Is it a good deer lease or not?

[TKK]

If you get on a lease then considering doing these things BEFORE you sign up:

1. Ask the lease boss if he is paying the same as all other members? If not then in most cases there will be problems.

2. Ask him what the rules are and could you see them in writing? Also ask him if the he is required to follow the same rules as the other lease members?

3. Ask for RECENT pictures of bucks that have been taken.

4. Ask him if the land owner is involved - if he is not then there may be a red flag. If he is involved does he really care about the long term health of his deer or does he just want the money?

5. Does the landowner spend any of the lease money to improve their ranch and herd?

6. Does the lease boss/lessee have a signed written contract between them? If they do ask to see a copy. Look in the contract to see how many years the lease is for? If it is a year to year lease then watch out.

7. How many hunters per acre? Is there a limit on how many guest can come at a time? (I have seen many leases ruined by unlimited guest who literally take over the place)

8. Before you write a check meet face to face with the lease boss or land owner. In most cases you can get an idea of their character and if your money is going to be spent well.

9. Is anyone else allowed on the ranch and allowed to hunt other than lease members?

Just my take on doing this for many years - nobody wants to squander their hard earned money on a bad lease

[flywise]

Better to find a lease that is only you and a few friends
I don't understand #5

[kyle1974]

I was on a lease with 15 people once and the lease manager had a free spot.

with all the drama and BS, he was horribly under paid.

[diamondrules]

my soon to be not lease, the lease manager changes rules everytime he shows up and just writes it on the sign in board where we can no longer hunt and only he can lol

[texas shag]

well thought out list TKK.

I would like to add it is also good inquire about the property boundaries and acerage, as you should verify that the advertised lease size is accurate.

[TKK]

Better to find a lease that is only you and a few friends
I don't understand #5

if a landowner only wants your money but does not participate in improving his property then long term that is usually not a good deal. Does he keep the roads maintained? Does he oversee the lease boss to make sure rules and management are being followed? Does he clear brush if needed? Lots of things they can do other than collect your money

[lakefork]

Good thoughts. THX

[TKK]

my soon to be not lease, the lease manager changes rules everytime he shows up and just writes it on the sign in board where we can no longer hunt and only he can lol

refer to the original post -

[flywise]

if a landowner only wants your money but does not participate in improving his property then long term that is usually not a good deal. Does he keep the roads maintained? Does he oversee the lease boss to make sure rules and management are being followed? Does he clear brush if needed? Lots of things they can do other than collect your money

The land owner is typically not leasing his land as a for profit business.
Its been my experience the lease money goes towards taxes, cattle feed and fencing repairs and such like that.

[TKK]

well thought out list TKK.

I would like to add it is also good inquire about the property boundaries and acerage, as you should verify that the advertised lease size is accurate.

good point

[doghouse]

This is why I do not lease my land! Rather family hunt than a bunch of cry babies.

[texas shag]

This is why I do not lease my land! Rather family hunt than a bunch of cry babies.

this is a confusing response to this thread......If you read TKKs post, he is essentially saying that it should be an equal team effort to have a good lease between the landowner, lease manager and leasee. If you find/have a setup like he is saying you should look for, there shouldn't be a crybaby.

Congrats to you on owning land. I also own land and it is a nice luxury, but it has nothing to do with his thread.

[mpotts]

This is why I do not lease my land! Rather family hunt than a bunch of cry babies.

All family on ours glad I don't have to go through the DRAMA of did they shoot the right deer or someone living too close and hunts more than others and all the other BS I have heard of. Good luck with you new search OP

[8pointer]

Nice gesture and very good pointers for those looking at getting on new leases next season!

[TKK]

All family on ours glad I don't have to go through the DRAMA of did they shoot the right deer or someone living too close and hunts more than others and all the other BS I have heard of. Good luck with you new search OP

Not sure what the heck you are talking about? I am nor searching. I am on an awesome lease. Just trying to help folks out who may be looking to lease