TheSpud

Fur, I'm hunting a bit farther upstate, but still in the lower 1/2 :-). Grew up in Orange County; 25 years ago - there were a lot a farms in the area west of Pine Island that that were good for hunting. The area's changed a lot so I have no idea what it's like now. I find a farm I'd like to hunt by seeing chucks or burrows while driving, or hearing about it from a friend, but I've also used Google satellite imagery to locate fields. Then, usually on a Saturday morning or afternoon, I go look for someone working around the barn. It's all about the first impression. I have knocked on doors, but I prefer finding someone outside - seems like less of an intrusion. I offer my name and a handshake, and ask if they'd mind me hunting their lands. I carry handwritten cards with my name, address, phone, and my driver's and hunting license numbers to give to the landowner, and I always have the hunting license with me. I never show up dressed to hunt. I also avoid Sundays and weekday dinnertime to ask permission. I've had very few people tell me no. Make sure you understand the farmer's restrictions on locations or times of day to hunt, and ask what they'd like you to do with the carcasses. To sum up, ask yourself how you'd like to be approached if you were a farmer, and do that! :-) Sorry for the lengthy response, but this was exactly the biggest problem I had when I got back into hunting - hope this helps!