Aquiring a hunting lease

[Varmint Hunter]

I am interested in acquiring a hunting lease in the northeast section of North Carolina. Any suggestions as to how I could go about this without actually going there to find potential landowners/farmers? I live 10 hrs drive north.

[charles p]

Do you want to join an established club or do you want to lease your own farmland.  Prices run around $10 per acre and up in the best locations.

[Varmint Hunter]

I'd like to lease a place for myself and a few buddies.

[charles p]

I'd recommend two methods.

1.  Find out the names of a few established attorneys in the county you wish to hunt.  Ask them NOW if they administer trust accounts for any farmland that is desirable hunting land.  Most attorneys will be glad to provide this service to their landowner clients.  Don't expect a deal though.  A trust office with a bank is a valuable resource as well, but they are often "in bed" with many established hunting groups.

2.  Visit an old established church for a Sunday service.  Before the service ask the minister if you can stand with him at the front door as the members exit and introduce yourself to the members.  Spread the word that you are looking for some hunting land.  People will take you very seriously - much better than an add in the paper.  If you have several people in your lease, have them join you on Sunday AM.  The more the better.  Dress in your finest suits.  The members will be flattered - rather than repulsed.

[Varmint Hunter]

Thanks for the ideas. Living in NY these may not be viable methods for me.

I guess real estate agents don't handle these types of leases.

[charles p]

I suppose you could always try a real estate agent.  People who are trying to sell farm land, often mention the hunting value of their land in their real estate ad.  Maybe a realtor can refer you to a client. 

If you acquire a lease and the land is sold, the new buyer has to honor your lease.  This can be a plus for you and a negative point for a buyer.  Times are hard and somebody may be willing to lease to you, but if the land is valuable for hunting, it has probably been leased for years.  Give them a try.  You have nothing to loose.  Tell them you are a prospective buyer.  Sometimes land that has just been timbered and clear cut, is offered for sale.  That would be your best option. 

[Mack in N.C.]

google valentine land and timber........maybe they have something...they lease land all ove rthe state....mack

[Varmint Hunter]

Thanks for the google info. I gave it a try and found some interesting leases available. Unfortunately they are priced at rates that would require a club with more hunters than I was considering. I've just got a few buddies that are also interested.

I'll be in NC in October and will look around when I get there.

[slim rem 7]

 i don t know how much land you are talking .. but hard times an high taxes have made people who own fairly good size pieces of land,,they are just holding on to,
look for ways to pay property tax..if you looking up north east ,just contact up thier.. or take a trip dn an do some door to door..might save you some money..