Where to Find Hunting Land For Lease In Alabama: Learn Success Tips!
A Recent survey shows that only 4% of the population of Alabama hunts. The drop in the figure of hunters has caused lessors to seek other uses for their land. There are just not that many hunters to go around. It is, therefore, not very easy to find hunting land for lease in Alabama. Blindly leasing will see you obtain land that has a very little game.
So, how do you pick out a hunting land to lease in Alabama? Below are a few of the things that make the perfect hunting lease.
- i. Proximity to other amenities.
- ii. The level of permission.
- iii. Available game
- iv. Land activities
By the way, If you are interesed in Louisiana you can Read How To Find Hunting Land For Lease in Louisiana.
How To Find Hunting Land For Lease In Alabama
Proximity to other amenities
A lessee only enjoys regulated the use of the land. You cannot, for example, build boarding structures on the land. It is, therefore, crucial that the land is close to such amenities.
You need a place to sleep, eat, fuel, and the like. When looking for land for lease in Alabama, therefore, consider its proximity to roads and motels.
A better deal, however, would be to find land that can accommodate you. This type of land is, however, only possible in the case of a private lessor. I suggest you look for an Alabama hunting land for lease with cabin. You can then stock up on food and save on boarding and transport costs.
If you land on Alabama power hunting leases, make sure the land is close to roads and boarding infrastructure. It is almost impossible for Alabama power land to come cabins.
Level of permission
The lease should not interfere with your hunting program. You should be permitted to be on the land when you deem it best to hunt. In the case of a private lessor, permission to plant food plots would be an added plus. The plots would keep the game on the land. I suggest you discuss the issue of planting the same at the negotiation table.
I once leased land without planting rights. The whitetails I was after moved to neighboring farms making hunts very difficult. To avoid a repetition, I always bargain for food plots. You will be surprised at how much game you will land with this simple bargain.
Available game
Consider the availability of game on a private hunting land for lease in Alabama. Leasing a land without the assurance of game is a bad move. Before you discuss the terms of the lease, make a quick survey of the land. Here are three game signs to look for:
- I. Game track
- II. Turkey scratching
- III. Buck rubs
The more the signs, the merrier. NEVER take the farmer’s word when a survey tells you otherwise. You should also be on the lookout for food and water sources for the game. The more the available food and water, the higher the likelihood of a high game population. At this juncture, it would also help to know how many hunters will hunt the land with you. Make sure the game available can support the number.
Some farmers lease the land to too many hunters. In such scenarios, hunts become too difficult. AVOID land leased to too many hunters. It will frustrate your hunts and spoil the hunting season for you.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Lease-Let me Summarize in Table
Factor | Details |
|---|---|
Proximity to Amenities | Ensure the land is close to roads, motels, or has a cabin for convenience. Leases without cabins (like some Alabama Power properties) require nearby lodging. |
Level of Permission | Check if you can hunt at your preferred times and whether you’re allowed to plant food plots to attract game. Some leases restrict these activities. |
Available Game | Survey the land for signs of game (tracks, buck rubs, turkey scratching). Ask how many other hunters share the lease to avoid overcrowding. |
Land Activities | For company-owned land (e.g., Weyerhaeuser, Alabama Power), ensure no timber harvesting or other disruptions occur during hunting season. |
Contract Terms | Always get terms in writing to avoid misunderstandings. Avoid handshake deals, especially with private landowners. |
Why These Matter
Amenities: A lease far from roads or lodging can make your trips more challenging. Cabins are a bonus but rare on some company leases.
Permissions: Planting food plots can significantly boost game presence, but not all landowners allow it. Clarify these details upfront.
Game Availability: Overcrowded leases can lead to frustration, as too many hunters scare off game. Look for land with abundant food and water sources.
Land Activities: Timber harvesting can disrupt your hunt, so check the landowner’s schedule.
Contracts: Written agreements protect you from disputes, ensuring you get what you paid for.
Best Regions for Different Game
Alabama’s diverse landscape means different regions are better suited for different types of game. Here’s a breakdown of some top areas, based on their wildlife populations and habitat:
Region | Best For | Details |
|---|---|---|
Black Belt Region | Deer, Turkey | Includes Lowndes, Montgomery, Wilcox, Bullock, Dallas, Perry counties. Known for fertile soil and abundant wildlife, making it a hotspot for leases. |
Mobile-Tensaw Delta | Turkey | Located in southwest Alabama, this wetland has an estimated 40,000 turkeys, ideal for spring turkey season. |
North Alabama | Deer, Turkey | The Appalachian foothills offer scenic hunting grounds with healthy deer and turkey populations. |
South Alabama | Waterfowl, Small Game | Coastal plains and marshes are perfect for ducks, doves, and other waterfowl. |
Hunting Seasons and Regulations
No hunting plan is complete without knowing the seasons and regulations. Alabama’s hunter-friendly seasons ensure you can hunt year-round, but specific dates vary by game and region. Here’s a quick overview for 2024-2025, based on the latest information:
Game | Season Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
White-tailed Deer | Nov 23, 2024 – Feb 10, 2025 | General gun season on private lands. Public land dates vary (e.g., antlered bucks only Nov 23 – Dec 13). |
Wild Turkey | Mid-Mar – Early May | Dates vary by region. Check specific zones for exact start dates. |
Waterfowl | Nov – Jan | Aligns with federal guidelines. Includes ducks and geese. |
Small Game | Varies (e.g., Sep for doves) | Includes rabbits, squirrels, doves, with multiple splits throughout the year. |
Key Regulations
Licensing: You’ll need a valid Alabama hunting license, available through the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Outdoor Alabama).
Bag Limits: Alabama has liberal limits (e.g., up to three whitetail bucks per hunter per season), but check species-specific rules.
Protected Species: There’s no open season for bear, mountain lion, or ruffed grouse. Most birds are protected except for crows, collared doves, and starlings.
Weapons: Legal bows include longbows, recurve bows, compound bows (minimum 30 lbs tension), and crossbows (minimum 85 lbs tension).
Always verify regulations with the ADCNR, as rules can change, and specific leases may have additional restrictions.
Land activities
Land activities is an especially important factor to consider in the case of company land. There are many companies in Alabama that hold and lease out the land. The three biggest lessors are:
- i. Weyerhaeuser Company. ( It is pronounced as warehouser’)
- ii. A number of timber companies
- iii. Alabama Power Company.
When leasing from timber companies, consider their timber harvesting schedules. Make sure their activity is minimal on the hunting season. Lumbering is noisy work and will scare away game.
Weyerhaeuser is one of the largest land owners globally. Their hunting land leases are very considerate. The company even allows some hunting clubs in Alabama to plant food plots to maintain the game presence. All Weyerhaeuser hunting land for lease in Alabama is, therefore, well maintained. They are an excellent company for hunters to work with.
Timber companies are other good lessors. Their land is usually filled with natural herbs that game find irresistible. Game presence is not an issue with timber companies in Alabama hunting leases. The challenge is their timber harvests. Make sure your lease gives you unchallenged rights during the hunting season.
The right is always implied, but I recommend you get it explicitly stated on paper. There are also companies in Alabama that act as middlemen between lessees and lessors. They market leases for both private holders and companies. When dealing with said companies, make sure you understand the contracts. I also advise that you never enter into negotiations before a survey of their lands.
N.B.: These middlemen are usually web-based. NEVER make payments online to avoid con artists. Another downside is the fact that middlemen get a cut of the proceedings. You, therefore have to pay more to satisfy both lessor and middleman.
If, however, you are keen on getting Alabama hunting land for lease by owner, the prices are substantially low. Such lessors are, however, hard to get. Very rarely you will get them advertising their ambitions. To get one, you have to advertise your interests. Newspapers would be a nice place to begin.
This strategy, however, needs time and patience. If the hunting season is just around the corner, seek out the web-based lease middlemen. They may cost more but, they will save you on the much needed time.
Some References of Hunting Land For Lease In Alabama
For land for lease in North Alabama ( and anywhere else in Alabama), here are a few companies that will help:
i. (AFOA) Alabama Forest Owners Association
Find them at www.afoa.org
They publish comprehensive lists featuring tracts of land available for lease in Alabama. They have a good reputation and are a sure way to avoid scams.
ii. Westervelt Wildlife services
Find them at http://www.westerveltwildlife.com
They are another reputable company offering hunting leases in Alabama.
iii. Alabama Power Company
Find them at https://apcshorelines.com/recreation/hunting/
They have lands spread out in Alabama. They are always leasing hunters as a form of game control on their lands.
The three have, combined, databases of all the available tracts of land in Alabama. I recommend them as the best options for hunters who are land-lease hunting. In the case of private landowners, be very careful with contracts. Some, like farmers, tend to seal deals with handshakes. Do not do that. Make sure that your terms are written down in the contract.
HAPPY LEASING!!!!!
Where to Find Hunting Land for Lease In Albama-2025 Update!
1. Specialized Leasing Companies
These companies specialize in connecting hunters with landowners and often provide additional services to enhance your hunting experience.
The Southern Land Brokers (Southern Land Brokers):
These folks are experts in handling hunting leases across Alabama. They offer properties ranging from $10 to $20 per acre, with prices varying based on location and amenities like cabins, lakes, or duck ponds. They also provide services like predator control, wildlife management, and food plot development, which can boost your chances of a successful hunt. For example, they list a 1,407-acre lease in Dallas County for $15,000, though turkey hunting isn’t allowed on that one.
Base Camp Leasing (Base Camp Leasing):
This company focuses on quality whitetail hunting but also offers leases for turkey, wild hogs, and other game. Their website features a map where you can browse leases by county, making it easy to narrow down your options. They highlight Alabama’s high deer population and liberal bag limits as major draws.
Westervelt Wildlife Services (Westervelt Wildlife):
Known for managing large tracts of land, they offer hunting leases with a focus on sustainable wildlife management. Their properties are well-maintained, which can mean better game populations.
2. Associations and Organizations
Associations can be a goldmine for finding reputable leases, often with detailed listings and fewer risks of scams.
Alabama Forest Owners Association (AFOA) (AFOA):
This organization publishes comprehensive lists of available hunting leases, making it a trusted resource for hunters. Their listings are vetted, so you’re less likely to run into shady deals. If you’re looking for a reliable starting point, AFOA is a great choice.
Alabama Power Company (Alabama Power):
They lease out land for game control, with properties spread across the state. These leases are often more affordable but may lack amenities like cabins, so you’ll need to plan for nearby lodging or transportation.
3. Online Platforms
Online platforms streamline the process by connecting hunters with landowners, though you’ll want to verify properties in person.
LeaseHunter (LeaseHunter):
This platform is dedicated to helping hunters find leases across Alabama. It’s a convenient way to browse multiple options in one place, but be cautious of potential scams when dealing with online middlemen. Always visit the land before committing.
4. Directly from Landowners
Finding private lessors directly can save you money, but it’s not always easy. Some hunters have success by advertising their interest in local newspapers or through word-of-mouth in rural communities. This approach requires patience and persistence, so it’s best if you’re not in a rush. If time is tight, sticking with companies or platforms might be more practical.
Tips for Finding Leases
Use Online Resources: Websites like LandWatch (LandWatch) and Land.com (Land.com) can give you a sense of what’s available, even if they focus more on land for sale.
Beware of Middlemen: While online platforms can save time, they often charge higher fees. Always survey the land and avoid online payment scams.
Network Locally: Talking to other hunters or joining local hunting clubs can lead to insider tips on available leases.
Tips for a Successful Hunt
To make your hunting experience in Alabama unforgettable, here are some insider tips gathered from seasoned hunters and my research:
Research Thoroughly: Use online resources like LandWatch (LandWatch) and Land.com (Land.com) to get a sense of the market. Hunting forums and local clubs can also provide valuable insights.
Survey the Land: Before signing a lease, visit the property to assess game signs, terrain, and suitability. Look for tracks, rubs, and water sources to gauge game presence.
Respect the Land: Treat the leased land with care. Follow all landowner rules, clean up after yourself, and respect property boundaries.
Connect with Other Hunters: Engaging with local hunters (in person or online) can lead to tips on hidden gems or warnings about less desirable leases.
Plan for the Rut: For deer hunters, the rut (breeding period) from November to February is prime time, especially earlier in northern Alabama (Sportsman’s Warehouse).
