Summary: Being a freelance waterfowl hunter and having grown up on a farm that was located less than one mile from a 3200 acre Wildlife Management Area, my experience in asking for and giving permission to hunt has been considerable. As someone who has asked for permission to hunt as well as someone who has been asked to give permission to hunt, there is clearly a "right way' and a "wrong way" to ask for the opportunity to hunt someone else's land.
Although there is no guarantee that you'll get permission to hunt, following the suggestions listed below will definitely increase your chances to obtain permission to hunt from the landowner.
The first step to successfully obtaining permission is respect. That means being respectful and looking respectable.
Common courtesy and good manners still go along way, especially in rural areas. Using yes sir, no sir, Mr., and Mrs. shows proper respect when speaking with someone you do not personally know. You'll also greatly increase your opportunity to gain permission if you look like someone who is a responsible individual.
Next, before actually asking for permission give a brief background of yourself. I was and am very reluctant to give permission to hunt to someone I know nothing about. If possible have a business card or, as some hunters are now doing, a brief resume of you as a hunter. This will give the landowner more confidence in you and, if something does happen, he knows who you are and how to get a hold of you.
Also, if another landowner that lives in the area has given you permission to hunt his land, mention this along with the landowner's name. This is another step to help you build creditability with the landowner you are asking permission to hunt from.
If you are hunting with a group of people and you have multiple vehicles designate a group and one vehicle to ask for permission. When asking for permission, explain where you would like to hunt and explain who will be hunting with you. The landowner may grant you permission but only for a certain number of people. If that happens, respect his request and either split up or don't hunt the land.
Whenever possible, ask the landowner in person rather than over the phone. People like to see who they are dealing with. In addition, it is always harder to tell someone no in person than it is to tell them no over the phone.
After you've gained permission and finished hunting, make sure you pick up everything that you brought onto the property. This includes food wrappers, pop cans, empty shell hulls, even cigarette butts. Make sure that you close all gates and fences that you've opened. The landowners shouldn't even know you've been there.
Once the hunt has been completed, you should return the favor of the landowner's generosity. Show your appreciation by giving the landowner a ham, turkey, smoked duck or goose, or a gift certificate to a local restaurant or any other thoughtful gift. Demonstrating your thankfulness is one of the best ways to insure that you'll be invited to come back again and again.
The final tip covers them all. Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you!