,but just keep at it.
 More than one place I trapped when I was younger,allowed me to trap---because I had asked,when others had tried to sneak in.
 Tom

[catdaddy]

hey bogh master, how do you know when you ask people for trappung permission, how do u know critters live on there land

[coyotero]

Catdaddy  I approach the farmer/rancher,tell him who I am,where I live and ask him if I can trap coyotes,bobcats,beaver,coon or muskrats,whatever fur I'm after.I assure them I'm going to respect his property.I sometimes take my wife along.I have yet to be turned down,especially when asking to trap coyotes.I have people come and ask me to come out to "their place" and trap.
    How do you know if there's fur on the place,learn your target animal,what does he/she eat,where do they hunt/feed,what are their travel habits.Where do they lay up.
     What animals are you going to trap?This might help use in suggestioning what kind of habitat for you to look for.
    Maybe you can find a trapper in your area who can show you how to find locations,make sets,handle fur.

[RdFx]

catdaddy, also  offering to help some with chores might help you get some permission to trap on some rural property especially if a working farm or ranch.... just another hint on how to gain permission.

[catdaddy]

coon,possum,and coyotes, so strt with saying, iam looking to  do a little trapping, then minchin the coon or coyote problem

[RdFx]

Start out introducing yourself and what you would like to do (trapping for) and if you have taken a trappers  education course  MENTION that to show you are responsible ect and know proper methods ect.

[Mallard]

There's also the part of what you need to do after obtaining permission. You should pass along your thanks at seasons end, possibly a written letter of thanks, a hand shake and verbal thanks, or even so much as a gesture of some sort. The owners of my trapping properties receive walleye fillets when I get onto some feeding fish. Perhaps it is an offer to help out with any choirs of sorts throughout the year. As well, the seasonal problems they may encounter with non furbearer type critters that cause a problem.....gophers, squirrels, etc.....offer to remain available to help them out should they need something trapped during the off season. Lastly...stay in touch. Don't simply approach them each year right before season. treat them as a friend, and the relationship will grow. Feel them out....some farmers would prefer a daily update, as they may well be as interested in your progress as anyone. Some, on the other hand, would sooner go about their business, and leave you alone. Understand who is who, and what they expect as far as communication. Be clear on your limits.....can you drive the fields or not. Like Tom said....eventualy folks will seek you out. Word on the street is a powerful tool, and being responsible (both to their land, and in your efforts), efficient, good mannered, and law abiding...you will establish a network of folks that will have you being the "go to" guy for trapping. It works, I have folks calling me and identifing themselves, for example, as "the guy that owns 200 acres next to a property you allready trap", "Roger says I should give you a call to get on my land too". Gotta love it when the word of mouth spreads in a positive light. It's up to you to walk the walk.

Good luck!

[catdaddy]

all right, thatll be good, do most people yall ask say yes or are most of the answers no

[coyotero]

catdaddy  Most of the people I ask for permission to trap say yes.I got permission from a couple ranchers who have never let anyone trap their places. When you ask to trap coyotes around here they're real happy to let you trap.Show up at the ranch house with coyotes caught off their place and you get invited back.Treat the land owner with respect.