Do you own land, yet find money a little tight these days?
For many landowners, their land is their greatest asset. With that land, they can make money in a number of ways, one of which includes leasing it out for those who like to hunt.
So, has leasing some of your land to hunters on occasion crossed your mind?
Set Rules and Regulations
In the event you decide to lease a portion of your land to hunters, it is important that you have in place rules and regulations so everyone is on the same page.
So that these arrangements come off without a hitch when you want to lease your hunting land, make sure to:
- Sign a contract – While you may not think that having one or more people on your property hunting deserves a contract, think again. A contract gives both you and those hunting peace of mind, thereby having everything spelled out for all to see. The contract should include what is and is not permitted on your land during hunts, which individuals are responsible for any damages to your land during a hunt, and what the financial terms are. If someone is unwilling to sign such a contract, think twice about allowing them on your land;
- Talk money – You’re more than likely not going to rent out your land without expecting some kind of compensation in return. Given that’s the case, discuss and finalize the financial terms before anyone sets foot on your property to hunt. Instead of going with a long-term deal for weeks and months, best in the beginning to do a one-time deal, thereby allowing you and those hunting to see if there is potential for more hunting on your property down the road. Always make sure to get paid upfront (at least a deposit) so that you don’t come out of this arrangement short;
- Go over lay of the land – Even though you know your land’s layout like the back of your hand, strangers obviously do not. Take the time to give any hunters a short tour of your property, highlighting any issues that may need to be covered such as areas where someone could fall, where you property boundary lines sit, and what area or areas are off limits to hunting;
- Medical emergencies – While the last thing anyone wants during a hunt is an injury, they do happen from time to time. Be sure to go over how such emergencies will be handled, including where the nearest medical facilities are to your land. Accidental shootings do take place on occasion during hunts, but someone could also suffer a fall on your property, a medical emergency such as chest pains or a seizure etc. Given that hunters are not going to be as familiar with your land as you are, make sure they are aware of how to get medical help immediately if need be;
- Neighbors – If you live essentially out in the middle of nowhere, then you are less likely to have to worry about the neighbors. That said many people who do live in the country have neighbors within relatively short distance, so take account of this if you are in that situation. You may be hesitant to want to let a neighbor or neighbors know you are renting out your land for hunting purposes, but it oftentimes is the best thing to do. This way, neighbors know if they see an individual or individuals with guns on your property that they are there strictly for hunting game and nothing else. Such notifications will help decrease the odds of your neighbor alerting authorities and/or there being a misunderstanding over people on your property with guns. Having a clear level of communications between all parties will reduce any stress that may arise otherwise.
If renting out your land to hunters has crossed your mind in the past, now could be the right time to pull the trigger on such a deal.
Those hunting know that they have a place to go hunt, while you know that you are making some extra income by allowing such actions.
In the end, hunting for some extra income might just be the right game for you.
