Hunting rights agreement – granting of hunting, hunting season, and important contractual terms

Short answer: A property owner may lease the hunting rights to another person or a hunting team. A clear hunting rights agreement should specify the hunting area, who is permitted to hunt, the term of the agreement, fees, game management, reporting, liability, and rules regarding termination and transfer.

Who holds the hunting rights?

Hunting rights are fundamentally tied to the property and normally belong to the property owner. The owner may lease the hunting rights in whole or in part. The lease should be documented to clearly state exactly what rights have been granted and for which area.

What should a hunting rights agreement contain?

• property and geographical hunting area
• lessor and hunting rights holder
• types of hunting covered
• agreement term and termination
• fee and payment
• number of hunters and rules for guests
• game management and reporting
• coordination with agriculture and forestry
• insurance, safety, and liability
• rules on sub-leasing

Sub-leasing should be regulated

The Hunting Act contains rules regarding the transfer of hunting rights. The agreement should therefore be clear about whether the hunting rights holder is permitted to allow others to use the rights and under what conditions.

Hunting and other land use

Forestry, agriculture, outdoor recreation, and other rights of use can affect how hunting is conducted. Specify contact channels and how the parties coordinate major operations during the hunting season.

Game management and reporting

It is often valuable to agree on the reporting of observations, harvested game, tracking, and game management measures.

Common mistakes

• the hunting area lacks a map
• it is unclear if guests are allowed to participate
• liability and safety are not regulated
• agreement term and termination are unclear
• sub-leasing is not addressed

See the Template Store's template for a hunting rights agreement.

FAQ

Can a landowner lease only specific hunting?

The agreement can be limited, but the scope must be described clearly.

Can hunting rights be further transferred?

The Hunting Act limits the possibility of transferring leased hunting rights further without the property owner's consent.

The article provides general information and does not replace legal advice.