leaves hunters with no idea of how pressured the spot is , which can impact the quality of the hunt .
Another possibility is that a landowner only allows a couple of friends or family members to hunt , which locks the public out anyway . But it ’ s the third alternative that really highlights a growing issue that permanently impacts habitat and hunting .
“ These landowners are taking on all the risk . They ’ ve paid for the property and property tax . They ’ ve poured their blood , sweat and tears into it , and they assume all liability if something happens ,” said Ferbrache . “ If that landowner needs revenue at some point , there ’ s a good chance they tear off a couple 2-acre pieces and subdivide it . That land will never be huntable again . Ever .”
That fragmentation and loss of habitat has a real and permanent impact on hunting , habitat , wildlife and conservation overall — something that leasing can help overcome .
“ Nobody is getting rich leasing their land , but it can pay for their property tax and that revenue stream can conserve habitats and keep access to the property open for hunters ,” summarized Ferbrache .
True enough , as that ’ s the exact situation I find myself in : splitting a lease with another hunter to cover the taxes for a property that has been in the landowner ’ s family for generations . That tradeoff is worth it to me for the opportunity to hunt and spend quality time with friends and family throughout the year .
Base Camp Leasing ( basecampleasing . com ) and American Hunting Lease Association ( ahuntinglease . org ) are strong supporters of the Sportsmen ’ s Alliance and protecting the passions of America ’ s hunting heritage .
BRIAN LYNN ( 5 )
Getting to know the patterns of wildlife and then putting that knowledge to use during the hunting season is one of the joys of having a lease .
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