What would be a fare offer for 10 acres in pike county Illinios ,no one ever hunted there befor .I have seen a couple monsters on the property the last 2 novembers.I want it for me alone for the season.I can't afford to offer much but I don't want to insult the owner either.I have always hunted public land except one time in Wy. for antelope in the mid 90s ,it cost $35 a day for 77,000 acres and it took one day.


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I have heard some leases in Pike County are going from $75 to $100 an acre. You would think corn or beans was coming off the property. Better get it while its cheap.

That's pretty high from what I've seen/heard. Most are going in the $25-$50 range.

Personally, I would start low and know your limit for going up. Offer $25 per acre and see if you can get it.

Rather than pay the landowner, offer to work for him/her. Painting, clearing brush, trimming or building fence will endear you faster than cash.

Despite what you have been told, it is hard to believe there is any place in Pike that has not been hunted (usually hard). 10 acres is not big enough for a sanctuary. The deer know what hunting is about.

Good luck to you!

Thanks guys ,Ill post how it turns out .I think I'll offer $ 500 cash . Should I have a contract ready or hand shake and our word?


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If you are planning to post it and use it exclusively then you better have a written agreement giving you the hunting rights.

Unfortunatley the going rate outfitters are paying here is $ 75-100 per acre. A year ago it was in the $50 range. You can still find some in the $40 range but it is few & far between. If I were you I would offer $300-400. 500 should get it for you. I am saying this because it is 10 acres & you probably don't have to worry about a outfitter trying to get it. Not saying it wouldn't happen but they want bigger properties. 10 acres in the right spot can be very good hunting. Some people don't like small properties but it all depends on where it is, how it lays & a few other things.Great hunting can be had in small packages but outfitters want & need bigger acreage.I would offer a little lower than what you are willing to pay & then you can always go up if needed. As far as a contract that depends on several things. Is the guy a friend or somebody you trust. If so I don't think you need a contract. Alot of these older farmers don't want to mess with contracts. If it is somebody you don't know well or have a bad feeling about then yea you probably should get one. If a guy is in a outfitting operation he definately wants to get everything in writing but for a personal lease as long as you know & trust the guy . Thats my opinion. I also believe if you like this ground & want to continue hunting it you need to talk to the owner & see if you can lease it or work something out. Way things are going around here, if you can lock up your hunting spot you better do it. good Luck

Leasing sucks!

I agree it sucks and I hope it never get near where I live,Pa.but when in rome do as.....


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While you are at it, you'd be wise to ask the surrounding landowners for permission to trail any deer you shoot that might cross their land.