How to Lease Hunting Land in Montana
Montana's mountainous terrain and lush forests provide hunters---as well as all outdoor enthusiasts---endless opportunities to explore, camp, hike, and hunt within the region. The state is home to thousands of acres of public lands, much of which are set aside as designated hunting grounds, campgrounds, and national forests. Though the public land is plentiful, privately owned land is becoming increasingly popular to lease for hunting. Not only can you enjoy the benefits of hunting on less crowded lands, you may also be able to use the land for other outdoor recreation such as camping or fishing if your lease is written accordingly. Acquiring a hunting lease in Montana is not regulated by the government, and is an agreement between a landowner(s) and a hunter, or hunting group.
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Instructions
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Locate a landowner willing to lease hunting land. A landowner may own the land outright, or the land may be owned by a corporation. Either way you can find a landowner through a few resources such as a local outfitter or hunting club that may already have a hunting lease. Check online resources such as Montana Hunting.net, or MontanaHuntClub.com for available hunting lease listings.
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Schedule an appointment with the landowner to view the property, and to discuss the possibility of a lease. When viewing the property, look for indications of excessive land use such as heavily cleared areas, poor water quality, non-existence of boundary lines or broken fencing, and the presence of the particular wildlife you seek. Such negative signs could make the land a spot you should avoid.
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Discuss land quality with the landowner and inquire about habitat management. Ask questions pertinent to land quality such as: Has the land been surveyed by the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Department? Has habitat management been recommended or implemented due to decreased population of specific game animals? Are there any other lessees currently using the land? Ask about the presence of deer or elk with reported Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Also ask if the land has ever been used for trash or hazardous material dumping.
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Discuss lease options with the landowner. Inquire about liability insurance. A lessee often is required to purchase liability insurance, but this is typically purchased by the landowner. Sometimes a lease stipulates that all lessees must be insured as well. Ask about land use regulations. Some hunting leases don't allow activity other than hunting, while others allow recreational activity such as camping and fishing. Be sure you are happy with your lease options before going forward with signing the lease.
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Sit down with a third party, or independent arbitrator such as a lawyer or notary public, and go over the lease line by line. Make sure you understand and agree to every aspect of the lease without a doubt prior to signing on the dotted line. This is recommended for the legal protection of all parties involved.
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Tips & Warnings
You can save money if you lease hunting land with a hunting group or club. This way you can split the cost and enjoy the land with your favorite hunting companions.
Make sure to obey all stipulations and regulations in the lease. Failure to do so can result in eviction from the property.
