fieldwanderer Posted June 12, 2012 Report Share Posted June 12, 2012 There's a few things that fall into this that I've been wondering about so any help would be appreciated Appearence; To be honest, I think shirt and tie would be a bit o.t.t. when approaching a farmer for permission but I do see the sense in being relatively smartly dressed. What do you find works for you? Vehicle; I'd have thought that turning up in a landrover or other similarly worked vehicle would show you're already part of the right crowd - as opposed to (for example) turning up in a vauxhall corsa with lowered suspension, noisy exhaust and even noisier stereo Sadly, I don't have my landy any more. Do you think it makes much difference? Insurance; Myself and my shooting buddy are both insured - I'm insured through the N.s.r.a and he's with the c.p.s.a. Both state they cover all shooting activities (or words to that effect). I've been considering joining the BASC before we go knocking doors simply because it's more recognised (in my opinion) and we wouldn't have to try to explain the whole situation. I see the countryside alliance are considerably cheaper but would that be less "well known" than the Basc? Would you bring insurance up when speaking to a land owner? I'd be worried about setting him/her thinking about accidents and ruining my chances :unsure: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swiss.tony Posted June 12, 2012 Report Share Posted June 12, 2012 all 3 of them are correct you don't need shirt and tie just smart most of mine has come come driving around my shooting area and just bumping in to new contacts , but you will still get more knock back once you learn not to take them personal its easy i maybe ask 1 or 2 a week most of time its a NO sorry we have sum 1 thanks for your time and move on ID say the main 1 is vehicle and attitude when you go to see them like you say if you turn up in tracky bottoms and base ball cap music on full bore your going to get dogs set on you and a flea in your ear. But turn up in something that looks like it should be there normal smart clothes and with some manners you might have some joy its miles easy er once you get 1 permission then you can use there name and all farmers no every 1 so you build up trust with them one other thing is i don't like knocking on doors much better to catch them in fields when you get home last thing you want is disturbing when you have 12hrs in tractor or some other farm yard duties Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cranfield Posted June 12, 2012 Report Share Posted June 12, 2012 "Fully licensed and insured" , is one of my opening gambits and nowadays Farmers realise how important that is. Clean and tidy attire is OK, but avoid full camo , that can look a bit extreme on the first contact. I don't think the vehicle is an issue, swiss.tony is right when he says that a good attitude and manners is very important though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aga man Posted June 12, 2012 Report Share Posted June 12, 2012 (edited) another vote for good attitude and politeness. like a lot of things mantain eye contact and be straight and honest. these things count over any clothing or vehicle. don't get dispondent if you get knocked back Edited June 12, 2012 by aga man Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderbird Posted June 12, 2012 Report Share Posted June 12, 2012 A cunning plan I had was go and buy some eggs or produce off them if they advertise them. Then you can get chatting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olliesims Posted June 12, 2012 Report Share Posted June 12, 2012 (edited) When trying to gain one permission I stated I had insurance to him replying " it's worrying to think why you need insurance" it's always worth mentioning that you have but for some reason some farmers want to know why would you need it o.0 Edited June 12, 2012 by Olliesims Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fieldwanderer Posted June 13, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 13, 2012 When I say knocking on doors, I meant metaphorically really - Id much rather find the right person to speak to in the yard or whatever. I've always had a problem looking people in the eye, I just find it really difficult! But I can just about manage it if I push myself to do so. Id go with what I'd be happy to wear for a swift pint really, not too scruffy or casual but by no means my Sunday best; I've never worn a tie to a job interview let alone to speak to a land owner! Thanks for the replies, any opinions about which insurer? Or would you be satisfied with what we already have? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Essex Hunter Posted June 13, 2012 Report Share Posted June 13, 2012 (edited) all 3 of them are correct you don't need shirt and tie just smart most of mine has come come driving around my shooting area and just bumping in to new contacts , but you will still get more knock back once you learn not to take them personal its easy i maybe ask 1 or 2 a week most of time its a NO sorry we have sum 1 thanks for your time and move on ID say the main 1 is vehicle and attitude when you go to see them like you say if you turn up in tracky bottoms and base ball cap music on full bore your going to get dogs set on you and a flea in your ear. But turn up in something that looks like it should be there normal smart clothes and with some manners you might have some joy its miles easy er once you get 1 permission then you can use there name and all farmers no every 1 so you build up trust with them one other thing is i don't like knocking on doors much better to catch them in fields when you get home last thing you want is disturbing when you have 12hrs in tractor or some other farm yard duties As above Also....... If it is pigeon shooting you are after, have a drive around and find birds hitting the crops, make your pitch and mention the pigeons doing damage. Then ask to go just for a day. If you can make a good bag then you can explain what you have shot etc. This time of year the birds will be starting on the barley if it has been knocked over, they will find a corner some where and get stuck in! TEH Edited June 13, 2012 by The Essex Hunter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigt1754 Posted June 13, 2012 Report Share Posted June 13, 2012 As above Also....... If it is pigeon shooting you are after, have a drive around and find birds hitting the crops, make your pitch and mention the pigeons doing damage. Then ask to go just for a day. If you can make a good bag then you can explain what you have shot etc. This time of year the birds will be starting on the barley if it has been knocked over, they will find a corner some where and get stuck in! TEH The above is good advice..... My latest permission, I was walking the dogs near some peas watching the pigeons hammer one corner. I had no idea who owned the fields. I decided to go back for some recon, and caught the farmer leaving the field after putting the pigeons off. I stopped him and gave him my card. He stated that he had someone shooting at the weekends, but could come back any time during the week. Good as i work shifts. Bit of luck really. I was dressed in some scruffy old gear, unshaven but said the right things, this is the main thing IMHO. Farmers, as most people can spot BS a mile off. bigt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scolopax Posted June 15, 2012 Report Share Posted June 15, 2012 (edited) As above Also....... If it is pigeon shooting you are after, have a drive around and find birds hitting the crops, make your pitch and mention the pigeons doing damage. Then ask to go just for a day. If you can make a good bag then you can explain what you have shot etc. This time of year the birds will be starting on the barley if it has been knocked over, they will find a corner some where and get stuck in! TEH not just good advice, this is the BEST advice. First find a problem, then offer a solution. Also, I have only once been asked about insurance, and that was on a large estate, a tenant farmer let me on his peas but said they had received a letter from the estate telling them that all pigeon shooters had to register at the office and also provide evidence of insurance before shooting over estate land. Edited June 15, 2012 by scolopax Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crosshair Posted June 15, 2012 Report Share Posted June 15, 2012 fieldwanderer, As a farmer I think that most farmers will have heard of the Countryside Alliance, it has snippits in most farm magazines, and do stand up for farmers and landowners. As for BASC, from personal experience, not interested. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fieldwanderer Posted June 19, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 19, 2012 Thanks all! In the end, it looks like it may have been unnessecary - my mate had a chance encounter with a local land owner we both knew some time ago and bingo! We have to wait until after harvest but it does sound very hopeful. Any idea why the wait though? The pigeons always seem to hit crops hardest soon after sowing, drilling etc and just before harvest. So, the next question of course is - do the permission forms right at the start or go a couple of times first, so as not to pester the guy? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houlsby Posted June 20, 2012 Report Share Posted June 20, 2012 All my shooting bar one new farm is on a nod from the farmer, they won't sign anything. However, iv shot one farm since I was 14, I went school with other ect ect.. Only one signed for is for the firearms application. As per my thread below.. Been to over 100 farms and only got one permission, and that was just luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasduck Posted January 24, 2013 Report Share Posted January 24, 2013 (edited) for me i turn up with the cattle crush on behind the jeep welly boots on and ask the first person i see 9 out of 10 times it works but then end up talking to them for hours but hey new permission so it worth it dont think it would work if i was cleaned up and driving a sporty car Edited January 24, 2013 by jasduck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sean Richo Posted January 24, 2013 Report Share Posted January 24, 2013 As to getting things signed be carefull as I have been shooting on a permission that I got recently off a local farmer however the first time I shot the land a nearby house called the police. They actually called 999 and said there was somebody in a field with a gun. So next thing two police vehicles turned up they could not see me due to me being hidden so I put the gun down and walked across the field towards them. I explained that I was shooting pigeons and I had permission off the land owner they checked my SHG and then asked for the land owners phone number but I could not provide it as I had only spoke to him in the field and he said ok due to him being busy and covered in mud did not ask him to sign anything. The police were fine but asked where the farm owner lived as they may call and see him they asked me to ring 101 the non emergency number next time am shooting so if anybody calls they don't have to panic. The thing is now I have posted a letter through the farmers door asking him to sign a permission slip and put his number on it as am better prepared then if police come out. But the farmer might think why am I asking him to sign things and also he might think am becoming a pain. But then again don't fancy shooting unless I got it in writing as I did panic when police turned up as I knew I had nothing in writing so it was just a verbal agreement. I put a stamped address envelope in with permission slip and posted it two days ago so hoping for a reply of farmer. Would anybody else of asked for his signature or just carried on I hope I don't loose the permission due to me bothering him again as he only said yes a few months ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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