Question about leasing hunting land.....

[PackinMama]

I've heard about people leasing land to hunt on.......can anyone tell me how that works? I have 34 acres with aprox. 20 mostly wooded and available to hunt on....and that 20 is surrounded by a LOT more wooded and secluded property. I used to hunt, and will again when my son is old enough to go with me.....but I haven't in over three years. There's a couple very nice bucks (saw a huge one last year, about 10 pts. and big) I've seen on the property and a bunch of does.....also turkeys and coyotes. I live in the hills of East TN near the Cocke/Hamblen line. I have a walking/4wheeler trail that goes out to the back of the property. I've thought about letting someone lease it for hunting. I definitely wouldn't want any night hunters on it......only daytime......basically just a deer or turkey hunter.....and no dogs. Also I would only want 1 person leasing it. I'm a little picky, I know.....but it's an awesome and fairly secluded and private place to hunt.....with some nice deer on it. Do any of you guys know about how much $ I should ask for a hunting lease? This is kinda just a feeler that I'm putting out since I really don't know too much about hunting leases. Any info would be appreciated.

[Guest Grizzly Johnson]

Well I personally haven't leased a place, but have been around a few that have. You should think about the legal issues you might encounter (if I got myself hurt and it was my fault and mine only I would never raise an issue) as we all know some people just look for a reason to get free money from a lawsuit. I would have them sign some sort of agreement to the effect that you are not responsible for any accidents or injuries while on the property and by signing the form the hunter is acknowledging that fact and would be responsible for any damage to your property which he was personally responsible for causing. Another thing to keep in mind, the higher the price tag, the harder it would be for one guy to lease (wealthier folks might not have as hard a time as me but...). It is a fairly small property but even the hunter and a partner to split it with may not be too bad, especially if one hunter can't hunt every huntable hour. I hope this helps and thanks for keeping the fellow hunters in mind and offering this property to a lucky leasee.......

[GLOCKMEISTER]

Honestly, I wouldnt do it. I have done this sort of thing in the past and it was a nightmare.

[molonlabetn]

Maybe offer it to a trusted friend, and split the meat?

Other option might be using a realtor... they might be an excellent go-between for managing a lease. I know that some agencies do this, for rental properties and the like... (though I have no knowledge of any specifically for hunting).

[strickj]

Do any of you guys know about how much $ I should ask for a hunting lease?

10 bucks sounds like a fair price to me

I might even know somebody who would fork out that kinda dough!

Other option might be using a realtor...

Yes there are several places that do that,and even several moonlighting Realtors that do it for very little money.Id call around!

[PackinMama]

The legal issues are definitely what concerns me the most. Would a 'contract' drawn up by me, that I make the leasee sign, (basically saying that I am not responsible in any way for injuries or damages that the leasee may suffer/cause while on my property, etc., etc.,) be legal and hold up in court?

[Guest Bronker]

PMama, check out www.huntinglease.com and view the "landowners" section. There's some info there. As for price, I have known several people to take the property taxes they pay on the land, and double it. On a small parcel like you mention, that may or may not be worth the potential headache?!?!?

[tn hp]

I have been involved in several hunting leases over the years. Lease agreements, at least those that I use, always contain a waiver of liability for the leasee to hold the land owner harmless from liabiltiy for injury or any damages or accidents that may occur during the course of the lease.

The price of the leases varies according to the acerage, the type of game being hunted and the state where the property is located. The TWRA, in a seminar held a couple of years ago, indicated that the normal per acre lease would be approximately $5 per acre for mixed land, timber and fields. Growing crops may make a difference.

For you small tract, I might suggest a flat lease rate of $300 per hunting season. However, that decision is yours. The "hunting season", for me, would mean from 9-1-08 through 8-31-09. It would be exclusive, unless the land owner retained the right to hunt as well and would, again for me, provide for the lessee to bring a guest or family member.

If you would like to sent me a private message, I will be happy to scan and e-mail to you a copy of a lease that is currently in force and effect. I will, of course, delete the names of the individuals and location of the property currently involved. Otherwise, I would suggest that you contact your attorney or friend who is an attorney to ask them to prepare a lease for you and how much it would cost. You probably have a friend or someone you know or church member who is an attorney that you can trust to prepare such a document for you and a prospective leasee.

I am an attorney and therefore, prepare all of my leases that are presented to the land owner for review and approval. Terms of the lease are negotiable, are fair to both parties, protect both parties and are legally enforcable in a court of law.

[PackinMama]

Thanks to everyone for all the valuable information!

It really sounds like a lot of trouble for a small payoff.....I think I'll just let my deer have a safe place to hide during hunting season.......At least until my son is old enough to take hunting with me

[Guest Bronker]

Great plan Ma.

[Guest mist123]

I would be willing to pay to hunt on a small tract of land like yours.If interested let me know.