Land Owner Gift

[Ricochet]

My friends and I are going to Wyoming this year for antelope. We are going to a unit that has alot of public land. But we are getting a couple of doe tags that are to be fill with in a half mile of an irrigated field. Everybody assures me that it should be no problem filling these tags. My contacts have said that they have had success knocking on doors for access. The biologist says it is not even necessary to gain access to fill the tags. If I do decide to knock on doors and gain access for free, what should I take to give the land owner as a thank you gift? My Oregon sage rat guy always appreciates a 18 pack of beer. I read some were that a guy took canned tuna and it was a big hit with the land owner. So I'm just looking for some ideas. What do those guys need over there that I could offer them from Oregon? Thanks

 

[packmule]

Turkey or ham with the holidays approaching. Never know if hooch will be a hit or not.

 

[Ricochet]

I would never use it as hook. Just a thank you afterward.

 

[OregonJim]

I always take along at least 10 lbs of smoked salmon when I go out to Colorado.

 

[Sundowners@5?]

Coming out from Wisconsin we have always taken brat's & cheese. Exceptional hospitality and hunting we offer free room and board plus "Packer Ticket's"

 

[ando_31]

After permission is gained I have given a few knives or multi tools out. A farmer/rancher can't have to many blades laying around. I also have sent out a thank your card or Xmas card with a short detail of my experience on their land to show my true gratitude regarding their generosity. If an animal has been taken on their land I will look for a landmark they might recognize and use that as the background of a photo and put that in the card as well (make sure you have a big smile). I don't know if giving a gift before or during asking for permission is necessary. At that point you might as well just come to the door with money in hand.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

Depends...... If I have to pay for access, forget it. If the landowner gives permission for access without any "enrichment" then I always remember and send something from Cabelas holiday catalog, usually a smoked turkey or such. Learned a long time ago than unless you know them well enough, booze is not always welcome. Lots of "tea totalers" out there.

The first time I hunted a ranch in Wyoming, paid a trespass fee and did really well hunting. Had a problem on a really tough 4x4 road on the ranch and got stuck. We were digging ourselves out when a couple of the ranch security guys drove up and helped us out of the mud hole. They really didn't have to, but it saved us a lot of time. A couple of nights later they dropped by camp and we invited the to stay for dinner and had a few beers with them. Started a great friendship that has lasted over 20 years. Hunted that ranch for years and was a great situation. When the landowner died and his heirs took over, they leased everything out to an outfitter, but we were invited back. I am sure it was because of out past relationship. Don't hunt the ranch anymore, but still are great friends with the 2 guys we met.

Many years ago I used to have a ranch in California that I hunted quail on. My Dad used to hunt it and it carried over to me. We always made a spring trip or 2 over weekends to help out with chores. Unfortunately the place was sold and subdivided.

I am rambling a bit, but the bottom line is you have to make a judgment on each situation and they all won't be the same. Some ranchers will welcome help and some just won't. Some will appreciate gifts, others just won't care. But I am sure most will appreciate your consideration.

 

[BKC]

I do things a bit different. I notived that my rancher friends heated their shop with used motor oil, so I brought them a 55 gallon drum of it ( I have a small construction company). I also bring work gloves, a pair of coveralls because I noticed he was wearing a pair of old worn out ones. I have brought salmon filets from my trip to alaska a few years back and some buffalo steaks from that hunt but most farmers and ranchers eat beef whenever they want to so I try to keep it a little different. We email back and forth throughout the year and we talk about the calving season, moisture, cost of fuel, crop prices, etc. Just be genuine and I think that makes the biggest difference.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

You are exactly right. That's why I said you have to look at each situation and make a judgment on what is the right approach....and by all means be genuine in your actions.

 

[AT Hiker]

In TN we are known for moon pies, Jack Daniels and smoked sausage. I am bringing all 3 to MT this year, and plan to share the moon pie and sausage!!!!

I would be leary of sharing booze though, I would hate to offend someone over a sincere jesture. Never know someones past experience and alcohol tends to be a major factor with some peoples past, so I always respect that. Of course I am from the south and alcohol is either accepted or deemed the devils creation. Not a lot of in between here.

 

[Ikeepitcold]

I've given a business card with my contact info to ranchers and have offered to help in any way I can. A thank you and an offer to help them for permission is the way to go IMO. After you get to know the rancher and come back to hunt the next year or even after your first hunt and while you are getting to know each other only then would I bring his fav drink of choice. For me it's been Crown and Coors Lite. But that's our boys here in Nv.

 

[Ikeepitcold]

You are exactly right. That's why I said you have to look at each situation and make a judgment on what is the right approach....and by all means be genuine in your actions.

Can't agree more. A genuine offer will go a long ways. Remember there has been many guys before you asking the same question.

 

[Dearhunter3450]

I have no western experience but I agree with the giving a business card with all info and showing genuine interest in the land and farm. I always ask if having any problems with trespassers and so forth and how I can help. I also send Christmas cards and homemade holiday cookies as a thanks. Never alcohol, people are funny about it.

 

[Umpqua Hunter]

I don't hunt private land much anymore, but my dad would always send a large box of See's candy with a personal note at the holidays. That way the wife and kids would enjoy it too.

One guy told me that a rancher he hunted with, liked to waterfowl hunt, so he gave him some premium shotgun shells. I always thought that was a clever idea.

 

[Jrod]

Try to bring something from your local area that they don't see to much of out there. Being from Oregon smoked salmon wouldn't be a bad idea, Tillamook cheese too. Also something that wont spoil. A 1.75 of good whiskey probably wouldn't hurt.

 

[Musket Man]

Place I used to hunt I used to take him a 30 pack of his favorite beer whenever I stopped by there even if I wasnt hunting. Giving them something after you hunt is a nice way of saying thank you. I think genuinely respecting them and their land will get you farther then anything else will though.

 

[Ricochet]

Thanks for all of the ideas and advice.