Now that deer season is in the rear view mirror for all but a few MLD hunters, it is time for evaluation.  How did the season pan out? Did you see plenty of deer? What was the quality of the herd? Did everyone on the lease get along?  How is your relationship with the landowner? As you begin to think about these things, you may decide that it is time to find a new place to hunt.  If you think that you may want to find a new place to hunt, now is the time to start.  I have been on more than one lease hunt and have learned a few things along the way. Here are a few tips that may prove to be useful in your next search. 

First and foremost, I encourage you to consider the cost.  Let’s face it, money doesn’t grow on trees and most of us need to budget a specific amount for hunting.  Different leases include different things.  Some require you to feed year round, some require you to feed protein, and others have this included in the cost.  Some leases have various fees associated with the camp.  Basic utility fees are to be expected.  With the growing number of free range exotics in Texas, many land owners have decided to capitalize and charge an additional trophy fee for shooting these animals. With such a discrepancy in the fees charged, you need to make sure you have all of this info up front. 

Next, I recommend that you consider the distance that you will need to travel to your new property.  It seems to me that the better places are usually far from home.  How much time you have available will determine how far you can travel.  I have had great leases that were just over four hours away and I have had them that were over seven.  A four hour trip was long, but it was manageable.  The seven hours was far enough to discourage me from taking those two and three day hunts. The distance you are willing to drive may vary, but trust me when I say it will become a factor.  When you travel very far, be sure to factor in fuel and possible hotel costs.

Thirdly, you obviously need to consider the quality of the game you will be hunting.  We have all heard about the property that is overflowing with 190 inch bucks and hasn’t been hunted in years.  When a land owner tells you this, it is almost always a lie.  If it is the truth….. you probably can not afford it anyway!  Verify the animals.  You can do this by talking to anyone currently hunting this property or neighboring properties.  Ask for kill pics as well as trail cam pics.  Take a tour of the property and look for animals as well as animal sign.  In some cases it may even be worth it to do a helicopter survey. There is nothing more frustrating than spending time, money, and effort on a property only to realize that it is void of game. 

Next, I would strongly encourage you to get to know the people you will be dealing with.  From the property owner to the lease manager and individual members, everyone must be able to coexist.  No one wants a lease with lots of drama.  If you find that you have personality conflicts with those involved, avoid the deal like the plague.  If you are like me, you hunt for fun and relaxation.  Getting on a lease with lots of tension will severely decrease your level of enjoyment.  Remember that not everyone is looking for the same thing in a lease.  Many people just want a place to ride four wheelers, others are looking for a beer lease, and some are extreme trophy hunters.  These three will seldom mesh well. However, a lease where all of the members share common goals can be a great joy and provide some great memories. 

Finally, get it in writing!  This one seems like a no brainer, but so many people overlook this crucial step.  Make sure your contract with the land owner is iron clad and unambiguous.  It should spell out all costs, hunting rights, and restrictions.  Do not assume anything.  If it isn’t in the contract, it probably won’t happen. Be sure to include the costs, dates, property description, animals that are to be hunted, means and methods allowed, and guest policies.   In addition to the contract with the property owner, there should also be a set of written lease rules.  This should include things like stand placement, guest policies,and any antler restrictions along with anything else that is deemed necessary. 

A great lease can make the hunting season awesome and a bad lease can ruin it even quicker.  By paying attention to details, you increase your chance of finding a great one.  Good luck on your lease hunt and may God bless you!

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Brian Johnson, originally of Port Neches, is pastor of First Baptist Church of Winnie, owner of DuckDogTrainer.com and outdoors writer for The News.