I wonder if anyone could advise me how to approach local farmers to 
seek permission to shoot my air rifle, a Logun S16S on their land. I 
don't want to seem like a, 'gun toting loony'.

I live in South Birmingham (UK) and would like to shoot rabbits in the 
fields near my home.


B

Mr6  wrote in 
news:2005060401265416807%mr6@NOSPAMthemauvezonefsnetcouk:


> I wonder if anyone could advise me how to approach local farmers to 
> seek permission to shoot my air rifle, a Logun S16S on their land. I 
> don't want to seem like a, 'gun toting loony'.
> 
> I live in South Birmingham (UK) and would like to shoot rabbits in the 
> fields near my home.
> 
> 
> B
> 
> 


You may be surprised to hear that most farmers are human and approachable. 
But imagine a complete stranger turning up on your doorstep and asking to 
use your back garden to sight in their rifle. What would your reaction be?

An oblique approach initially is usually best. It is quicker to say "no" 
than "yes" and usually a heck of a lot less trouble!

Have a word with your local branch of the NFU, DEFRA (who often know who 
has a rabbit problem), livestock auctioneer, agricultural salesman, local 
pub, etc. THEN approach farmer asking if there is any way he would allow 
you to shoot rabbits. Better still, try to get an introduction -- possibly 
in the local pub or through a mutual friend.

Generally, folk like to be kind and generous, so don't state, "Look, you 
have a rabbit problem and I can help you out". Much better to start the 
conversation about the excellent quality of his lambs, crops, etc. giving 
him time to sum you up, then ask meekly if there is any chance you could 
shoot his rabbits on a specific afternoon and if not, does he know where 
you might enquire? 

Once you get your foot in the door and demonstrate that you are OK and 
possibly useful, who knows what doors will open? I have free run of 800 
acres here on my doorstep for nothing -- deer stalking, game shooting, and 
they even dug a duck pond near the house when I offered to feed it.

Derry

Mr6 wrote:

> I wonder if anyone could advise me how to approach local farmers to seek 
> permission to shoot my air rifle, a Logun S16S on their land. I don't 
> want to seem like a, 'gun toting loony'.
> 
> I live in South Birmingham (UK) and would like to shoot rabbits in the 
> fields near my home.
> 
> 
> B
> 


Derry has already given some excellent advice.

Normally I go for the direct approach but as I have many acres to shoot 
over, I haven't much to lose if the landowner tells me no, so this 
approach may not be for you.

I would simply call around the farm (at a good time, not first thing and 
not at tea time! and most certainly not around lambing time :) )
My line is normally.....

' Hello, would you know where I might find the landowners ? ' (it's no 
good speaking to a farm hand and I of course already that the person I 
am speaking to *is* the landowner).


And then

' I wonder if you might be able to help me ' (usually at this point 
you'll know what the chap is likely to say)

Now here is the important thing, if the landowner seems like an 
approachable chap, then go for the kill and ask him straight out 'Would 
it be okay for me to pop over *sometime* to shoot a few rabbits for [ 
Dinner], [the dogs], [the ferrets], [great uncle Joes Pie] or whatever'

BUT always chip in *before he has time to say no*, 'I am more than happy 
to help out on the farm in return for the chance'.

However, if the guy seems to be a bit cold too ' I wonder if you might 
be able to help me ', switch to the target shooting line of ' I was 
wondering if I may be able to zero my airgun in the bottom corner of a 
field, I am happy to pay, it's just that I don't have any room in my 
town house garden '.

You do have to play it by ear, for example if you stumble over the 
landowner struggling to move a few logs, then give him a hand (before 
asking to shoot).

I duno if any of the above will help you out but it's worked for me and 
I was wondering, if it does help you out would it be okay for me to pop 
over now and then to help you sort out the rabbits :)

John

Mr6 wrote:

> I wonder if anyone could advise me how to approach local farmers to seek 
> permission to shoot my air rifle, a Logun S16S on their land. I don't 
> want to seem like a, 'gun toting loony'.
> 
> I live in South Birmingham (UK) and would like to shoot rabbits in the 
> fields near my home.
> 
> 
> B
> 

Excellent advice already given. My four-pennorth:

If the land you want to shoot bunnies on is part of an organized shoot, 
or land adjacent is (and where in Warwickshire isn't?), get over there 
on shoot days and offer to 'beat'. If you've never done it before don't 
be afraid to say so and ask for clear instructions, I've never been on a 
shoot that couldn't make use of another flag-man, stopper in a hedgerow 
etc. (except on boxing day when you can't physically get another body on 
the beaters' trailer!). If my experience is anything to go by, you will 
meet more landowners, farmers, gamekeepers etc. in a day's beating than 
in a year of approaching individuals. Make friends first, be reliable, 
be punctual, be prepared to put yourself out for the odd 'let day' when 
the other regulars may have other commitments (because it's an unusual 
day of the week for example). Get known, get invited to beat on other 
shoots (this WILL happen automatically if you always act within your 
(expanding) knowledge of driven shooting). Be modest, be friendly, be 
prepared to have the piss taken - that means they like you and trust you 
not to over-react. Then, towards the end of the season mention 
pest-control to  your new friends! They may offer to take you out with 
them. It's long-term, but worth it!

hth
Derek