Bill Lerner

Are Maryland hunters more skillful than hunters in other states? Probably not. However, in Maryland, one dollar from every hunting license sold goes to the Maryland Chapter of Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH). FHFH probably isn't the only reason Maryland hunters have such a high success rate, but it sure helps keep hunters in the field because it gives them a beneficial outlet -- hungry families -- for excess venison at no additional cost to themselves. In Maryland, FHFH pays for all the butchering costs. In 2005, Maryland deer hunters donated 60 tons of venison to the hungry, which equates to 1.5 pounds, or six meals, of donated venison for every deer hunter in Maryland.

Besides feeding hungry families, reducing deer numbers, and increasing recreational hunting days, Maryland's FHFH program inspires other economic benefits. Most notably, Maryland hunters spend more on equipment, which not only bolsters the sporting goods industry but also increases Pittman-Robertson dollars, which contribute to better habitat and hunting. And, of course, higher deer harvest translates to enhanced forest regeneration, less ornamental shrub damage, reduced crop depredation, fewer automobile accidents, and lower rates of Lyme disease.

ALL OF THIS LEADS to the point of this column -- gaining access to hunt excess deer on private lands. I personally have gained access to prime properties by introducing landowners to FHFH. At the very least, my commitment to FHFH shows landowners that hunters really are conscientious people who care about others.

Here's another thought: When asking permission to hunt, take a child along. If you have no children of your own, borrow a friend's son or daughter. Not only might including a child in your plans help you break the ice and gain access, but also it's a great way to involve kids in hunting who may never have the chance otherwise.

Even when presented FHFH information, and when seeing children involved, some landowners remain skeptical about allowing access onto their properties. Can you do more?

Many hunters are now using professional deer management plans to convince landowners to allow them to hunt. These plans include a mission statement/purpose, a letter to the prospective landowner, hunter application, permission letters, and references. Examples of these letters (Microsoft Word documents) can be found via these links:

Deer Management Program Permission Form

Dear Homeowner...

Each Landowner Will Receive A Copy Of Our General Liability Insurance

Membership Application

Mission Statement

Although these Internet examples are designed for an organized group of bowhunters working with a homeowner's association, golf course, or nature center, it can help open the door for individual hunters approaching landowners as well.

I have found that two of landowners' primary concerns relate to liability and safety. A hunting group I belong to buys a $1 million liability hunting insurance policy through the Quality Deer Management Association (1-800-209-DEER). It costs about $235 per year. To address the safety issues, our group hunts from only elevated treestands; all members must pass the National Bowhunter Education Foundation course (www.nbef.org); all hunters must wear full-body safety harnesses; we inscribe our names on all arrows; we park in specific locations with an orange parking identification tag; and we give all landowners a portfolio for all hunters.

Feel free to copy and plagiarize this plan from the Bowhunter website and use it to fit your specific needs. Without a doubt, public relations and professionalism are the keys in acquiring access to prime hunting properties.

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