I Want to Make Money by Leasing Access to Hunters, But I’m Afraid of Being Sued If They Get Hurt.

Here’s why you shouldn’t be afraid of lawsuits with hunters.

So, you want to make money by leasing access to hunters, but you’re afraid of being sued if they get hurt. Landowners are beginning to realize the value they have in quality hunting land. Rural American is awakening to the fact that hunting land access is worth something. But they should also know that leasing hunting land doesn’t come with a lot of risk. That said, there are multiple ways to reduce remaining concerns.

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.

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Defining Hunting Leases

A hunting lease is a business transaction between a hunter (lessee) and landowner (lessor). The lessee pays the lessor for hunting land access, and each party receives what they’re hoping for. The former wants quality hunting land access. The latter hopes to boost property revenue. Each party walks away happy with the outcome.

Addressing Landowner Concerns

Hunting is among the safest outdoor activities available to enjoy. In fact, it’s far safer than most sports. Statistically speaking, it’s even safer than other common activities, including basketball, biking, boating, bungee jumping, caving, dirt bikes, flying aircraft, hang gliding, paragliding, parachuting, scuba diving, skiing, snowboarding, surfing, and even traveling. So, allow that to ease some of your apprehension about allowing a contracted, insured hunter onto your property.

Next, by taking the correct steps, lease hunters are just that — under contract and completely insured. All parties involved sign hunting lease contracts that include important clauses on releases of liability. Furthermore, through working with Base Camp Leasing (BCL), or AHLA (https://insurance.ahuntinglease.org/hunting-lease-insurance-annually/) (if leasing out land on your own), enjoy a $5 million hunting lease liability insurance policy that covers landowners and lease hunters alike.

Outlining a Bulletproof Lease Agreement

Drafting and executing a proper hunting lease agreement shouldn’t be left up to weekend “lawyers.” These come with important checklists, but with all the right language, landowners are protected. So, either work with a qualified attorney, or lease out your land through BCL, which already uses a proven, time-tested lease contract format.

Leasing with a Proven Agency 

As noted, there are many nuances to hunting leases. That shouldn’t turn you off to the idea of leasing your land to hunters, though. If anything, allow a hunting lease agency, like BCL, to handle the hassle, remove any hinderances, remedy your peace of mind, and secure you a premium price.

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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.

Enjoy leading figures for “per-occurrence” pay outs, higher aggregates, etc. Plus, it provides 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.”