Gaining Access to Hunting Grounds
In this day and age, with the increased urbanization of the countryside into developed areas, it is getting harder and harder to find locations to hunt. If you have time, you can always go way out into the wilds, but who has time to take a day's ride just to get to your hunting ground anymore? Most of us hunt after work, or on a short weekend filled with other activities as well!
A major advantage of hunting with airguns is that you have an opportunity to gain access to new hunting grounds that are off limits to firearms. If you go about it right, you will find several new areas to hunt if you are willing to hit the pavement a little bit and ask around.
First, don't dress in camo or old army fatigues. Dress in business casual, or if your job requires you to use a suit, wear that. Drive to the area you are looking to hunt and politely knock on doors, introducing yourself with a smile. You may compliment the owner of the grounds as you inquire into the possibility of shooting on their property. But be sure you introduce yourself with your full name, where you are from, and maybe even where you work. After the initial introductions, state that you have an interesting hobby of hunting with airguns, and that you are looking for landowners who you can help with pest issues such as pigeons, starlings, or other animal pests.
You will probably get an incredulous look when you mention the airgun you want to use. It will help to have it with you, locked in a case in the trunk, not loaded and sitting in your front seat! Remember, a first impression is important. Offer to show it to the owner, showing him/her how it works, and offering to let them shoot it.
Now here is a clincher that I have found works really well, even with politicians at the state level. Have a portfolio of your hunts with appropriately posed animals that you have taken with your airguns. If you don't have one of your own, visit some of the airgun hunting sites and borrow some of theirs, explaining to the landowner that you want to help them with pest problems just like these other individuals have done, and that "IT WON'T COST YOU A THING". You may even offer to pay them a very small fee for the privilege of helping them out.
Some other tips to help clinch the deal:
1. Ask the owner how they want the pests disposed of. Offer to remove them from the property, though you will usually find the owner has a place for refuse, or maybe even some tame animals such as cats that will enjoy a treat of your downed pests. But if you offer to take care of the disposal, you will gain traction in your cause.
2. If there are neighbors, ask if the neighbors will have any problem with you shooting on the property you are inquiring about. Folks like to have good relations with their neighbors most of the time, and your concern for those relationships will speak well of you.
3. Ask for a phone number in order to call them in advance to let them know when you are coming. Inquire about the best times to shoot that will not bother workers, neighbors, or intrude on the life of the landowner.
4. Emphasize that your airguns are quiet and won't cause any problems of disturbing livestock or pets in the area. This is a good time to offer to show the landowner how the gun works so they can notice how unobtrusive the airgun really is.
5. THANK the owner. Often they will know someone else who needs help or who has a specific pest problem that you can help them with.
Some places to check out are: dairy farms, livestock ranchers, feedlots, agriculture farms, golf courses (for rabbit and armadillo problems in some parts of the country), abandoned buildings such as old manufacturing locations.....and lots and lots of others!
Good luck!
