I belong to several hunting groups on Facebook, many of which are groups are location specific. I enjoy these groups because it’s nice to see the harvest pictures and hunters helping hunters. Occasionally, you will see people voicing their opinions and concerns about the cost per acre to lease property which NR Hunters, and outfitters, are always the scapegoat. I just read and keep my comments to myself. Until now!!
Cost per Acre-
Unfortunately, just like with everything else, there is inflation. For many of us, the cost of living is rising but our paychecks are not. So, when a lease was $8/acre and it jumps to $10/acre, we all tend to freak out. Many landowners are leasing their property to cover property taxes and of course those taxes do increase. Many of us aren’t paying $10/acre; $20-$30 seems pretty common from what I see. There are times that I have seen higher. The Locals in these groups associate the inflation with Outfitters and NR hunters. Realistically, it’s so much more than just that.
When Landowners started catching wind of their neighbors bringing in extra money by leasing their property for recreation, they thought it was a good idea as well. Some of these Landowners weren’t too sure how to lease, how to market it, or even how to price it. This is where 3rd party leasing agents came in. Companies, such as Base Camp Leasing, did the work for the Landowner and took a % of the funds as payment. Using Ohio County, Kentucky as an example, a Landowner who has 600 acres valued at 1 million dollars pays his property taxes at $8,370 (.837%) a year. If his goal was solely to pay his taxes from the money earned by leasing his property for recreation, he is going to want $14/acre Base Camp wants 20% ($1,674) so now you are paying close to $17/acre. Real estate agents, insurance agents, and business oriented individuals all have started monopolizing on this concept. With easier access to local Landowners, they are becoming door-to-door sales men and are obtaining the recreational rights to these properties. Now, as a local hunter, you only have yourself to blame for this. Here are two questions to think about. 1- Did I ever ask the Landowner? 2- Is your personal reputation of good stature?
Most of the NR and Outfitters that are leasing land in your local community are getting it from a 3rd party leasing agent. As an Outfitter, I can tell you this: it is much harder for an Outfitter to lease property than it is for an individual or group of hunters to do so. Also, as an Outfitter, we do not have a vault of money to go throw at people to convince them to lease us their property. Now … there very well may be other Outfitters out there capable of this but not so many. So, before you point your finger and blame NR hunters and Outfitters for the increase in the cost per acre to lease hunting property, thank Uncle Sam and remember 3 fingers may well be pointed back to you.
Racknine Outdoors 