What's the greatest barrier to the ongoing American tradition of hunting? Access to huntable land. Most of us simply do not own the acreage necessary to support a hunting area, and there isn't always a nearby public-land area to hunt. "Old School" landowners still exist who will grant access to their acres to folks who simply ask and promise to respect the land. Sadly, for many, the "Old School" is on permanent summer break. That's where the concept demonstrated in this excellent video from Savage Arms comes in: Sharing the Land.
Sharing the Land acknowledges the inherent value of access to private land and the need to expand public access opportunities. The rising costs of owning rural land, shifts in land ownership, a growing population, leasing of hunting rights, and increased interest in outdoor activities have made it increasingly challenging for non-landowners to secure permission for hunting, foraging, or recreation on private lands.
What many landowners don't know is that allowing access to their land can bring in extra money. Government programs like the Farm Bill Voluntary Public Access program lease recreational and hunting access from landowners who in exchange, open their land to public access. It's a complex, multifaceted strategy ... but if implemented properly, it can benefit everyone involved, including the landowner, the hunting public, and the health of the game itself.
