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/store, gift basket, a good book or a wildlife themed gift such as a bird house, bird feeder, or woodduck box (available from $5-$25 at the Fish and Game regional office , 3316 16th St. in Lewiston).
- Assist them in protecting their property through documenting and reporting suspicious activities to them.
- Offer to clean up and properly dispose of illegal dumping that has occurred on their property.
- Respect the property as if it is yours. Tread lightly and leave nothing behind.
Remember that access for wildlife related outdoor recreation is an Idaho 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.