How to Lease Land from Farmers for Hunting

Hunting leases allow access to game-rich areas.

The hunting lease is a popular method of land access in areas with limited public options. The leases are especially popular in the south where a majority of the land is private. The lease is a basic contract that allows the hunter to access private land for the sole purpose of hunting. The type of lease depends on the terms of the contract negotiated by the hunter and the landowner. The price varies by region and is determined by the length of the lease and the size of the lease.

Instructions

1. Determine the region in which you can legally hunt and determine the dates and length of the seasons you will hunt.

2. Scout the region for game-rich areas from public roads. You can use binoculars to achieve a general feel for the game concentrations in the region.

3. Establish contact with landowners well in advance of the hunting season. Determine which landowners have already established lease contracts with other hunters. Also determine which landowners are willing to negotiate a lease.

4. Make a list of the potential lease properties and determine which one you want to obtain. Draw a contract that specifies the terms of the lease. This includes the acreage, price per acre and duration.

5. Approach the landowner with the contract and scout the property one last time before making the commitment. Negotiate and finalize the contract with notarized signatures from both parties.

Tips & Warnings

• You can negotiate a long-term contract for regular hunts. Allow for permanent blinds and slight alterations to the property if necessary.

• The lease is based on a legally binding contract. You must follow the terms of the lease and respect the landowner's rights in order to avoid legal altercations.

References

• Michigan Farm Bureau: Hunting Lease Agreement
• West Virginia University: Real Property: Leasing Land for Hunting and Other Recreational Uses

Resources

• Base Camp Leasing