- 27 May, 2005 -

Consider it an online matchmaking service for hunters. About three years ago, Jack Elliott went online to find a better relationship. Like many sportsmen, the Missouri native had always relied on the kindness and schedules of land-owning friends for his hunting grounds. Then he heard about Hunting Lease Network, an online service bringing landowners and sportsmen together to establish formal hunting leases. He checked out the Web site, visited some land he'd seen online, and placed his bid. "It was pretty much hassle-free," said Elliot, who has leased 70-, 150- and 190-acre parcels of hunting ground since. The premise has been such a success the company has gone national, actively seeking representatives in the Central Valley as business partners to serve as company liaisons between land owners and sportsmen. "We've received a few applications from potential franchisees in Southern and Central California so far," said David Nelson, vice president of conservation and recreation services for parent company Farmers National Company, the largest farm and ranch management company in the nation. All three of California's exclusive territories are still up for grabs, he says, for enterprising, outdoor-minded individuals, perhaps from Clovis. The Central Valley region includes 14 counties from Santa Cruz to Mono and from Monterey to Inyo. The estimated franchise investment ranges from $23,500 to $39,000 (including the initial $15,000 franchise fee). "We handle the lease writing, accounting, wildlife harvest reports, hunting liability insurance, and lease renewals," Nelson said. Minimum sales targets for each franchise are $50,000 in annual gross sales or 25 lease listings by the end of the first year, $125,000 by year three and $200,000 by the end of the fifth year in business. The company is also looking for local land. It has already opened more than 212,000 acres of private land that a few years ago were closed to all hunting. Network manager Troy Langan says additional land will become available as more franchises offer hunting, fishing and perhaps, in the future, even eco-tourism leases. "I anticipate that we'll add 15 franchises per year for the next six years," he said. "But we'll take the time we need to find the right owners." How much can landowners make? "Our average annual lease is $2,350 although they range from $800 to $20,000 depending upon property size, location, and quality," Nelson said. According to a 2001 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service survey, more than $624 million is spent annually on hunting leases in the United States. Langan said the network's leases provide an average annual income of $2,350 per landowner. Landowners pay a $100 enrollment fee covering the cost to build a Web page specific to each property, including a detailed description and aerial maps. For the fee, Hunting Lease Network also markets the land nationwide, answers questions from bidders, and coordinates the bidding. The full-service arrangement, he says, appeals to landowners wary of allowing hunting on their property for liability or other issues. Details: www.nationalhuntingleases.com.

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