52 Nebraskaland • January-February 2022
MIXED BAG
Many years ago, a friend told me a story about the time he
was granted permission to hunt on private land, and then
lost that permission on the same day, after a bobwhite quail
hunt. After shooting a few birds, he went and thanked the
landowner for her hospitality. Then he showed her the birds.
She was mortified at the sight. Their new patch of hunting
land was revoked as soon as it was granted.
Keep these tips in mind when thanking your landowner for
their hospitality.
1) Don't be in a hurry — Have a conversation without
needing to be anywhere. Perhaps the same person that
allows you to hunt lives vicariously through your experiences
and wants to hear nothing more than a story or two about
your day on their place. Or, perhaps they like the thought of
hunting but not the finished product. The only way you find
this out is to have a conversation with your host.
2) It's not always alcohol — During these talks, see what
your landowner is partial to. Are they a beer drinker? If so,
what brand? Or do they stay away from alcohol altogether,
and you're better off getting them some other kind of gift?
3) These gifts can come in a variety of makes and models.
From a letter written by your child who was allowed to tag
along with you pheasant hunting to some prepared game
or fish harvested during your visit. The one sentiment that
seems likeable by all is a photograph of your success or a
pretty image of their place.
With 98 percent of Nebraska's land being privately owned,
you're extremely lucky to have a place where you can lock
the gate behind you. Make sure your landowners know how
fortunate you feel.
KNOW YOUR LANDOWNER
By Jeff Kurrus
A photograph of a landowner's property is an ideal gift when granted permission to hunt or fish. JEFF KURRUS, NEBRASKALAND
