How to Lease Hunting Land in Iowa

Leasing land can ensure access to prime hunting grounds that would otherwise be unavailable.

Iowa is known for its productive farmland, but it also has productive hunting grounds. With lots of grain for wild game to feed on, Iowa boasts record deer and other wildlife. However, much of Iowa's land is owned privately with little public access for hunting. This, however, provides great opportunities to lease hunting land for private use. Unlike using a guide service, hunting leases allow a hunter to hunt at his leisure without time constraints and is often cheaper. There are some basic procedures you can follow to assist in finding and leasing prime Iowa hunting land.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Internet access
• Map of Iowa

Instructions

1. Find available land. This can be done through an Internet-based service, hunting periodicals or simply by word of mouth. The Hunting Lease Network is an example of an Internet-based service that brings hunters in contact with landowners. Iowa Whitetail Hunting specializes in deer hunts in Iowa. You can narrow your search with such Internet services to specify the game you wish to hunt or the type of terrain. However, if you don't want to pay for a subscription or a finder's fee, you can simply ask around to locate someone willing to lease their land. If you have a personal connection to the person, they might even invite you to hunt for free.

2. Scout the land. You almost always take a car for a test drive before purchasing it, and you should do the same for land you might pay to hunt. Ask the landowner if you can inspect the property before entering the lease. The owner might offer to show you around or let you inspect the property on your own.

3. Make sure there are no other interests in the land that will interfere with your hunting lease. Property that is available for hunting might also be leased for other purposes. In Iowa, it is likely the land also will be used for farming. Check with the landowner regarding other activities before entering the lease. If the land is also used for farming, make sure you discuss when you can hunt and if any other parties, such as the farm operator, need to be notified before entering the property.

4. Negotiate the terms of the lease. You can rent hunting land for as short a term as a day, or you might wish to lease the land for the entire season or year. Lease prices also vary and are negotiable depending on variables such as size of the property and likelihood of bagging game.

5. Put the lease in writing. Although an oral lease for less than a year is enforceable in Iowa, it is better to put the agreement in writing. Reducing the lease to writing will help ensure both parties understand the terms of the agreement and provides a reference in case a dispute should arise later.

Tips & Warnings

• Always treat the wildlife and the land with respect. This is not only ethical but also will go a long way in ensuring good relations in the future and might even open up more hunting opportunities.

• Follow all Iowa state regulations regarding hunting. Hunting on private property does not necessarily mean that you are not subject to state license and limit regulations.

References

• Hunting Lease Network
• Iowa Whitetail Hunting