This one comes up every year. We almost all have issues gaining access to properties. Not everyone, but many of us. I know it has been discussed before, but I implemented it today. Neighbor guy (on the next block over) called for a field mowing price. I measured it up, gave him our rate per acre and saw the look on his face. I know why. You start field mowing 5+ acres 2-3-4 times a year and the price starts to add up. Currently he has a tractor but no bush hog. As you can see, even at the rate of $30-40/acre to cover costs and not profit, it wouldn't take him long to justify the cost of a bush hog. Even at $30/acre x 5acres x4 cuts per year you are at the price of a pretty darn nice used bush hog. $30/acre would cover $8/hr in diesel, $12-18/hr in labor costs, and the basic maintenance on the tractor. We haven't even discussed repairs, replacement equipment, insurance, taxes, advertising, or profit.
So. . . I gave him a price per acre. Then I offered option B. Exchange the annual field mowing duties for hunting. I even offered bow hunting only if he didn't want any gun hunting. I understand it is mainly his wife against the hunting. I understand it is his property and will respect their wishes if the choose against the hunting. However, you just never know unless you ask. I told him the same as well. "Mr. So-and-so, I completely understand if you don't want to go this route. It is your land and I respect this and understand your position. However, I never had access to hunt it when the previous owners were in possession. Worst case scenario, I still won't have access to hunt it, but you and your wife have another option on the table to save some expenses on maintaining your fields, if you would be willing to barter a little. Just something for you to chew on. No pressure, and I understand if you decide against it."
Will it gain me access? I really don't know. It could go either way. Didn't hurt any to ask though. I thought it showed a bit of a neighborly gesture as well. It is always tough to give prices to friends, family, and neighbors. At least this way, they have a couple options to think about. Pay to have it done, buy a bush hog, or swap it out in exchange for hunting. The ball is in their court and it won't break my heart no matter how they choose. They are good people and I think he realizes I was trying to be fair with them by offering an alternative.
Plenty of property owners out there fellas. Many large property owners are getting older, cannot maintain it themselves, and often times their kids have grown and moved away. Sometimes a friendly gesture to barter it out, or help them in exchange for permission goes a long way. It really helps if you know them before hand, but I have heard of people seeking permission and offering to trade it out for labor with complete strangers as well. Never hurts. The worst you can hear is "No thanks." Good luck and think about this option now rather than a week before the season. Might just land the next property you have to hunt.
So. . . I gave him a price per acre. Then I offered option B. Exchange the annual field mowing duties for hunting. I even offered bow hunting only if he didn't want any gun hunting. I understand it is mainly his wife against the hunting. I understand it is his property and will respect their wishes if the choose against the hunting. However, you just never know unless you ask. I told him the same as well. "Mr. So-and-so, I completely understand if you don't want to go this route. It is your land and I respect this and understand your position. However, I never had access to hunt it when the previous owners were in possession. Worst case scenario, I still won't have access to hunt it, but you and your wife have another option on the table to save some expenses on maintaining your fields, if you would be willing to barter a little. Just something for you to chew on. No pressure, and I understand if you decide against it."
Will it gain me access? I really don't know. It could go either way. Didn't hurt any to ask though. I thought it showed a bit of a neighborly gesture as well. It is always tough to give prices to friends, family, and neighbors. At least this way, they have a couple options to think about. Pay to have it done, buy a bush hog, or swap it out in exchange for hunting. The ball is in their court and it won't break my heart no matter how they choose. They are good people and I think he realizes I was trying to be fair with them by offering an alternative.
Plenty of property owners out there fellas. Many large property owners are getting older, cannot maintain it themselves, and often times their kids have grown and moved away. Sometimes a friendly gesture to barter it out, or help them in exchange for permission goes a long way. It really helps if you know them before hand, but I have heard of people seeking permission and offering to trade it out for labor with complete strangers as well. Never hurts. The worst you can hear is "No thanks." Good luck and think about this option now rather than a week before the season. Might just land the next property you have to hunt.