How to Lease Hunting Land: A Guide for Landowners

Do you have a slice of nature’s paradise on your property? Are you passionate about hunting? You might be wondering how to make the most out of your acres of private land.

Leasing your hunting land (or leasing farmland) helps you generate extra income and forge lasting connections with fellow hunters from across the world. At HUUNT, we make the leasing process easy for landowners, giving them the tools to succeed. 

You can turn your property into a hunting haven! Here’s how to lease your land for hunting. 

Jump To:

• Finding the Right Hunting Leases
• Attractive Hunting Amenities
• Creating a Hunting Land Lease Agreement
• Fostering Relationships
• Streamline Your Hunting Land Lease

Hunting Lease Options: Finding the Right Fit

When it comes to leasing hunting land, you have a few options to consider. The first decision is whether you want to offer an annual lease, a short-term lease or a lease for an entire hunting season. Each option has its pros and cons, so think about your property’s location, wildlife abundance and your own preferences as you make your choice.

• An annual lease provides stable income and a more consistent relationship with hunters.
• A short-term lease might attract different groups throughout the year. Hunters could rent the property for a week or a weekend. 
• A lease for a hunting season ensures exclusive access to the property during the most active hunting periods, appealing to those looking for prime opportunities. 

You should also consider what game you have to offer and what seasons your property would be available. 

Amenities to Attract Hunters

Many hunters would rather gain access to private land than public land. If your property touches public land or is near it, you may attract people who want to avoid crowded land and hunting pressure.   

Regardless of where your property is, you need to make it appealing. To make your hunting land stand out among the competition, think about adding some amenities to make hunters want to return year after year. 

The following are a few examples:

Cabins

A cozy cabin or hunting lodge provides a comfortable retreat for hunters during their stay. It doesn’t need to be fancy, but a roof over their heads and a warm place to sleep after a long day in the wilderness can make a world of difference.

Food Plot

Food plots can significantly enhance the appeal of your land to both hunters and wildlife. These plots act as natural feeding grounds, attracting game animals and improving their overall health.

Blinds and Stands 

Erecting hunting blinds and stands in strategic locations can make hunting easier and more enjoyable for your lessees. It saves them time and effort so they can get straight into hunting.

ATV Access

If your land is large and sprawling, providing access to ATVs can help hunters navigate the terrain and carry game back to the main area with ease.

Guided Hunts

You can elevate your property by offering guided or semi-guided hunts. You can lead hunters to game, provide gear and advice, and help hunters be successful on your property. It’s a great way to get groups out to your land, especially if you have unique game. 

Creating a Hunting Land Lease Agreement

Once you’ve decided on the leasing option and the amenities you’ll offer, it’s time to draft a hunting lease agreement. The leasing document outlines the terms and conditions of the lease, protecting both you and the hunters.

While it’s essential to be thorough, keep the language straightforward and easy to understand.

Here are some points to include in your lease agreement:

• Lease Term: Clearly state the start and end dates of the lease, whether it’s an annual, short-term or seasonal lease.
• Lease Fee and Payment Schedule: Define the lease fee and specify how and when payments are due. 
• Hunting Rules and Regulations: Lay down specific hunting rules to maintain order and protect the wildlife and the property. Include information about tag inclusion, hunting hours and any restricted areas.
• Amenities and Responsibilities: Detail what amenities are included in the lease and what responsibilities fall on the lessee, such as maintaining the cabin or food plots.
• Hunting Land Insurance and Liability: Address the issue of liability and consider requiring hunters to have insurance coverage.
• Termination Clause: Include a clause that outlines the conditions under which either party can terminate the lease.
• Signatures: Make sure both parties sign the agreement to indicate their consent and understanding.

Disclaimer: HUUNT does not offer official legal counsel. Please seek a lawyer if you’d like legal advice for creating a lease. 

Foster Relationships & Learn from Each Season

Once you’ve leased your land and welcomed hunters, foster positive relationships with them. Be responsive to their questions or concerns and encourage them to share their hunting experiences with you. This feedback can be invaluable in understanding what works well and what might need improvement on your property.

With each hunting season, take notes and learn from the experiences of both you and the hunters. Use this knowledge to refine your leasing strategy and make your property even more attractive for the next season.

Streamline Your Land Leasing with HUUNT

All of that can seem daunting for one property owner — and that doesn’t even include trying to find hunters to book. 

By using HUUNT, you can get your property listed without having to worry about legal leasing headaches. 

Here’s How to Do It 

1. Sign up on our website. Landowners can sign up for our Base or Premium memberships. 
2. Post your listing. We give you plenty of space for sharing photos of your property. Don’t forget to list out all those great amenities.
3. List your available dates. Let hunters know when they can book your property. 
4. Wait for hunters to book. With our Premium membership, HUUNT shares your listing across our social media and email list as well as provides dedicated marketing efforts to showcase your land to a large hunting audience. 

With HUUNT, you don’t have to make a separate lease—unless you want to! When people book your land through HUUNT, that’s it! Our Hunting Access License Agreement and Terms and Conditions take care of the rest. 

Leasing your land for hunting is a rewarding venture that lets you share your love for the outdoors while generating income. 

Remember, building positive relationships with lessees and continuously improving your offerings will ensure that hunters keep coming back to experience the wonders of your property. 

It all starts with HUUNT! 

Sign up today to join our hunting community. 

Let the adventure—and a new income stream—begin!