Whats the best way to approach a farmer about shooting permission?

[Steve1990]

Hello everyone,

I'm hoping to get some advice, I've been shooting airguns (targets) for 20 years at club level but recently I've been wanted to try some vermin hunting for a change. I've recently got a permission at a horse riding place through a friend but they don't seem to have a vermin issue so there's not been much success there.

I've got myself some insurance for public liability and damage, I'd like to think I'm sensible and not a tool... But I realise if some random bloke asks to shoot on your land you're most likely going to say no. If the roles were reversed a firm no would also be my answer.

But has anyone got any tips on getting past that? What's the best way to contact farmers (mail/phone/in person)? How can I set myself apart from the crowd of toerags?

I really am a little bit lost in finding some new permission, so any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Scholsey]

Put your location on here would be a good start as someone who has a rat problem near you may actually just message you on here, advertise your skill set, mechanic, decorator, nuclear physicist etc, a farmer would be more inclined to have someone around the farm who is also a electrician etc and could maybe help out in other areas.

A lot of farmers wouldnt be keen on letting someone they have never met wander around their lifes work with a gun having only met you for 2 mins, offer shooting in exchange for helping a gang tyre a silage pit and give them a opportunity to sound them out, some people come on here or facebook pages making sound like them shooting 3 rats a month is going to solve all of the farmers problems and save humanity, in reality that isnt the case. Saw one chancer offering to shoot rats whilst only charging £10 a rat cant imagine he had many enquiries.

 

[nick...]

If you get offered any shooting be courteous and don’t take the pee.seen it all here after giving permission for pigeon shooting and shooters taking pheasants and partridges and driving over margins and crops And pretty much doing everything they told not to do.
nick...

 

[betweenthelines]

Offer to pay?

May seem a bit absurd but:

a) I assume you pay for target shooting in some way, so should be willing to pay more for a more enhanced "experience"

b) Lots of other people pay to participate in their hobbies. Always seems odd to me that shooters and detectorists think farmers should let them do what they want for free.

 

[7610 super q]

 

[Wurzeetoo]

Always from the front bud, they easily get spooked and kick out...... sorry couldn’t help myself

 

[Rossymons]

Find out what their favourite tipple is and leave them some.

If they've got kids then a box of ice creams.

It's not a fortune but it's the thought that counts and shows you're not a messer.

 

[teslacoils]

Paperwork for gun.
Basc and insurance.
Two references.
£20.

Dont imply the farmer has a problem, or that you are doing them a favour. Don't leave any waste. This includes collecting the dead vermin. Don't bring your dog with you. Or a mate. Don't take photos. Dont put it on bloody social media. Don't assume that your mates turning up will get the same treatment.

Few dos. Many don'ts.

 

[Ffermer Bach]

One of the apprentices from work asked if he could shoot with his air rifle, I said yes, and I must admit it was one of the funniest things I saw, two of them sneaking around in camouflage jackets, trouser, hats and face masks, while I was strolling past doing farm jobs, not sure if they shot anything, but I think it was worth it just for the laughter factor!

 

[som farmer]

knock on doors, be polite, and explain exactly what you want, and why, if someone lets you, do exactly what you said you would, odd bottle of whiskey, or a meal voucher at local pub, helps. Also, try looking at it from a farmers point of view, it's basically, would you let someone, you have never met before, walk around your farm, with a loaded gun.?
from that angle, you can see why it could be difficult.

 

[Dry Rot]

Don't turn up to go ferreting at 4pm. And you'll get a stronger reception next time if you don't turn up when you say you will!

 

[Boysground]

It’s no coincidence that everyone who shoots rats, bunnies, pigeons or deer on this farm either beats or picks up for the shoot that uses my land. That way they build up a relationship with me before I say yes to vermin control etc

I would suggest doing some beating for a local shoot, something will then crop up. And you will be paid

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