If I Lease My Farm to Hunters, Should I Allow Them to Use Tree Stands, Blinds and My Outbuildings as Part of the Lease?

Factors to consider when planning a new hunting lease relationship. So, you want to lease your farm to hunters, but questions remain. Should you allow them to use tree stands, hunting blinds, and even buildings as part of the lease? These and more are common and important questions to consider. Read on to learn more.

Hunter (Lessee) Expectations

It’s important to consider the expectations of hunters (lessees). Generally, most do not lease a property expecting to use established tree stands and hunting blinds. They certainly don’t expect to use buildings. Instead, hunters anticipate scouting the property and deploying their own blinds, stands, etc. However, if available, it’s up to you to offer the use of these assets, or not.

Landowner (Lessor) Concerns

Some landowners might be concerned about allowing hunters to use tree stands, hunting blinds, and outbuildings on their land. That’s an understandable thought, especially with the modern legal climate. That said, as previously noted, it’s entirely the landowner’s decision what is and isn’t allowed on their land. However, it’s important to consider hunter expectations, as this is a paid lease and they’re paying a premium price to access your land. It’s good to provide them with expected access, including the ability to use important hunting gear, such as tree stands and hunting blinds.

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Find the Middle Ground

As always, it’s crucial to find the middle ground. Consider all parties, and land in a place that’s acceptable for everyone involved. This ensures fairness for everyone. Lessors and lessees alike meet expectations and work together toward a mutually beneficial relationship. Without that, the leasing partnership isn’t nearly as fluid. Furthermore, lessee turnover rates are likely to be significantly higher if the lessor isn’t easy to work with.

Implement a Well-Written Lease Agreement

One of the best ways to manage the lessor-lessee relationship, and to ensure that each party’s respective interests are represented, is a well-written lease agreement. With Base Camp Leasing (https://www.basecampleasing.com), hunters and landowners alike are protected, and represented fairly, through a professionally and carefully written lease contract. It addresses the needs of all involved and allows everyone fair and equal treatment. This protects everyone and ensures a good and proper process. It even addresses and limits potential liability concerns.

Secure a Great Liability Insurance Policy

The final (and perhaps most important) step in a hunting lease relationship is securing a great liability insurance policy. This protects the lessors and lessees from potential liability concerns. It’s an important part of easing the minds of participating stakeholders. Without question, a top-tier insurance policy can provide peace of mind for those who worry about things going amiss.

Of course, it’s important to know that, statistically speaking, hunting is significantly safer than most believe it to be. Even so, for the rare occasions, a good insurance policy can provide much-needed coverage.

Thankfully, AHLA offers insurance for vacant land (https://insurance.ahuntinglease.org/vacant-land/) and hunting leases (https://insurance.ahuntinglease.org/hunting-lease-insurance-annually/).

 Some of AHLA’s exclusive benefits include next-day coverage, zero deductible, custom-created attorney-approved waiver, landowner guide for making your property safer, “No Trespassing” signs, and more. Plus, receive an insurance certificate that’s emailed immediately to the landowner. That certificate is also uploaded to the associated AHLA account.

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Is Vacant Land Insurance Right for You?

Enjoy leading figures for “per-occurrence” pay outs, higher aggregates, etc. Plus, provide much-needed protections and liability claims against you from invitees (those invited on the property for the benefit of the landowner), licensees (those invited on the property for their own amusement or recreation), or trespassers (those who access the property without permission or knowledge).

 The question remains. Is vacant land insurance right for you?

“This program offers General Liability to owners of vacant land,” said AHLA. “The policy provides coverage for claims arising against the landowner alleging bodily injury or property damage due to the landowner’s negligence. These claims may be brought against the landowner by an invited or uninvited guest. Vacant land liability insurance offers peace of mind and is a great solution for protecting your assets as a landowner.”

*Editor’s Note: This is not legal advice. Those seeking legal advisement should consult a qualified attorney. Share your legal concerns and questions with qualified professionals who understand law, liabilities, and the intricacies of hunting land leases.