Hunting & Fishing on Private Land

Madison County's Home Page | Hunting & Fishing in Madison County

Studies have shown that more than 1/3 of all landowners who post will give permission to hunt and fish if they are asked.

Not asking for permission is one of the major factors leading to additional posting.

Asking for permission takes time and effort but you will be well rewarded with new places to hunt and fish.

Some Hints on Asking Permission

1. Go well in advance of the season - then check back the day of your hunting or fishing trip. Too many people wait until the last minute.
2. Dress neatly. Avoid wearing hunting clothes, carrying a gun, etc.
3. Initially, ask permission for just one hunting trip - after this trip, thanking the landowner will help build good relations which can turn into many more trips.
4. Limit the scope of your original request - for example, ask only to hunt deer during the last two weeks of the season, or only to fish for panfish.
5. Ask permission for just yourself or one partner at the most. Don't hunt or fish in large groups.
6. Offer to give the landowner your name, address, backtag number, and the make, color, and license number of your vehicle (have this prepared beforehand).
7. Ask where to park your vehicle and if there are any areas or activities (i.e., use of dogs) the landowner wants you to avoid.
8. Be polite even when you are refused.