Off Topic - Leasing deer hunting land, where to sell deer stands

[Timmer]

Hi guys,

Upland birds and turkey hunting, as well as fishing, are my recreational passions. I haven't hunted deer since probably around 1987.  I recently purchased 365 acres of land for the purposes of getting away from it all when I retire.  Trophy bucks have been pulled from the property in the past.  A couple of questions for you:

What are your thoughts on leasing it out for deer hunting?  Worth the hassle for the extra money?  Bad experiences letting strangers onto your land? 

Also, I have pulled out 17 ladder stands so far.  Where would you sell them?

Thanks for your thoughts!

[MossyOak92]

Depending on your location leasing out deer rights could pay your taxes every year and put a little cash in your pocket. As for the stands if they are not new you will probably have to sell local to keep shipping from eating up what they are worth.

[10th Legionaire]

You just have to interview the potential lease's to see what kind of folks they are. The lease needs to be very specific about what you're willing to allow and have termination clauses in case they aren't following the rules you set.

The last time my wife and I leased a house the landlord ran our credit to make sure we were responsible folks. Might not be a bad idea. If they aren't responsible to pay their bills they probably aren't responsible enough to play by the rules.

[Alabama556]

The way I look at it is simple. Is the money I am getting from the deer hunters worth the liability I create by letting them on my land. It has never worked in my mind because I also only have a small tract and I understand how crappy a lot of hunting club insurance policies are.


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[10th Legionaire]

Alabama brings up a good point. Make sure they are insured and name you on the policy and get a copy of their certificate of insurance with your name on it.

[Timmer]

Alabama brings up a good point. Make sure they are insured and name you on the policy and get a copy of their certificate of insurance with your name on it.

Thanks guys.  I hadn't thought about their insurance. 

[squidd]

Have been on a deer lease for last 5-yrs and our lease pretty much pays for the taxes. We carry liability insurance, pay for the upkeep of what buildings there are and the electricity.

We try to keep it at ~ 100-acres per member and if I owned the property, would want less people on the property. 

I would also put in the lease what club members could or couldn't do such as overnight camping, cutting timber/vegetation, roads, off-road vehicles, etc...

Not sure I'd sell the ladder stands as you may be liable if anyone falls out or if they fail??

If you found 17 ladder stands, I'm sure there are plenty of people that would love to lease it.

[Timmer]

Thanks all.  I wasn't really thinking hunting club, just maybe a lease to one or two hunters.  Maybe there is no difference.  Liability and insurance risk is a big consideration.  I already cover my taxes leasing out a 100 acre  field.  I might just leave it at that.  Maybe I will let the local deer hunter association do a mentored youth hunt for some lucky kid. 

[deathfoot]

Maybe just let a few old gobbler members come up and deer hunt it a weekend or two. If nothing else, keep the deer population in check.

Not suggesting this for me, because deer hunting isn't my thing either. Just a thought. :-)

[RiverBuck]

If you're wanting to sell the ladder stands I'd take a picture and post them for sale on facebook marketplace. That will target local buyers who will hand you cash and pick up.

[Timmer]

If you're wanting to sell the ladder stands I'd take a picture and post them for sale on facebook marketplace. That will target local buyers who will hand you cash and pick up.

I was thinking something like that.  Let them come and take their pick. 

[eggshell]

Approach it just like you would leasing a home. Check credit and background, interview,spell out terms, require proof of insurance and get references. There are many good people looking for land, just do your homework. My sister leased her farm and asked me to vet the guys and I done all this. Turned out the group were all businessmen and public officials including law officers. They have been great and they openly offer to help an elderly widow with anything they can do. Again, just apply good business practices and you will be fine.