The Ultimate Guide to Leasing Land for Hunting

If you own a piece of land and are looking for ways to make some extra income while keeping it in great shape, leasing it for hunting might be the perfect solution. In this guide, we’ll break down how to lease land for hunting, from setting clear terms to finding the right hunters.

Leasing your land for hunting is an easy way to earn passive income without much extra effort on your part. This income can help cover property taxes, maintenance costs, or simply add to your bottom line.

Beyond financial benefits, leasing your land for hunting can also reduce trespassing and the damage caused by wildlife. Having authorized hunters on your property discourages unwanted visitors while helping manage wildlife populations that could otherwise harm crops or the natural environment.

If you have land that animals inhabit or routinely pass through, there’s probably a hunter who would love to lease your land. There are many different types of hunting leases hunters search for, and they can last for one day, one season, or one year. We’ve broken the most common ones down for you below.

Farmland leases allow hunters to use agricultural properties for hunting activities, offering access to fields, pastures, and crop areas. These leases are highly sought after due to the abundance of game attracted by the crops — like whitetail deer, turkey, and pheasants — and the relatively open terrain, which provides good visibility and ease of movement.

Timberland hunting leases cover forested areas owned by timber companies or private landowners. They offer hunters access to dense woods, seclusion, and varied terrain. These leases are popular for hunting species such as deer, bear, wild boar, and small game, which thrive in the thick cover and diverse habitats of timberland.

Wetland and marshland hunting leases cover properties with water features, such as marshes, swamps, and wetlands, often located near rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. They are highly valued by hunters and anglers targeting waterfowl like ducks and geese, as well as amphibians and some fish species, due to the rich and diverse habitats wetlands provide.

Species-specific hunting leases give hunters the opportunity to target their preferred game. These leases are designed to attract hunters who are dedicated to pursuing specific animals, like elk or coyotes. They often include land with optimal habitats and features that support the target species.

Exchange of services hunting leases are agreements that give hunters access to land in return for providing specific services rather than monetary payment. These services can include habitat improvement, land maintenance, pest control, and wildlife management activities. This is a special type of lease that fosters a cooperative relationship between landowners and hunters.

If you’ve already decided to lease your land for hunting but aren't sure how to go about it, follow the steps below. These steps may vary by state and jurisdiction, so be sure to research your specific area’s regulations.

• Assess Your Land: Determine if your land has desirable hunting features such as abundant game, habitats, and easy access.

• Check Laws & Regulations: Ensure your land complies with local zoning laws and hunting regulations. Obtain any necessary permits or licenses.

• Define Lease Scope & Period: Decide which areas of your land will be available for hunting and which will be off-limits. Specify the types of game that can be hunted. Determine how long the lease will last.

• Set Rules: Outline rules for hunters, such as safety guidelines, vehicle use, tree stands, camping, and waste disposal.

• Price the Lease: Research local hunting lease rates to set a competitive price. Decide if you will charge extra for additional services or access to facilities, like cabins or guided hunts.

• Draft a Hunting Lease Agreement: Create a detailed lease agreement outlining all terms, conditions, and responsibilities. Include liability waivers and indemnification clauses to protect yourself legally.

• Advertise: Promote your lease locally through hunting clubs, outdoor shops, online leasing platforms, and community boards. Include detailed descriptions and high-quality photos of your land.

• Screen Potential Lessees: Conduct interviews or meetings with potential lessees to ensure they understand and agree to your terms.

• Finalize Lease: Once you have selected suitable lessees, sign the lease agreement and provide copies to all parties involved. Collect any upfront payments or deposits as specified in the lease agreement.

• Monitor & Manage: Periodically check on the property and communicate with lessees to ensure compliance with the lease terms. Handle any problems or disputes quickly to maintain a positive relationship and protect your land.

One of the most important aspects of leasing your land for hunting is creating a solid hunting lease agreement. This is a legal contract between a landowner and a hunter that grants the hunter permission to hunt on the property for a specific period. To write a watertight hunting lease agreement, there are certain elements you must include and steps you have to take.

When setting up a hunting lease agreement, it’s important to cover all the key details to protect both the landowner and the hunter. A well-crafted agreement ensures everyone is on the same page about what’s allowed, when payments are due, and how the land can be used. The key components you should include are:

• Information on all parties involved: Include the full names, identification, and contact details of the landowner and the hunter(s).

• Property information: Clearly describe the location, size, and boundaries of the land being leased for hunting.

• Lease terms: Outline the duration of the lease and any conditions for renewal or extension.

• Payment terms: Specify the lease price, payment schedule, any required deposit, and the accepted payment method.

• Permitted and restricted activities: Define what activities are allowed, such as hunting, camping, or fishing, and note any restricted activities.

• Land use and management guidelines: Provide details on how the land should be maintained, including any rules about wildlife management or land conservation.

• Safety and conduct rules: List the safety guidelines, including rules for using firearms, hunter conduct, and reporting accidents or injuries.

• Liability waiver: Include a clause that releases the landowner from liability for accidents or injuries that occur on the property.

• Access and use: Outline when the property can be used, including specific seasons or times and the procedures for accessing the land.

• Termination conditions: Explain the circumstances under which either party can terminate the lease early.

• Indemnification: Include a section where the hunter agrees to cover any damages or legal issues arising from their actions on the property.

• Subleasing rules: Clarify whether the hunter can sublease the hunting rights to others and how to do so.

• Dispute resolution guidelines: Define how disputes will be handled, whether through mediation, arbitration, or legal action.

• Dated signatures: Ensure all parties involved sign and date the agreement to make it legally binding.

Managing hunting lease land effectively helps keep your property in great shape and ensures that both you and the hunters have a positive experience. Here are some tips for keeping everything running smoothly:

• Develop a management plan: Outline your goals for habitat improvement, wildlife management, and land maintenance activities to ensure the property remains healthy and attractive for wildlife and hunting.

• Maintain access: Keep trails and access roads clear of debris, overgrown vegetation, and erosion to ensure safe and easy access for hunters throughout the season.

• Inspect hunting equipment: Regularly check and maintain hunting blinds, tree stands, and other structures to ensure they are in safe, working condition.

• Fence and gate upkeep: Repair fences and gates to control access and protect your property from trespassers.

• Communicate with lessees: Provide regular updates to lessees about land management activities, wildlife sightings, and any changes to property rules to keep them informed.

• Encourage feedback: Invite lessees to share their experiences, report issues, suggest improvements, and address any concerns they raise quickly.

• Mark property boundaries: Clearly mark the boundaries of your property with signs to inform lessees and others of the hunting lease area.

• Conduct property patrols: Regularly patrol the property to ensure compliance with the lease rules and to deter trespassers.

Try out the following tools to make your leasing experience easier, successful, and more enjoyable.

• Mapping Software: Tools like Google Earth, OnX Hunt, and HuntStand for mapping property boundaries, trails, food plots, and stands.

• Wildlife Cameras: Trail cameras to monitor wildlife activity and population health.

• GIS Tools: Geographic Information System (GIS) tools to analyze land features and habitats.

• Online Listing Platforms: Websites like Base Camp Leasing, Hunting Lease Network, and LeaseHunter to advertise available hunting leases.

• Social Media: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and local hunting forums to reach potential lessees.

• Lease Agreement Templates: Pre-made templates or software like Rocket Lawyer or LegalZoom to draft comprehensive lease agreements.

• Contract Management Software: Tools to manage and store lease agreements and other important documents digitally and securely.

• Land Management Apps: Apps like LandTrust streamline the leasing process and manage landowner-lessee relationships.

Leasing your land for hunting is a great way to generate extra income, manage wildlife, and protect your property from trespassing. With a clear agreement in place and some thoughtful management, you can create a successful partnership with hunters that benefits everyone. If you need some tools to get your land hunter-ready, check out the hunting gear and equipment available at Academy Sports + Outdoors!