Hunting Private Land in Missouri

Finding places to hunt in Missouri is easier than it is in many other states. It might be that you are having some difficulty locating a place on private ground on which to hunt. Assuming that you have made the definitive decision that private ground is where you want to be, this page is for you. On the other hand, if you are just frustrated because you have been unable to locate public land hunting areas in Missouri, click on the link here to access specifics on great places to go.

Missouri is gradually becoming like most other states with regard to access to private ground. Farmers have seen farm revenues go down and costs go up. They know that their ground can command top dollar from leasees if it is managed properly. They have seen their neighbors leasing parts of their land for hunting rights and establishing nice profit centers where they can supplement farm incomes and defray costs.

Further, farmers are well aware that some hunters have violated the trust relationship between landowners and hunters granted permission to come on their land. Hunters frequently allow their buddies to hunt with them, though permission was only granted to one or two. Often, hunters leave land with trash, leave gates open, etc. There are even cases where hunters have sued landowners after getting injured while hunting. All this leads to reluctance by the landowner to grant hunting access at no cost. So, what are the options?

Hunting Leases

Hunting leases are widely available throughout Missouri. Some of these leases are done through hunting clubs. Some of them are by private landowners. One common practice by leasees, is to form a group of several hunters to spolit costs. Just remember, this is a business relationship. Handle things professionally from the outset and there will be less in the way of potential hard feelings. Common ways to find hunting leases is through rural real estate agencies. First locate the area where you want to hunt, and then contact realtors that handle acreage in the area. Make sure you physically visit the property prior to signing papers. Try to establish what comparable land is fetching in lease fees as well.

Buying Hunting Land

Almost all of the advice under my "Hunting Leases" Section applies here. Except, you need to remember that this means you own it when the purchase is complete. This just means due diligence is that much more important. You must make sure that you have crossed every t and dotted each i. Get a professional involved with you here. It is worth the extra few dollars.

Asking Permission to Hunt

It is worth a try. If you are willing to beat on a few doors, and accept some rejection, you just might find some prime hunting ground like this. A good idea is to try and locate farms where perhaps the owners used to hunt but no longer do so. See if there are things you can do in exchange for the right to hunt. It might be as simple as sharing what you harvest. If you are from the area, put out the word you are looking for ground to hunt on. It is likely that someone will say yes.