Anybody lease their land to hunters?
I started looking into it - but then got thinking maybe it's not worth the effort?
I guess I had my head-in-the-sand on the issue since many landowners in my area let people hunt for free - often a way of trading favors. But, seems things have changed. Many farmers in my area now are charging $2500 for one big game season for exclusive hunting rights.
I ran a free ad a few days ago and the first call I got was - what I thought - a three generation family. Grandpa, dad, and son. They walked my 80 acres of woods and fields and said they'd like to lease it. I then found out they are professional guides and want to bring other hunters here who have paid them for guided hunts. That makes me a little nervous. I don't want a never-ending circus here. Besides - I was offering the 80 acres here in central NY, along with another 50 acres in the Adirondacks - for $900 (not $2500).
Besides all that - I called my insurance agent and was warned that I'm covered only when I let people in for free. Once I charge any money I am not covered and the hunters must have their own insurance for me to be safe.
Last year I leased my farm and woods in northern Michigan to a group for $800 and had them sign a waiver claiming I could not be held responsible for anything that might go wrong (e.g. a hunting accident). Now I'm told the waiver is worthless and I am still liable.
I started looking into it - but then got thinking maybe it's not worth the effort?
I guess I had my head-in-the-sand on the issue since many landowners in my area let people hunt for free - often a way of trading favors. But, seems things have changed. Many farmers in my area now are charging $2500 for one big game season for exclusive hunting rights.
I ran a free ad a few days ago and the first call I got was - what I thought - a three generation family. Grandpa, dad, and son. They walked my 80 acres of woods and fields and said they'd like to lease it. I then found out they are professional guides and want to bring other hunters here who have paid them for guided hunts. That makes me a little nervous. I don't want a never-ending circus here. Besides - I was offering the 80 acres here in central NY, along with another 50 acres in the Adirondacks - for $900 (not $2500).
Besides all that - I called my insurance agent and was warned that I'm covered only when I let people in for free. Once I charge any money I am not covered and the hunters must have their own insurance for me to be safe.
Last year I leased my farm and woods in northern Michigan to a group for $800 and had them sign a waiver claiming I could not be held responsible for anything that might go wrong (e.g. a hunting accident). Now I'm told the waiver is worthless and I am still liable.