Many however, still go from farm to farm each year, asking politely for the right to hunt, only to be refused again and again. Most usually end up hunting on state land that is sometimes too crowded.

In recent years, hunters have begun to pay farmers or landowners for the right to hunt on private property. For many, this may be the way to go if the right conditions are agreed upon at the start. Both the hunter and the landowner, to prevent problems from popping up later, should agree to a few things.

First, get the agreement in writing before any money changes hands. This rule should be used whenever doing business and since the hunter and the landowner may not be familiar with each other, it just makes good sense.

When agreeing on a price, find out how many hunters the landowner is allowing for the fee you are paying(just you, or can you bring several friends along?). Find out if you have exclusive hunting rights--or will you run into others that have paid for the right to hunt the same property?

Be sure to ask if you are purchasing only the right to hunt deer. May you also hunt for rabbits, pheasants,squirrels, etc...as each season opens? This could affect the price you would be willing to pay.

Find out from the landowner where the boundaries are and make sure that each member of your hunting party understands and respects them. Also ask if any areas are off limits to your group. Ask if there are any livestock or pets that may be in the area during the time you lease the property. Pass on this information to all members of your group, and insist that they all avoid any actions that may endanger the animals.

Find out if the landowner expects you to park in a certain area or check in with him each time you arrive to hunt. Some landowners like to know when you are on their property. Others give more leeway in this area. Either way, cooperate.

If you plan to put a camper or trailer on the property for the entire season, first find out where the owner suggests you park it, then treat the property just as you would if you were camping in a campground. Keep the area clean, safe, and quiet.

Start looking early for a new place to hunt. Don't wait until the week before the season opens to approach the landowner for the first time. Perhaps checking with the owner in the spring or summer, just to let him know you are interested, would be a good way to start. If you are turned down, politely suggest that the landowner think it over. Ask if it would be ok if you checked back in a week or so.

When checking back later, mention the amount you are prepared to offer for the exclusive rights to the property. The amount may take the landowner by surprise, especially if you have decided to split the cost with a couple of others, and look interesting to the owner.

If you get the right to use the land and you feel you got your money's worth, you may want to make a deposit for the following year. You have now made a new friend: cultivate that friendship by leaving the area in better condition than you found it. Even if the mess is not yours, clean it up. Make sure all gates and fences are left as you found them, and haul away any trash or any sign that you were there. Not only will the owner appreciate it , you may be cleaning it up for yourself if you return the following year.

One other thing: Remember and apply the old rule for hunting another's property. Offer some of the game that you were lucky enough to get to the landowner who has been feeding the wildlife all year.

Written by Jerry D. Posey
Michigan Out-of-Doors