Thread: A trap for new players?

I was driving out the back today with the intent on picking up a goat for the freezer. About 10kms away from the DOC land I pulled over to let a farmer on his horse move some cattle along the road. He asked me if I was going for a drive. I just said "Nah, going out to get a goat for the freezer" There are a couple in the paddock there, shoot them. I asked him if it was his land and he said "no, it's the neighbour. But he lets my kids shoot them, he won't mind"

I said "Thanks for the offer but unless I have permission from the owner I'll give it a miss. " He said again, "Nah he won't mind". I just repeated very pleasantly that I really appreciated the thought, but without the landowner's actual permission I'd give it a miss". No bad feelings on either part, and I truly did appreciate the offer. But I could see how it could go tits up if I had shot them and the landowner drove past and wasn't happy... Poaching etc and probably the loss of a FAL. But I could see how a newbie might take up the offer. Maybe I overthought it, but I could see the fishhooks.

I would have used caution there to not his land to give permission

@Barry the hunter Exactly my thoughts

Thanks for posting this, a newbie (or myself) may not have thought to check that it was his land to give permission. If you're looking for land to shoot on an offer like that is so tempting, it's an easy trap to miss.

Well played

I was once given permission to hunt an area by someone who claimed to be the owner. Turns out he wasn't! Luckily for me there was no consequence.

Originally Posted by Shearer

I was once given permission to hunt an area by someone who claimed to be the owner. Turns out he wasn't! Luckily for me there was no consequence.

Have had the opposite of that scenario at my place a couple of times.
Permission given by neighbour but with stating boundaries

Good call

Good call, it may not have been or felt appropriate for you in the moment, but were that window open, I would've followed up for the neighbor/owners contact details and then you potentially have the option to take up the offer.

Along the same lines, I recently got told by someone it was all good to shoot on their place anytime and please don't text to ask. I know for a fact the guy was the owner but still don't feel comfortable just rocking up and shooting anytime. Accordingly I haven't actually availed myself of the offer.

Sometimes you also need to be a bit careful if a mate invites you onto private land that they have permission to hunt on (or not).

Yup good call..but I would have asked him to intro me.to the owner, or at least get his contact details and permission to mention his name as the referer lol.

And did you get to fill the freezer?

A lost opportunity? You need to be scrupulously ethical and proper. But an enquiry into who the actual farmer was and where he lives, and a double check with the actual farmer himself might have led to a new hunting spot.

(later: as per Jhon above)

Originally Posted by Pengy

Have had the opposite of that scenario at my place a couple of times.
Permission given by neighbour but with stating boundaries

WITHOUT stating boundaries FFS. I probably should not type whilst filling my face

I would have shot them, life’s short, live a little

Originally Posted by duckndeer

I would have shot them, life’s short, live a little

Yeah, naaah

Maybe I should have asked for the farmer's name. But hindsight is 20/20. When you're put on the spot like that it never even crossed my mind. The entire encounter probably lasted a minute. But to be honest, the thought of hopping out of the car and shooting them over the fence didn't really appeal to me. One of the things I love the most about hunting is the actual stalk