Rod Caster

nice timing on that post Art!

well my notary just got back to me with a quote of $1000.00 to write up a lease...looks like I got my answer for this year. Also, just got back from my insurance company and they would require business insurance for anything equating to income. Much more complex than I wanted and not really worth it for this year, unless I decided to do things under the radar...which there is no way in hell I will. Turns out with bartering, you don't need business insurance, so that might be an option for somebody I trust, to exchange labor (like wood splitting; fence building) for access to land. Thanks for the input everyone! Appreciate the grounded concerns and considerations from all.

jeez guys, no thumbs up at all Lots to think about before I decide. Floatnfly: are you saying that so get the extra 3,000,000.00 in public liability insurance? That was a consideration. oh ya? how much has OFC paid you for 3,500+ posts? haha kidding.

Thanks Wayne, I was hoping to hear from you! I've made it clear to potential lessors that there will be a posted radius around the house that is no hunting/no access. This will also be written in the lease with well-marked maps. I'm going to make a final decision this weekend whether I proceed or not, and whom will get this seasons lease.

I took the ad down because I had too many emails flying in.. Had to step back a bit. I wouldn't consider asking a fee out of you Blair! I'll text you tomorrow, you can swing by my maiden bonfire in a couple weeks! We'll chat then

Apparently, the risks (liabilities) are much lower with a trade/barter system since no money is exchanged. I need to look further into this. Never thought about letting animals graze on the cleared section. More ideas! Haha, 99 percent is bush though.

"who's that guy who thinks his tackle is his baby?" haha. Good stuff guys. Nice boat J!

I hear ya, and wonder the same thing. But, I can't imagine a plot of scumbags cruising the internet looking to shell out $500+ dollars to be pricks on someone's property....i dunno, maybe I'm seeing things a little more rosey, but some smart management can remove a lot of the risk. Criminal check, references, clearly stated rules, a hearty warning that the CO's often park at the road exit. One guy is willing to drive from Toronto to meet me and have lunch, then drive down a couple weeks later to sign the lease.. that's a lot of effort when he could just pick some crown land in Temagami and trash it for free. I do like the idea of bartering for work, instead of cash, but that's something I would initiate later when I have more solid plans for the property.

Definitely some risk involved and I'm glad they are being discussed here My job is to mitigate it and make this a positive experience within my power. Not only $500, but I'll also get some cleared trails, firewood, stands, food plots done without lifting a finger If I can develop a relationship and have a positive experience with one or two groups of guys, by year 2 or 3 we'll know each other and they'll have a sense of ownership/pride as well. If the experience sucks, well, time for the next venture.

wow. crazy stuff. Hoping for the best.

To be honest, my main interest in the land is not hunting; next year I want to hunt for food, and I can just shoot my food from my porch while it eats the apples I put out. I'd rather do things like forest management, hobby farming, landscaping, growing food/herbs/health benifiting plants, business opportunities and other things that will contribute to my income and a more grounded style of living; something the wife wants too. I've always put a lot of effort into fishing, but hunting never really mattered as much. I'd rather go falleye fishing. If I can pay some if not all of my land taxes by allowing someone to harvest a few animals within my guidelines, then I see it as a gain. Management of the situation will be key. A good lease, proper insurance and good interviewing skills will weed out a lot of the tards I don't want. Plus, I live in unorganized township, so chances are, the people entering my property for money and much better behaved than the people who border my property haha. I agree with you Nick, I wouldn't pay $500 either!! I'd just find one of thousands of spots on crown land that is LOADED with animals. Based on the response of the ad though, I'd say there is a market!

you should see the responses I got! 10 in less than 24hrs, all with the knowledge that it's only a single season lease. Already have some solid options, including someone who apparently appears on hunting shows. I've decided that I'm happy with $500 for a single season. So far, it seems I'm either perfectly priced or slightly below market based on response. If the lease goes very well, I'll share the land next year, as I'll be able to bag my deer very easily on my own property. Thanks for the input so far everyone! keep it coming

Thanks Art, good point about the multiple lessees.... I will start with a single party and advertise as such. Floatnfly, I was thinking that since I have lots of things to prepare closer to the house this year (and don't have hunting lisc yet), that I may as well make a bit of side $ for the deer/moose/bear hunting seasons. Sept to Jan access only. The thing I like about food plots and shooting lanes, is that once I get my hunters permit my property will be prepared for me to hunt!

The problem with that Brian is that I'd have to hold more than one person accountable... which also means more work and confusion. If someone takes the lead on something like that, I'd be interested! I figure if I write up a good solid lease and spend as much time as possible getting to know someone/their group that I'm in a pretty safe position. If they start messing around beyond the agreements in the lease I just call in for trespassing, or excercise one of my lease-breaking rights... plus there is pretty much only one access to the property so it can easily be monitored. I'm definitly going to a notary for this. Bill, I've read about the land-tax based fee, I believe that would actually fall close to what I'm looking for in exchange. Shane, I'd rather the money now, but later I may prefer an exchange-type system...once I know/plan my property a bit more.

Don't tell that owner about leasing! you got a good deal. I'm thinking of leasing for this year, since I don't have my hunting license yet (booked for next year). I put up an ad and i've been overwhelmed with responses, which I did NOT expect given all the crown land around here. I suppose I'd be happy with $500 and some cut wood from trail clearing, but maybe that's too much, or maybe it's not enough, and NO ONE wants to offer a price first!... There is very little info on pricing so I figure the good ol' cooperative that is OFC would provide some meaningful information. What kind of paperwork do you have? is it an actual lease, created by a notary, or is it just a written permission slip? I'll be writing up something fairly comprehensive. Last thing I need are stakes in every second tree or 10 meter wide trails everywhere.

Hey, I'm wondering if anyone in the OFC crowd can help me with the market rates for leased hunting land? Even a general idea for land north of Toronto would help me out. Based on my limited research, going rate is between $2-4 per acre? Am I close?

All smiles in this report... Love it! Congrats again on the job and good luck out there, man! I'm sure we'll be hearing back from you soon, and how "you don't miss Ontario all that much anymore" haha. Cheers Jeremy!

Nice fish! first ten casts is pretty darn good

I'd try for sure (if public or have permission), I'd be mentally prepared to turn around however. Sounds like a tough tromp.

2 banger? So the mazda will be still towing you out!

Nice blue walleye! Great report and fish-food shots

This is a very confusing line hahaha. But if I'm understanding correctly, yes, the North Bay hatch can be BRUTAL! Streets and all of downtown completely covered in Shadflys.

I think you should have just let it happen... But... I completely understand why you did what you did. Hard to condemn someone for trying to help.

Now THAT is a good mix of fish species! Well done