There are plenty of reasons you might want to hunt on private land, whether for privacy or access to a certain type of game. But leasing land for the first time can seem daunting — after all, there are a lot of factors to consider. Who should you lease from? What kind of agreement is acceptable to you? How much do you want to hunt?
Credit: Arkansas Self Guided Timber Lease
Using Venku can be a great way to simplify this process, allowing you to browse multiple leases, compare prices and terms, and choose the right one for you all from our site. But the question still remains… how do you choose your perfect lease? We’ve compiled a few general pointers to get you started.
First, the basics. You (the lessee) will lease land from the landowner (the lessor). The lease is an agreement between the two of you, and it should be viewed as a relationship. Both parties need to communicate to ensure a smooth experience.
What to Look for in a Lease
Terms
Most landowners want to preserve their land for years to come, and the terms of the lease are meant to do just that. The landowner sets the terms, so you should look carefully at the terms before leasing. See if the owner allows dogs or ATVs. Also check into what type of hunting they allow — some are archery-only, etc.
Game Types and Hunting Agreement
The lessor should clearly state what type of game is available on the land, perhaps even provide evidence of game, past hunts, or sightings. How much are you allowed to hunt? It can range from unlimited to one or two harvests per season.
Acreage and Terrain
The lessor should be up-front about their property. How many acres is it? Do they provide a map? Does it look accessible from the type of vehicle you have access to? The terrain also affects the game — see if there is a pond or any other amenities that would attract game to the land.
Timeline
Leases can be daily, short-term, or long-term. Shorter-term leases can be a good way to test out the land and see if you want to work with the owner on a long-term basis. A long-term lease is the easiest option if you want to hunt all season long, since there’s only one up-front agreement and then you have exclusive access all season long.
Lodging/Accommodations
Some sites include on-site lodging, whereas others offer an RV-hookup or camping. Some don’t offer lodging at all. If the site is far from home and doesn’t include lodging, make sure to identify a nearby hotel.