Thank the Landowner

As each outdoor recreation season comes to a close and our hunting, fishing and wildlife-watching experiences become memories, it is time for us to remember the landowners who generously helped to make these experiences possible. Remember that access to private land is a privilege provided to us through the generosity of the landowner.

The following are but a few ways to say thanks to those who allow us to access their property. Be thoughtful, considerate, personal, and sincere in expressing your appreciation, always treating the landowner, as you would like to be treated. If you are mentoring a young hunter, include thanking the landowner as part of the process.

Visit the landowner in person to express your appreciation.

• Offer them some of your harvest.
• Offer to assist with tasks around their property.
• Send a personal note to the landowner thanking them for the opportunity to access their land.
• As a token of your appreciation, you may wish to provide them with a small gift such as a gift certificate to a local restaurant, gift basket or Fish and Game’s fish and wildlife calendar. (Shop Wild NH!)
• Assist them in protecting their property by documenting and reporting suspicious activities to them.
• Offer to clean up and properly dispose of illegal dumping that has occurred on their property.

How do you thank the landowner for allowing you access?

"I offer to help with chores and/or part of my harvest."
"The biggest help is to respect the property as if it is yours. Tread lightly and leave nothing behind."
"Harvest for sure and some I plow their driveway no charge."
"Usually a good thank you and I share some meat if they are interested."

Remember that access for wildlife related outdoor recreation is a New Hampshire tradition that will only continue if we all follow the basic principle of landowner relations. Treat the landowner as you would like to be treated and treat their land as you would like yours to be treated.