leasing

[Hunting Man]

Trying to final a lease agreement, son is doing most of the e-mailing. 260 ac, SE Ohio Athens county backs into state property, would include all of October archery, 5 day shot gun opener, 5 day for late season muzzleloader. This would include the full use of a 2010 built brick home for the leasees, owner lives at another address. Price we're trying for is $2500 for three hunters. The owner countered to include all of December archery for $3000.00. The above hunts would allow 1 additional hunter already hunting there for the 5 day shot gun hunt only. We can set up feeders, he has 1 full time feeder set up running, use his stands or bring ours. What do you guys think on the price? I've never leased property but this is in the heart of the big buck area of Ohio and just minutes from where my son has taken two monster bucks. Any thoughts on this is greatly appreciated. It's a four drive for me so probably would only get in three hunts???

[daddus1]

HM,
I have spent that much money for a lot less bang. Doesn't sound to bad but it all depends on the person you are leasing from.
Didn't you say you hunt PA? Sounds to me like a good reason for a road trip.
daddus

[Hunting Man]

ya got something like 37 hunting seasons in PA but probably would never shoot a big buck. Ohio has some really nice bucks but most are shot on private property. I'm willing to try something new for a couple of years. Should know something about the lease this weekend. I still have a 9 day bow trip to PA scheduled for early Nov rut. It's hard to leave the camp and good friends but I need one trophy buck for the wall. Son has got me two trophies to none.

[Predator]

That sounds pretty good as far as the read goes. 260 acres for $3000. between 4 hunters. hmmm,
$750.00 per hunter and 65 acres each. thats alot of bang for the buck.
the question I have is, is the lease exclusive to your party? is will there be some unmentioned relatives or friends that will just show up cause they always have and feel they are entitled. That stuff can ruin a hunt quicker than a heart attack. Also, from what I have read elsewhere. its probably a good idea to get the lease LONG TERM. like lock it in for 5 - 10 years.
If you are allowed to put in food plots and make the property more huntable, the last thing you want is for someone to come along next year and outbid you, and reap the rewards from all the work you did.

[Hunting Man]

yup all good points to work out. We've made a counter offer. 5 day shot gun opener, 5 day mL season, all December archery for $2000.00. Waiting for return answer. I will want to see the property before trying for a longer term lease.

[buckfever]

Price is not over expensive in my book. If the land holds good deer I know some co-workers that would jump all over that price.

The house means alot. You will not have hotel expenses for your stay. Food should be less as well since you can cook some stuff yourself.

[turner]

Another facet I'd try to look into would be who had the lease previously and what type of management did they used. In other words, do you know if the parcel was hunted hard recently? If a prior lessee whacked everything with antlers, it may take 2-3 years before big bucks are even present for your group. As for the price, it does not seem excessive to me. I agree with what's previously been said about long-term opportunities and the possibilities of other also hunting there (bad, bad, bad!)

Perhaps this year at your reduced rate and an option (your option) for two more at their price might be a good compromise.