Hunting Lease Management

Hunting Lease Management

Hunting leases are a solid option for forest landowners who want to generate annual revenue from their land. For absentee landowners, hunting lease agreements may also be a good option to help reduce trespass. Here are some key points and information to consider when it comes to managing hunting leases for forest landowners:

  • Lease Agreements: Draft comprehensive lease agreements that outline the terms and conditions of the hunting lease. Specify the lease duration, permitted hunting activities, designated hunting areas, and any restrictions or rules that hunters must follow.

  • Hunting Lease Pricing: Determine the appropriate pricing structure for your hunting lease. Consider factors such as the size and quality of the hunting area, availability of game species, demand from hunters, and local market rates.

  • Habitat Management: Forest management operations can be planned to promote particular wildlife habitats - and the more attractive a property is to game species, the more attractive it will be as a hunting lease property. With proper planning, these increased hunting opportunities can exist in harmony with forest management goals.

  • Liability and Insurance: Protect yourself from potential liabilities by requiring lessees to carry liability insurance or by carrying your own insurance.

Do not overlook hunting lease opportunities as they can help to drastically offset the cost of land ownership and forest management.

Hunting Lease FAQs

  • When setting lease terms, you should consider factors such as lease duration, permitted hunting methods, the number of hunters allowed, lease fees, liability insurance requirements, and any additional restrictions or conditions you wish to impose.

  • Yes, you can include specific rules and regulations in the lease agreement to ensure responsible hunting practices, such as designated hunting zones, required safety equipment, game harvest reporting, and compliance with local hunting laws.

    For example, you may wish to only allow archery hunting on your property - which can be specified in the lease agreement.

  • The lease agreement should address liability for property damage. It is advisable to include provisions that hold the hunters responsible for any damages they cause to your property and require them to report any incidents promptly. It is also recommended to conduct regular inspections of the property to assess any damage.

  • Leasing your property for hunting is typically considered rental income, which is treated as ordinary income for tax purposes. The lease payments you receive from hunters are subject to federal, state, and local income taxes.