Buying Hunting Land

[Turkeygirl]

I would like to eventually have a little chunk of land somewhere to hunt, maybe even have a little cabin on it...doesn't even have to have electricity,lol.

Anyhow with the property we hunt currently questionable as to if it'll be sold, purchasing a piece of property somewhere is going on the top of my list....maybe even over the ATV,lol.

So what goes into finding and purchasing a piece of property, what are some tips and tricks? What have you guys done?

[dbHunterNY]

a couple things that have helped my dad acquire hundreds of acres; buy it before it goes onto the market. also, look at local tax auctions. it's a wise decision to look at land that maybe land locked by other properties. you'll still most likely have a 'right of way'. also, if you buy land without a building or structure on it and without a well and septic system property taxes will be cheaper. many farmers usually hear about land coming up for sale or know someone who's thinking about selling some. ask if you happen to be talking with any.

[kidd]

we bought our property at a land auction. i always look for land that helps pay for it self...ie tillable, or in a crp program. this will be helpful to pay for some taxes and monthy payments

kidd

[dbHunterNY]

if you can get at least 10 acres that's close enough to a working farm that's tillable then the farmer uses it. they can get you an ag exemption to reduce your property tax as well. also, if you've got hardwoods then you can have a trusted logger come in and selectively harvest some trees for a pay back.

Edited August 24, 2011 by dbHunterNY

[NBomb500]

Yup what the kidd said. Tillable sure helps on making the payments. Out here prices are so outrageous it almost becomes impossible to buy any substantial amount of land with being a farmer or some rich oilfielder. Good luck!!!

[WestKyTeacher]

When I bought my first piece of land I drove around looking at land, searched the PVA for the owners if I couldn't find out from the neighbors, and also checked the Deed and records at the courthouse. Once I found the land owner I would visit instead of calling if possible, it's more personable and they react better to you, to see if they would be interested in selling. It took several saying no before one said yes, or at least with a reasonable price. So don't get worried and keep looking, besides, you get to know people and they spread the word for you. You get the best deal before anyone else knows it is for sale. That's what happened to me. It took almost 5 years of talking back and forth and him visiting the land and me (he lives almost 16 hours away) before it went through. Since then, over the past 4 years I have added two other joining properties to the farm. I'm still looking to add more.

[LETMGROW]

Why don't you buy the property you are currently hunting if it's going up for sale?

I'd look for land as close to home as possible. You will want to develop it as you go on, keep it maintained and posted. Traveling with equipment to establish food plots and to maintain your property is expensive. If you own it you will want to be able to use and enjoy it often. Unless you are rich and can hire a caretaker you can't control land a few hours away.

Price is certainly important, but land so far away you can only visit it on rare occasion is not really worth the investment. A few dollars more today can save you big dollars over a period of time.

Good Luck,

Lynn

Edited August 28, 2011 by LETMGROW

[PotashRLS]

Never take a seller or realtor's word as gospel........ever. Make sure it perks for septic if you want to build. Visit your local zoning office to make sure the land is not encumbered by any environmental issues like wetlands or sensitive areas. Tree huggers have so many zoning ordinances in place now that the only thing you can legally do on your own property is pay the taxes. Also make sure you have proof of where the property lines are either by a previous property survey or a new one.