Whether you’re looking to attract more game or enhance the overall hunter experience, taking the right steps can turn your land into a prime hunting lease. This guide covers everything from food plots to campgrounds, giving you the tools you need to succeed.
Here’s what you’ll get from this post:
- Ten practical steps to make your land lease-ready
- Ways to boost income and attract more hunters
- Tips for long-term maintenance and sustainability
Keep reading to learn how to turn your property into a hunting destination that keeps hunters coming back!
Not sure where to start with setting up your hunting lease? There are plenty of resources to help you get the most out of your property and make the leasing process smooth and profitable. Take a look at these helpful articles:
- Understanding Hunting Leases
Learn the basics of how hunting leases work and what options you have for leasing your land. - Why Hunting Leases Offer a Win-Win for Landowners and Hunters
Discover how hunting leases can benefit both you and the hunters who use your property. - How to Start Earning with Hunting Leases: A Beginner’s Guide
If you’re new to the world of hunting leases, this guide will show you how to get started. - What Makes a Successful Hunting Lease? Key Factors to Consider
Find out what elements make a hunting lease more attractive to hunters, ensuring repeat business and long-term success.
These articles will give you a solid foundation for setting up successful hunting leases. For even more information, visit our Landowner Resources page.
Now let’s get into the 10 things to do first when you decide to lease your land.
1. Plant Food Plots
Food plots are like a buffet for deer, hogs, and other game. They provide a reliable food source that keeps wildlife hanging around your property longer, giving hunters a better shot—literally!
There are quite a few different ways to go about creating the smorgasbord for wildlife, though. You could be really scientific and do soil research or just throw down random seeds. Be really industrious and you become almost like a farmer with tractors and other equipment.
The best approach is going to depend on your budget, both in terms of time and money. If you’ve got few game animals on your property, then improving food plots is likely to be really valuable. On the other hand, if you’ve got an established wildlife population, you could probably skip this step.
Preparing the Land
First off, get your soil tested. You’ll need to know the pH and nutrient levels so you can pick the right crops. Deer love clover, alfalfa, and soybeans, while hogs can’t resist root veggies like turnips. Once you’ve chosen the crops, clear the land, till the soil, and plant those seeds. Don’t forget to fertilize for good measure!
Clearing and tilling might be too much for a huge property. You’re better off working in smaller plots in a more natural way. Don’t create a 40-acre alfalfa field. Instead, spend a lot less time and money to create a ten or twenty-foot circular plot planted naturally. Then do that in four or five more places.
Work at the right scale for your property size and budget.
Maintaining the Plots
It’s not a “plant it and forget it” situation. Food plots need regular maintenance—fertilizing, mowing, and keeping those pesky weeds under control. A mix of cool-season and warm-season crops will keep the buffet open year-round, giving game no reason to wander off.
Think about maintenance at scale. A few round plots planted naturally will require almost no maintenance. A massive cleared field would need much more. Both approaches could be valuable in different settings. Choose the method that matches your property.
Investment
Depending on how big your plots are, you could spend anywhere from $500 to $2,000 per acre for the initial setup of a properly farmed field. Or just a few dollars for a giant bag of mixed cover crop seed you spread by hand. Maintenance? That could be hundreds per year for a “farm” type plot or virtually non-existent for a natural food plot.
2. Create Water Sources
Water is critical for game, but that doesn’t always mean you need to dig a pond or install elaborate systems. If your land already has natural water features, like creeks or low-lying areas that pool water after rain, you may not need to do much at all. However, if water sources are scarce, creating one could increase wildlife activity.
Digging Ponds and Installing Water Troughs
Ponds are fantastic for attracting a wide variety of wildlife, but they’re not always feasible. If you’re considering digging a pond, start by looking for natural depressions where water already collects. These spots will be easier (and cheaper) to develop than starting from scratch. You’ll need to factor in permits, too—many states require permission for pond construction, especially if it might impact local water flow(
If a full-on pond isn’t in the cards, water troughs can serve as a solid alternative. They’re easier to install and maintain, though they do require regular filling and cleaning. Troughs work best when placed strategically near food plots or cover areas, keeping animals in one region of your property.
Long-Term Maintenance
Water sources require ongoing care. Natural ponds can accumulate sediment or suffer from algae overgrowth, requiring periodic dredging and vegetation management. Artificial water sources, like troughs, need to be cleaned regularly to avoid contamination from algae or other pollutants.
If you’re in a drier area, keeping water sources filled may become a costly task. Consider alternative options, such as rainwater collection systems or solar-powered water pumps, to reduce the labor and expense of manually refilling troughs.
Costs
Building a pond can range from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on its size, but don’t overlook maintenance costs, which could add hundreds more per year. A simple trough might set you back $500 to $2,000 initially but requires much less upkeep. Before committing, ask yourself if game traffic justifies the expense. If your property already has natural water, this might be a place to save.
3. Set Up Shooting Lanes
Shooting lanes are all about balancing visibility with natural cover. Hunters need a clear shot, but game needs enough cover to feel safe. Too much clearing, and you risk creating an environment where game won’t venture close.
Clearing the Lanes
Start by identifying high-traffic areas—food plots, water sources, and well-used game trails. These will be the best spots for shooting lanes, but don’t go overboard with clearing. Wildlife prefers areas where they can move between cover without feeling exposed. By keeping lanes narrow and strategically placed, you create hunting opportunities without scaring off game(
Smaller properties may only need a few lanes, while larger ones could benefit from a network of them. If you have a sizable plot of land, renting or purchasing heavy equipment like bush hogs or tractors might be necessary. For smaller plots, hand tools and chainsaws may suffice, making this step more manageable and less costly.
Keeping the Lanes Clear
Clearing the lane is just the first step—you’ll need to keep it clear. Brush grows back quickly, especially in warmer months. Plan for seasonal maintenance to remove new growth and maintain clear lines of sight.
For larger properties, you might consider hiring a local contractor or setting aside time for an annual “clean-up” to handle regrowth. The last thing you want is hunters complaining about obstructed views when they’re out in the stand.
Costs
Clearing lanes can cost $200 to $1,000 per acre depending on the density of vegetation, and ongoing maintenance could add up to $500 annually. Consider what your hunters want—if they need high visibility, investing in more lanes and consistent upkeep might pay off. But if your property is naturally dense with good game trails, you might save by sticking to fewer lanes.
4. Build Duck Blinds and Stands
Hunting structures like duck blinds and deer stands elevate the experience for hunters, but their placement and construction need careful thought. Poorly placed or built blinds can be ineffective and unsafe.
Location, Location, Location
Blinds and stands need to be placed where game is naturally frequenting, but also positioned with wind patterns in mind. For duck blinds, proximity to water is obvious, but camouflage and concealment are crucial to prevent birds from spooking. Likewise, deer stands should be near food plots or game trails but placed strategically to avoid hunters being detected by scent or noise(
When it comes to stand height, there’s debate. Some hunters prefer lower stands for better visibility at ground level, while others opt for high stands to minimize scent detection. Either way, ensure the stand offers a clear shooting lane and enough concealment to keep game comfortable approaching.
DIY or Hire a Pro?
Building your own blinds can save money, but only if you know what you’re doing. Safety is a priority—poorly constructed stands or blinds can be dangerous. If you’re unsure about your DIY skills, hiring a professional might be worth the extra cost for peace of mind. Also, consider the long-term durability. Materials like treated wood or metal will last longer but cost more upfront.
Costs
A DIY blind might run between $300 and $1,000 depending on materials, while a professionally built stand could cost $2,000 to $3,000. Either way, durability and safety are key. You don’t want to rebuild every few years, so consider using quality materials that withstand weather and time.
Thinking more about hunting safety? We have a landowner’s hunting safety checklist you can use to inspect your property. Regular planning and inspections are a strong way to avoid injuries, problems, and liability.
5. Implement Timber Management
Timber management isn’t just about thinning trees for better wildlife habitat—it’s about ensuring your property remains productive and healthy long-term. But there’s a fine line between improving habitat and over-thinning, which can reduce biodiversity and harm the ecosystem.
Thinning for Habitat Improvement
Selective thinning is your best bet. Opening up the forest canopy allows more sunlight to reach the forest floor, encouraging understory growth that provides food and cover for game. However, too much thinning can create a barren landscape that attracts fewer animals(
Whitetail Properties). Your goal is to promote diverse plant growth, which benefits everything from deer to smaller game birds.
Timber thinning can also create a secondary income stream if you sell the harvested wood, but this depends on local markets. Be sure to balance financial gain with habitat quality. Over-harvesting might bring short-term revenue but could reduce the property’s appeal to hunters.
Monitoring and Replanting
After thinning, you’ll need to keep an eye on regrowth. Invasive species can quickly take over if left unchecked, so you may need to invest in herbicide treatments or even replant native species to maintain balance. Controlled burns can also help manage undergrowth in a more natural way, but these require careful planning and, in many cases, permits.
Costs
Timber management costs can range from $100 to $1,000 per acre, depending on how aggressive you are. But if you’re able to sell the timber, the revenue could offset much of that cost. Just keep in mind that invasive species management may add extra costs over time, and it’s an ongoing effort rather than a one-time job.
Is your property more valuable as a hunting property as a place to sell timber? We prepared a simple questionnaire to help you assess your property’s value for hunting leases. It’s a quick test and will give you a great starting point to decide on how to make the most from your property.
6. Develop ATV Trails
ATV trails can be a great addition to your property, allowing hunters easy access to remote areas. But poorly planned trails can lead to erosion, disrupt game, and cause more harm than good. Careful planning is essential to ensure trails are beneficial.
Trail Planning
Avoid running trails through high-traffic game areas, as too much human activity could push game off your land. Instead, focus on creating connections between important hunting zones, like food plots, water sources, and bedding areas.
Erosion control is a big consideration. If you’re developing trails in hilly or wet areas, you’ll need to think about adding gravel or creating water runoff channels to prevent deep ruts. Simple things like placing trails on higher ground or using water bars to divert runoff can make a big difference.
Seasonal Maintenance
Trails need regular maintenance, especially after heavy rains or during high-use seasons. Clear debris, fix ruts, and possibly add gravel to keep the paths in good shape. Without regular upkeep, trails can quickly become unusable, which could frustrate your hunters.
Costs
Creating trails costs $500 to $3,000 per mile, depending on the terrain and the materials used. Annual maintenance could add $200 to $1,000. Before you commit, think about how often the trails will be used and whether that justifies the investment. For smaller properties or those with easy access, trails may not be necessary at all.
7. Control Predators
Predator management can make a significant difference in maintaining a healthy game population, but it’s a delicate balance. While removing predators like coyotes and feral hogs helps protect deer and turkey numbers, overdoing it could lead to other issues.
Predator Removal Strategies
There are multiple ways to handle predator control, from traps and bait stations to hiring professionals. If you have a significant predator problem, like hogs tearing up your fields, this step makes sense. However, predator populations are often resilient, and removing too many can throw the ecosystem out of whack. You want to control predators without wiping them out entirely—after all, they play a role in keeping prey populations balanced.
Allowing hunters to target specific predators can also be an option, especially during the offseason when traditional game species aren’t hunted as much. This way, hunters help manage your predator problem for free, while also staying engaged with your property.
Long-Term Predator Management
Predator control is not a one-time job—it’s an ongoing task. While it might seem expensive to continue managing predators each year, the payoff comes in healthier game populations and a more attractive lease for hunters.
Costs
Depending on the severity of the problem, you could spend anywhere from $200 to $1,000 annually on predator control. If the issue is severe and you hire professional trappers, that cost could rise to between $1,000 and $3,000. You’ll need to weigh how much the predator issue is hurting your game populations to justify the cost.
8. Invest in Cover Management
Providing good cover is vital for game animals. Deer, hogs, and other species need a safe place to bed down and feel secure. But cover management can be more complex than just planting dense foliage. It’s about providing the right cover, without inviting problems like invasive species.
Creating Bedding Areas
Planting native grasses, shrubs, and trees is a great way to create bedding areas for game. Native plants are better adapted to your local environment, making them easier to maintain and less likely to need intensive management. Native grasses and shrubs also provide additional food, keeping game well-fed and nearby.
That said, just planting anything won’t do. Invasive species can quickly take over and choke out native plants if left unchecked. Regular monitoring and strategic replanting of beneficial species are necessary to keep cover areas in good condition.
Keeping Invasive Species at Bay
Cover management is not a set-it-and-forget-it task. Invasive species, like kudzu or certain fast-growing non-natives, can overrun bedding areas if not properly managed. This means more than just mowing or trimming—you may need to invest in herbicides or bring in professionals to manage invasive growth.
Costs
Planting cover costs between $100 and $500 per acre, but don’t forget about the ongoing maintenance. Annual costs for controlling invasive species and replanting desirable cover could range from $500 to $1,000. It’s all about balancing how much cover you need with how much you’re willing to maintain.
9. Install Game Feeders
Game feeders provide a consistent food source that can help keep animals close by. However, relying too much on feeders can lead to issues like disease spread or disrupting natural game behaviors. They’re a great tool, but only if used wisely.
Choosing the Right Feeders
There are several types of game feeders, from gravity-fed models to automated, timed versions. The right one for your property depends on your budget and game population. Gravity feeders are simple and affordable, but automated feeders give you more control over when and how much feed is distributed.
One thing to watch for is overfeeding. Game can become too reliant on feeders, and diseases can spread more easily when animals congregate around a single food source. Spacing out feeders or using them only during lean times of the year (like winter) can mitigate some of these risks.
Maintenance and Refills
Feeders require regular refilling and cleaning, especially if they’re out in the elements year-round. Feed can mold if left in the feeders too long, which is bad news for your game. Regular checks will ensure the feeders are working properly and haven’t been tampered with by non-game animals.
Costs
Game feeders typically cost between $100 and $300 each. However, the real cost comes in maintaining them. Feeding a large population of deer or hogs can run between $500 and $1,500 annually. If you’ve got a large game population, you’ll need to budget accordingly. The payoff? A steady influx of animals for your hunters.
10. Build Comfortable Campgrounds
Hunters aren’t just looking for great hunting—they want a good experience overall. Having a comfortable place to camp can make your property more appealing to hunters, especially those who plan multi-day trips.
Designing the Campsite
A basic campsite doesn’t need to break the bank. You’ll want a flat, accessible area where hunters can pitch a tent or park an RV. Fire pits, picnic tables, and a basic shelter are good starting points. The key is to make the campsite close to hunting areas, but not so close that human activity will scare away game.
If you’re looking to cater to higher-end hunters, think about adding more luxurious features. A small cabin, heated shelter, or even access to running water can really elevate the hunting experience and justify charging more for your lease.
Long-Term Comfort
Long-term success comes from repeat business, so make sure your campsite offers a bit of comfort without feeling too luxurious for the rugged outdoors crowd. Hunters want to feel like they’re in the wild, but they won’t complain about a roof over their heads after a long day in the woods. Keep up with basic campsite maintenance, like clearing debris and keeping firewood stocked, to ensure everything stays in good condition.
Costs
Setting up a basic campsite costs between $500 and $5,000, depending on how many amenities you provide. Keeping the site clean and well-stocked with firewood will add another $200 to $1,000 annually. The potential for charging more for leases with campgrounds means this investment could pay off in higher lease fees or repeat hunters year after year.
Final Thoughts
Improving your land for hunting leases is an investment, no doubt about it, but it’s one that can pay off big-time. By following these 10 steps—each designed to enhance both the habitat and the hunter experience—you’ll not only attract more wildlife but also give hunters a reason to keep coming back. From food plots to campgrounds, every little improvement makes your property a more inviting and profitable hunting destination.
Not sure how to set up those hunting leases? Depending on how you’ve managed (or intend to manage) your property, you’ve got options for different types of hunting leases. Check these out:
- How to Select Between Short-Term and Annual Hunting Leases
- Why Species-Specific Hunting Leases Can Maximize Your Profits
- What You Need to Know About Exclusive vs. Non-Exclusive Hunting Rights
These articles should help you understand how to set up the best mix of hunting leases to make the most from your property. For even more help, check out our main Landowner Resources page.
