What is a Lease?

• A hunting land lease is a legal agreement created for the specific purpose of allowing hunters to access private land for hunting. Hunting leases are typically used by non-residents and hunters who do not own land suitable for game, but may also be utilized by hunters looking to expand their hunting experience to other areas and species of game. The length of leases are typically year-long or season-long. Lease price is subject to the landowner's costs and can vary from location to location.
  
  

Available Game

• Out of the 101 species available in the state, the most common game hunted in Minnesota are bear, deer, duck, turkey, pheasant, moose and elk. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources offers a convenient online game mapping tool so hunters can narrow down the location of future hunting trips or leases based on the species of game.
  
  

Licensing

• The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources requires all hunters born after Dec. 31, 1979 to take firearms safety training before purchasing a license. Safety courses are offered in classroom settings in locations throughout the state and online. After completion, hunters can purchase a license for the appropriate game, with added fees for non-residents. In addition, certain species--such as antler-less deer--may incur additional license fees. Discounts are offered for senior citizens, members of the military and disabled persons.
  
  

Finding a Lease

• Leases are often advertised in classified sections of newspapers and online through hunting forums and magazines such as Minnesota Sportsman. However, many landowners may not advertise their available land, so interested hunters should ask around at their local hunting/outdoors shop to check for leads. If your search turns up dry, fee-based leasing services like the Hunting Lease Network are available. To save on cost, explore openings with hunting clubs where members share the price of the lease but enjoy the same rights to access the hunting land.
  
  

Safety First

• Always treat weapons as if they are loaded.hunting image by glgec from Fotolia.com
  
  Safety should be every hunter's top priority regardless of where they hunt. Do not consume alcohol while hunting. Keep your hunting license and safety training credentials with you at all times while in the field.