Is there any other way to find out who owns a big field, other than stopping by the farms and houses that border the field and ringing doorbells? Can you run down to the county courthouse and peruse through some sort of land records database or something?

You can run down to the courthouse or you can do it online using the Sioux Falls Interactive Mapping System (SIMS).

Fair warning, it's not the most intuitive application.

It can be found here:
http://gis.siouxfalls.org/Freeance/Client/PublicAccess1/inde...

I had problems running it under IE, but it works fine under Chrome and Firefox.

If you have problems using it, post a google maps link to the parcel you are interested in and I can take a go at it.

ATB,
Sam

That is too COOL!!

I know you hear this all the time, but you are the internet zen man! :karate:

Thank you.

Wish there was one for Oregon.....I have a nice field right across the street from me and I have no idea who to ask. I figured I'll just go hit it one day and see what happens. Haven't had the cajones to do it yet though.

Most municipalities have their GIS data online in some form or fashion. Generally, if you Google search "GIS" and the name of the county or the city, you can usually find the direct link.

Some municipalities charge for off-site, internet access, but most seem to be accessible for no costs. Every single one of them will be open for physical access. Some of the smaller municipalities don't have the funding for digitizing their paper records, so you'll need to visit in person sometimes.

Remember, all land records information is considered public information, so don't let anyone try to tell you otherwise.

-joedy