5 Myths About Hunting Leases

Written by Justin Park| 05/23/2025

For this article, I spoke to representatives from HLRBO who have boots on the ground. These field reps work with landowners around the U.S. My goal was to dispel or explain the “myths” that linger around the proposition of leasing hunting land.

Myth #1: Hunting Leases are for The Wealthy

Field reps for HLRBO agreed that “hunting leases are too expensive” is the No. 1 misconception.

“Everyone has a budget, and leasing offers flexibility within that budget that purchasing land may not,” said Robert Kons, HLRBO Field Rep for Wisconsin and Michigan. 

Kons notes that many leases are offered by landowners simply to cover annual costs such as taxes. He said a hunter leasing land in this arrangement can get the benefits of “using the property as their own for what a landowner likely pays in taxes annually.”

For some context, lease rates on HLRBO in the state of Texas go for $15 - $32 per acre. An average annual lease in Texas is $4,731, which can be split between several hunters. Minnesota, as another example, is more affordable; hunters can find $10 - $20 per acre rates on HLRBO.

Field rep Stephen McNeil works in Georgia and Alabama. He said hunters can get sticker shock from public listings they see on large tracts of land. 

McNeil noted that hunters can connect with landowners to negotiate individualized lease arrangements. “They may offer different costs, durations, and terms than what is advertised.” 

Tip: You can get a sense of the going rate for land leases in your area using this tool on HLRBO’s website.

Myth #2: Hunting Leases are Long-Term Commitments

An annual lease can cost a few thousand dollars. But long-term arrangements are not the only option. 

Field reps we spoke with said that one of the simplest ways to reduce the cost of leasing hunting land is to find shorter-term lease durations. 

Kons said landowners on HLRBO offer a variety of lease durations by month, week, and even per day. “Personally, I have used the daily lease feature on several occasions as I wanted to hunt a new area but did not want to commit to a long-term lease,” he said.

McNeil echoes this strategy: “Daily leasing is a great option for hunters on a budget, offering access without the long-term commitment.” 

Seasonal leases are common, too. This is especially true with agricultural landowners who want to restrict access to fall hunting seasons because the rest of the year conflicts with farming and harvest operations.

Myth #3: Leasing is for Deer Hunting only

Whitetail deer hunting is the most popular form of hunting in the U.S. But hunters willing to expand their pursuit to other game have less competition (and often lower costs, too). 

 “Many hunters assume that leases are geared toward deer hunting, but there are actually a fair number of properties available for other game,” McNeil said.

Turkey, waterfowl, and upland bird leases often cost much less than prime deer-hunting land, he noted.

Texas leases, as one example, offer opportunities for alligator, chachalaca, javelina, quail, grouse, turkey, pheasant, and more. 

Myth #4: You need Insider Connections

Friends and family of landowners often have an inside track on leasing opportunities. But online platforms for hunting leases such as HLRBO have changed the landscape. 

Kons said that historically there have been more hunters than landowners, which has made leases competitive. While that’s still true, platforms like HLRBO lessen the difficulty. 

With thousands of land listings on HLRBO alone, it’s easier than ever to find a property match.

HLRBO is free for hunters to create an account and browse land. Landowners are able to list their property for free or a minimal charge. 

Myth #5: Hunting Leases Are Risky or Unregulated

Far from a handshake deal, hunting leases today most often include digital contracts, insurance protection, and outlined terms for the hunters and landowners alike.

HLRBO partners with Vertical Insure to offer liability insurance. The coverage includes a $2 million aggregate structure with no deductible on approved claims. 

Hunters can purchase insurance through the platform while finalizing a lease, which helps protect both parties in case of accidents or property damage.

To further reduce uncertainty, HLRBO provides state-specific lease agreement templates. These documents define terms like lease duration, payment structure, permitted game species, and land use rules. 

The standardization benefits both landowners and hunters, helping avoid misunderstandings and legal gray areas before anyone steps into the woods.

Author Bio: Justin Park is a Colorado-based writer, editor, and avid hunter with a passion for the outdoors. He contributes to leading publications such as GearJunkie, Popular Mechanics, Powder, and Men's Journal, and serves as Editor of Wild Snow. Park is deeply involved in conservation and recreation advocacy, serving as Chapter Chair of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) in Summit County. He also represents RMEF on a state recreation committee focused on proactively addressing land use conflicts.