what to do?!

[Carbonkiller]

i have always loved bowhunting and had plenty of farmland to hunt but now, due to housing construction, i am down to only 20 acres of land( combined). and out of the 20 only 4 or so acres are wooded. i really want to continue hunting but my chances of actually harvesting a deer have dropped a ton, due to the recent construction. also seems now a days farmers are not willing to give permission to easily, even when i show them that i only hunt with a recurve. i know theres alot of public land but honestly i have hunted public land alot and the chances are slim to none on patterning and harvesting a deer. also you cant small game hunt with your bow either which is a huge part of my downtime when im not deer hunting. whats a guy to do?!

[bigbadjon]

A lease is quickly becoming the best option. You gotta pay to play as it were.

[Carbonkiller]

yeah thats what im seeing more and more of. now as farmers have started passing the land down to their kids, the kids either sell it for housing development, log it, or lease it for hunting.

[Night Wing]

"Leasing" for hunting is big business in Texas where I live.

[Easykeeper]

Hunting with little chance of success is better than not hunting at all IMO.  I'd check out the public land, with enough time you might figure out how to get some action.

That or save for an out of state DIY hunt.  Lots of states have public land that is decent.  Still have to work hard to get away from people, or figure out how to use people to your advantage...

[Carbonkiller]

very true. the main thing is i like taking my 4yr.old son bowhunting for small game and all the public land around here doesnt allow it

[Flingblade]

Why won't they let you hunt small game with a bow.  I know there are some really stupid laws when it comes to hunting but I've never heard of that.  Hope you and your son are able to find a place.  My advice; make farmers your friends.  Has always worked for me.

[snakebit40]

I would stump shoot A LOT! I would also not give hunting up. If it works for you and your family set some money aside (doesn't have to be a lot) and go out of state once every year, every other year, once every five? Doesn't matter how often you go just don't give it up. That's what I would do I guess. Good luck!

[Maxx Black]

I am really sorry to hear when a person that loves to be outdoors with the family running into road blocks. I'm not in that position! I live in the vast province of Alberta . So am only trying to help by suggesting maybe question the DNR in your area. Do they know someone that might be approachable? And give an archer some land to harvest and animal and walk on now and then. Good Luck and don't give up.

[Easykeeper]

No bowhunting for small game...somebody has their head you know where.  Could there be anything safer with less impact on the environment or other people than flinging arrows at a rabbit?  I must be missing something, I had the impression Alabama was a pretty good state for hunting.

[BOWMARKS]

I would check out your area you may be surprised at the game that hangs around all those new homes!!

[Roy Steele]

Move on, I like you have had a dozzen farms to hunt in the last 40 years. I bow hunt almost every day. I'm down to 3 farms and 1,5 and 2,10 acre parrcels. But each year I find at least 1 new area to try out. Theres not been many years that I did'nt find new land.
  I might not go back after scouting or I might not after that first year. And I get turned down A LOT but every summer I have a list of turn downs but try again as well as a list of new ones to try.
  I here it alot even know people thats stoped hunting. All I can say is keep looking. I do every year.

[Friend]

Possibility that has proven effective in the past.

1. Written numerous land owner months to a year before season.

2. Set-up an appointment or even just showed up on his doorstep a couple of weeks after sending the letter.

3. Be extremely cordial and be stern in explaining your respect for his land and complying 100% with his wishes.

4. Express your sincere appreciation whether he says or no. Been told 'no' several times by the same owner over 5 years and then out of the blue he called me to grant permission. What a honey hole.

5. Some land owners are pleased to know that someoneelse is looking out for their interest.

6. Offer to provide them any spoils and provide them with some worthy gift after season and extend your appreciation.

If you get 50 'no's' and one 'yes' you are in business. Treat them and their propery with the utmost respect and doors may be opened.

Best of luck!

[awbowman]

I'm in a lease, but if you work at public land hunting you can be just as successful.

[Jim now in Kentucky]

Aim small is fine in its place. Aim high is better when it comes to goals.

Set yourself a goal to become a land owner. There are opportunities and you can find them if you look long, hard or both.

Save your money. Don't buy new vehicles or new anything else except food. Don't waste money buying 30 bows when you could save that money toward land.

Never bought a new vehicle in my 46 years of driving. Most tools, books etc were bought used. I have 40 acres and a comfortable house in farm/hunting country here in western Kentucky.

Have 59 acres and a house for sale in Maine where we lived for 32 years--built the house.

Hunters should make it a priority to become landowners. That's the way to protect hunting rights!

Jim

[George Vernon]

Try asking for permission right now.  Later in the year, a lot of folks can start showing up at the landowners door.  Once they start saying 'no', it's easy to continue.  Some folks simply don't want the hassle of someone else using their land.  Some are concerned with liability.  Some have been burned by inconsiderate hunters.