The Top 3 Considerations When Buying Hunting Land

By Ryan Stallings, Chief Commercial Lending Officer, Alabama ONE Credit Union

If you’re a hunter who has leased a piece of hunting land, you’ve probably considered buying your own. The right piece of hunting land will bring years of enjoyment and memories for you and your family. But it’s a big step, and you don’t want to make mistakes. If you’re thinking about buying hunting land, it is important to work through a few considerations before signing your name.

1. What is your purpose in buying land?

Do you want to use your new land only for hunting, or more? Do you want to create a weekend getaway with a hunting cabin or camp? Will you lease plots for extra income? All of these considerations impact the importance of location and accessibility, such as for ATVs, trucks, or heavy machinery, in your buying decision.

2. Do you have the right realtor?

Finding a land realtor who specializes in hunting land and who knows the area you’re looking in will benefit you immensely. Your realtor plays a vital role in helping you find, evaluate, and purchase the perfect property for you and your family. They should be someone who welcomes your questions and gives you thoughtful answers. If they brush off your questions or discourage you from asking questions instead of helping you learn, look elsewhere. Our Alabama ONE Ag Services TEAM works closely with land realtors and will help you find the right fit.

3. Who are your neighbors?

When buying land, many people forget to look beyond the plot property lines. Your neighbors can have a significant impact on how you’ll need to manage your land. Walk the property lines to find out if there are any barking dogs, noisy neighbors, or busy roads. Do your neighbors hunt and, if so, what? Are they trophy hunting or filling their freezer? Some neighbors may object to hunting and take steps to disrupt it. The more closely in agreement you and your neighbors are, the less likely you are to have issues with each other down the road, which will make it easier for you to manage and enjoy your hunting land.

You’ll enjoy the right piece of hunting land for years to come, and it can be a place for generations of your family make memories. The three topics above are the key points to consider as you look for the right piece of land. However, these aren’t the only ones you should focus on. Visit our blog at alabamaone.org/huntingland to download a 10-point Hunting Land Score Card to help you evaluate each piece of property, or reach our dedicated Land & Ag Lending Team at 205-609-8338 for more information on financing land, agriculture, or equipment.