Do any of you guys have an example of a hunting lease, preferrably for NC, that I could get a copy of ? I've never seen one, and a small group of us are looking to get our own lease for some land nearby. I need a starting point, if someone could point me in the right direction I'd greatly appreciate it !! Thanks.

The group intending to lease the property should talk to a lawyer and or realtor. Invest a couple of bucks $$ here. They should be able to point out some common problems to avoid at all cost.

Consider the amount of land vs. membership to allow enough room for safe hunting, will the land owner or their family be hunting on this property, when can members use the ground for hunting, will you want to build some type of structure for lodging or RVs. Get the thoughts of the membership on paper and try to get an agreement on the lease. The group should consider who pays for improvements on the property and if the owner would reimberse the group at the end of the lease for any improvements.

Above all, the group should early into this endeaver write and agree upon bylaws for the hunting club, follow Robert's "Rules of Order". Purchase a copy of Robert's, have several meetings a year, and don't to forget to include a couple diners to include the wifes.

Here's wishing you good hunting!

Hoopie,

Thanks, that is what I'm looking for. I figured we should talk to a lawyer at some point.

My late father-in-law made it possible to belong to a hunting and fishing club. To this day, I've never enjoyed such great hunting and good people to hunt with. For over ten years the deer, turkey, and squirrel hunting was the best. To this day, of all the hunting experiences coast to coast, that well run club provided safe, great hunting year after year.

Keep the membership balanced with the amount of land leased. Don't forget to account for everyone using the property. If possible, get exclusive hunting rights! In other words only club members can hunt on the lease. No surprises on opening day of squirrel season with land owners sitting in deer blinds bow hunting, etc. that way.

If the club is run in a business like manner, keeping the membership current and the lease paid will be easy. Safety comes first.The officers and board of directors (if included) first duty is make sure of safety and honesty. In any organization there will be lumps in the road, your bylaws should let everyone know the consiquences of stretching the fabric.

With luck someone in your group knows a realtor. Advice from this source will be free or inexpensive. Don't want to pick on certain professions, but I try to stay away from lawyers and doctors.

Good hunting, Hoopie

I try to stay away from lawyers
Good hunting, Hoopie

I hear you there. Last year was the only time I've been in a club, and the land was owned by a lawyer. He had been screwing the club for the last few years, actually sold off part of the land we leased just before deer season without mentioning it. We didn't find out until the day before the season started. Guy was a real ***** to deal with in all matters. I guess they had enough of his BS and parted ways, now me and some friends are scrambling to find some land to hunt on down here in Eastern NC.


Edited for language - this is a family board.

kdub
Moderator

This will give you an idea of what one is going to look like if you are dealing with a paper company...

http://www.westervelt.com/sample.html

Ranch Dog,

Good post, the lease with a paper company is typical.

Looking at the big picture; leasing hunting ground might lead to some great hunting with little crowding or pressure from the rest of the public. But in the same breath, the people leasing the ground are at times building a hunting camp for the owner of the ground.

Sometimes purchasing several acres of property adjoining a National Forest, State Game Lands, etc. is a better choice. The membership then can build a small cabin and add some of the comforts of home later. That way owning maybe 5 acres of property lets several people hunt on thousands of acres and no one has to worry about loosing their investment or where to hunt next year!

Hoopie,

Our club leases 3400 acres from a paper company . Club limits membership to 33 per year .. Paper company doesnt allow permanent structures , so we lease a couple acres from an individual with property adjoining the club land for a clubhouse and camper area .. Works out good . Like most clubs membership is pretty much friends of current members , so still get our share of people difficult to get along with , and those who dont want to show for work days ..
Have a size minimum with fines .. Guests are allowed for a maximum of 4 days or 8 half days , or combination thereof . $10 half day , $20 full day .. No guests first week or last two weeks of the gun season ..
jack