+ 1 " Of course, it didn't mean that I didn't get told no, by a certain percentage of landowners.
In the '90s, it started getting a little more difficult, due to land changing hands & being bought by "town folk" wanting to move to the country.
Since the turn of the century, it has varied from year to year.
I've had guys give me permission one year...only to refuse the next year...only to have them grant it again the next year. "
Very well Said and described cani54.... Dont have any input for the whole 90s permission thing but when I Really got into it in 06/ 07 around Cntrl TX. Started off great; Helped my boss with a gorgeous chicken killer of a cat (my 1st ) which lead to multiple calls to his friends and neighbors.. Some property I Still have and some I have Lost and Regained access to throughout the months and years.
Just Please be Polite as possible; Tell'em you're Goal.. trying to save their pets/ livestock .. , be Honest, and present yourself in a Cordial manner Without question. Could be a Homerun with Numerous Prime Time country or the dreaded.. No, get outta here, or w.e. comes. Been on both sides with landowners but its Worth the legwork and Time when done Professional as can be.
+ 1 " Being both a small farm owner and a predator hunter,I guess I can see a little of both sides.
First is liability. We carry a million dollars worth of liability insurance and we are probably not carrying enough. If someone gets hurt on your property, you are responsible. Period. Don't ask me how I know.
Destruction of property. You will not believe what some people will do if it doesn't belong to them. We and neighbors have had fences cut and gates destroyed.
Problems with poaching. Have found deer with the head cut off or just the antlers. It is almost impossible to get a poaching change to stick unless the Game Warden catches them in the act. Security camera footage is usually not admissible as evidence.
Theft of property is also an issue. When you have thousands of dollars worth of livestock pens come up missing and they are not visible from the highway, you get suspicious of anyone around your property.
All of the above have happened on our farm or one of our neighbors'. The land owners talk to each other. Trying to dodge all the problems nature and the federal government throws at us, you can start to understand why some farmers are reluctant to grant access to their land. It only takes a few incidents to make it financially unacceptable to grant access.
Having said all of this,it only takes a few people and a few incidents to turn off the land owners to granting access to their property. "
Totally agreed with this standpoint as well, for I am the son of a Farmer. Seen him along with others go through the same B-$hit... Destruction . defacing of property, littering, the Whole gamut if you will.. Definitely a 2 way street from both parties-
Best of Luck to you Sir and Keep your head about ya. NeveR give Up! For Patience is a Virtue, and in Due Time good things will come your Way !!