HOW TO GET AT THAT HINTERLAND TERRITORY
By Grant Bailey
IT WOULD SEEM that country folk have it made when it comes to hunting opportunities . Since many of them are farmers or live in farming communities , open land and forests abound within walking distance .
But don ’ t be too jealous city folk . With a little preparation and the right attitude , you too can have a hunting hot spot within easy reach . Keep in mind you urbanites , that most farmers are too busy to spend time hunting , and that ’ s where you come in .
First of all , be aware that municipalities , villages , and even remote subdivisions have no-discharge-of-firearms designated areas . So , if simply as a safety measure , you don ’ t want to hunt there anyhow , guns or bows are permitted close by .
For instance Ottawa ’ s no-shooting areas were updated in 2015 and are available to view on their website . Specified distances from public buildings are also important . If you can ’ t locate these bylaws on the internet , a trip to your municipal office should be in order , and while you ’ re there , you might as well ask them where they ’ d recommend you hunt . In addition to that , there ’ s ample space to explore close to town . Now for the approach . If you ’ re like me , driving around the outskirts often elicits a thought that goes ,
“ OOooo , now there ’ s a nice looking bush – browse line and all .” Want to hunt it ? Trespassing sucks , so find out who owns the property and plan an introductory visit with your options all thought out beforehand . For instance , would you be willing to share your harvest ? hunt archery only ? do chores in exchange for the privilege ?
Decide first . Then pitch your earnest , safety-oriented , respect the land , I ’ ll-checkin-before-hand-if-you-like , responsible-hunter proposal in person .
Don ’ t be discouraged if you don ’ t get a positive reply right off . Understandably , some landowners just don ’ t want the hassle . Maybe they ’ ve had a bad experience in the past , or are just anti-hunting . There ’ ll be others who ’ ll welcome you .
Make your interaction and relationship a positive one and you ’ ll be doing yourself a favour for years to come , as well as doing a great job as a hunting ambassador . You may even want to leave your contact info in case they prefer to think about it , and you can call back later . Often they ’ ll know of a neighbour or friend who does have huntable land . Be prepped to ask . Now or later , you ’ ll wear a beaming smile when you succeed .
Just last fall I spied a field full of geese and pulled in to talk to the farmer . After a chat I popped the question and he said yes , you can hunt that field . When I inquired what I could do for him in return , he said a bit of your harvest would be appreciated . I offered him some venison and he was thrilled . Deal sealed right there . He even recommended I hunt soon after the crop was taken off for best results . All this less than 30 minutes away from my downtown front door . Within easy striking distance for a morning or evening hunt as my schedule permits .
Once you do find a spot , treat such landowners like gold . Be respectful of their needs – they tend the land , it ’ s theirs – and accommodate them even if it means a missed hunt . And don ’ t forget to recognize their kindness with tokens of thanks , like a card or gift at Christmas , at least .
As I ’ ve been hunting the same landowner ’ s properties for a decade , I know it works , and we ’ ve become fast friends and workmates over the years . So I get a hunting spot , a wood-cutting buddy , and cardio workouts all for free . And an extra bonus is , he doesn ’ t like venison .
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