Accessing Private Land: It's a Privilege 
Asking for access before is better than being asked to leave later.
"It is a luxury to be understood." Ralph Waldo Emerson
Hunters and rural private property owners do not always understand each other. The hunter has difficulty understanding why so much land is posted. The landowner, meanwhile, is baffled that the hunter can't understand why the land is posted!
As hunters, however, the responsibility is on us. We need to understand the landowner's situation and point of view. If we fail to do so, we can only expect more private land to be closed to hunting.
Developing a relationship with the landowner can be accomplished by:
- Understanding how times have changed.
- Trying to view the situation from the landowner's point of view.
- Following safe and ethical guidelines before, during, and after the hunt.
Viewing the Situation from the Landowner's Perspective
It should come as no surprise that when our attention turns to hunting seasons, the hunter and the landowner are apt to have distinctly different reactions.
The hunter might look forward to the age-old thrills and values associated with hunting - the splendor of a sunrise on a marsh, the exhilaration of an approaching buck or tom turkey, or the expression of awe on a youngster's face as a grouse busts skyward.
Landowners might assume all gunshots near their home and family, or tire tracks in the fields, or ominous looking cars moving slowly on that usually quiet country road means trespassers. Landowners, in fact, might dread the approaching hunting season believing that the season restricts the use of their own land.
We must all work together to lessen any of these assumptions or restrictions.
Access to private land is a critical point. Whether you are a hunter, trapper, snowmobiler, or one of the many other outdoor recreationalists, everyone must work with all private landowners.
Understanding How Times Have Changed
It's a much different ballgame today than it was twenty or thirty years ago. Baseball is played indoors, some farmers spend more time in front of a computer than on a tractor seat, and it used to be a lot easier to find a place to hunt!
But, one aspect of the game remains the same: The private land you wish to hunt or access belongs to someone else just as surely as your car or truck belongs to you.
Of the 21+ million acres in Maine, approximately 10 million acres in Northern, Western, and Eastern Maine are owned and managed by various corporations or individuals. Practically all these acres are open to the public for outdoor recreation.
We all owe these major landowners a big "thank you" for being able to use and enjoy their property. Many of these landowners have specific policies and rules. Please respect these landowners by abiding by any and all rules and policies.
Before the Hunt
The search for permission to hunt or gain access to private lands should begin months before the hunting season. Even though land is not posted, the ethical and right thing to do is to ask permission to use the land.
Mark attractive hunting areas on a topographic map, and then find out who owns the property. Town offices and County Registry of Deeds can assist you in determining the owner. Get permission early.
Phone the landowner ahead of time to explain who you are and why you are calling. Inquire as to the best time to visit the landowner to discuss your request.
Keep in mind that in many cases you will be visiting the landowner's place of business. Be polite and friendly, sincere and brief.
Express your willingness to help with odd jobs, such as hauling wood or mending fences for the landowner in exchange for the privilege of hunting, or being able to use the land.
If your request is denied, be understanding and remain polite, whether the landowner explains the reason for the decision or not. Your reaction now could have an important bearing on their decision should you or someone else ask again.
No matter what outdoor recreation activity you participate in, take the time to ask permission of the landowners. Working with landowners is the most important way to ensure the future of outdoor recreation in Maine.
During the Hunt
Landowners who permit you to hunt, or access their land for other outdoor recreational activities are not only doing you a favor, but also placing their trust in you. To demonstrate appreciation for the favor and to prove their trust is not misplaced:
Respect any and all special requests made by the landowner.
Understand clearly where you can and cannot drive or park your vehicle and abide by those restrictions.
Leave your name, address, phone number and also make, model, and license number of your vehicle with the landowner. Some hunters have found it is well worth their while to have such cards printed up before the season.
If you have permission to return, find out if there are certain times or places that you should avoid. Always attempt to let the landowner know where you will be and when.
Know the property boundaries of the land you have permission to hunt and stay within those boundaries.
Don't crowd other hunters.
Think before you shoot. Know your target and what is beyond it.
Don't walk through uncarpeted crops or hunt near livestock or buildings.
Leave gates as you find them. Cross fences in a manner that will not break or loosen wires or posts.
Keep your dog under control, especially when near domestic animals or livestock.
Do not build or start fires at any time, unless you have specific permission from the owner.
Do not cut, injure, or permanently mark trees with an axe, nails, or spikes.
Hunt safe and be ethical!
After the Hunt
Remember that you have been a guest on another person's property. Make an effort to express your appreciation for the opportunity to hunt the land. Take the time to say "thank you."
The appreciative, wise hunter might also:
Let landowners know when you have completed your hunt. The landowner may want to let others hunt on their land.
Offer to share any game (cleaned) with the landowner.
Follow up with a token of appreciation, such as a gift certificate to a restaurant or perhaps just a card with a hand-written note. (Alcohol does not make a good gift).
At all times remember that landowners who give you permission to hunt their property are doing you a favor. It is a privilege which must be earned!
There's No Excuse for Trespassing
Always ask permission before entering private land. You may be pleasantly surprised at the number of landowners who have posted their property who will allow you access, just by being asked. Criminal trespass is a misdemeanor. If convicted you could lose not only your license to hunt, but any other license issued by Inland Fisheries & Wildlife.
Game Wardens, Marine Patrol Officers, and all municipal, county, and state law enforcement officers can enforce the trespass laws.
Remember, your actions reflect not only all hunters but anyone who wants to access private land for outdoor recreational purposes.
Hunters Enter at Your Own Risk...
A landowner that allows persons onto his or her land free of charge for recreational purposes (including hunting), as defined by Maine Statute in Title 14, is not responsible or liable to such persons for injuries or damages they might sustain or cause while on the land. For complete details, please refer to Maine Statute Title 14, Sections 3001-3005.
Always ask first for access to private land
It is up to all outdoor recreational enthusiasts and private landowners to cooperatively work together.
Information Numbers:
To contact a Game Warden, call one of the following numbers or contact your local police or Sheriff Department, and they will assist you with your problem or with contacting a Game Warden.
Warden Service
Gray 207-657-2345
Sidney 207-547-5300
Bangor 207-941-4440
Greenville 207-695-3756
Ashland 207-435-3231
State Police
Gray 1-800-482-0730
Augusta 1-800-452-4664
Orono 1-800-432-7381
Houlton 1-800-924-2261
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
General Information 207-287-8000
Landowner Relations 207-287-2104
Safety Division 207-287-5220
Operation Game Thief 1-800-253-7887 (OGT Cellular #GW)
Sound forest practices are important to us. For site specific questions or concerns, call 1-888-734-4625.
Sponsors
Governor's Council of Landowner Sportsmen Relations
Sportsmen/Forest Landowners Alliance
Maine Forest Products Council
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife
"The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Hunter/Trapper/Archery Education Programs strongly endorse practicing Ethics in the Outdoors and developing good relations with Landowners."
