Buy land, lease or outfitted?
Contributors to this thread:Ohio
From: Mark S
29-Jan-21
Are you better off taking a chunk of money and buying a small parcel of land vs. leasing or outfitted? Often land you buy is not a home run, you pay taxes, maybe lodging, trespassers, upkeep. You could keep a chunk and possibly invest safely and keep it going for years to lease or go outfitted. But, maybe in 10 years wish you'd bought as it continues to get tougher to find access to good land??
From: Pat Lefemine
29-Jan-21
It’s a hard question to answer since everyone’s situation is different.
Pros and cons to each but I can assure you that if you look at it simply from a cash flow perspective leasing is more affordable. The downside is it can end at any minute.
I own my own properties because I love the freedom to do what I want to it and I look at it as a long term investment.
From: Rocky D
06-Feb-21
Buying land can be a good investment and can provide better access as you get older. All leases are not created equal and can be pretty expensive in areas that have proven trophy potential plus the only return on your dollar is the experience. As for outfitted you are paying for the experience alone and is only a long term event if you pay up every year.
I would identify your goals and then align your methods to meet those goals. I will say that shortly I turn 64 and my one regret is not buying hunting land as a long term investment.
From: Kevin Dill
06-Feb-21
Don’t forget that as time moves along, the price of leasing is only going to increase. The expense only gets greater with time, but you build no equity and have no more control over the land or your hunting destiny. Leasing is certainly a good option for those who don’t want to own property, or can’t make it happen.
From: goyt
15-Feb-21
I have been slow to respond to this thread because I am so biased in favor of owning land. I enjoy owning land and being able to spend time year around improving it and figuring out how to kill a mature buck. Your question seems to be more financially orientated. My thoughts are that if you want to own land it can bring you great enjoyment and it is usually a very good investment financially. I have owned land since 1978, have purchased more and have sold none. On paper my land has make me much more wealthy but like a house you only realize the total gain if you sell. I have sold timber and water that have covered most of my earlier investments and timber sales will continue to exceed taxes and maintenance costs. However if I would have invested the same capital into the stock market and the same time into working and making money I would have been able to lease land, go on DIY and guided hunts and have done as good or maybe better financially. As Pat said it is a personnel thing. As long as you invest money wisely after awhile you should have money for hunting. The first decision should be do you want to own land for hunting or would you rather lease and go on guided hunts.