How Recreational Land Leasing is Transforming Property Income: A Modern Landowner’s Guide
Max Nova
Max Nova
3 February, 2025 min read

The old “No Hunting” signs are coming down. Across America, savvy landowners are discovering their acreage holds more value than they imagined – and it’s not just from timber, carbon, crops, and minerals. As we move into 2025, this trend is accelerating, with more property owners than ever exploring new ways to monetize their land on their terms. What are they doing? Recreational land leasing. An evolving land leasing approach that’s reshaping how property owners can generate flexible income. NCX is proud to bring you this guide in partnership with recreational leasing partner HLRBO.

Why Now? 

The surge in recreational leasing isn’t happening by accident. Public land overcrowding has created intense demand for private hunting grounds, with experienced hunters willing to pay premium rates for quality experiences. Also, a surge in other types of recreation like hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing is opening up a new market of people looking for land to explore. Meanwhile, modern lease agreements and professional platforms have simplified management and reduced liability concerns, making it easier than ever to get started. Not sure where to start? NCX can help you understand what opportunities you are eligible for and which are right for you. Login here to see the recreation programs you’re eligible for and compare them side by side. NCX works with trusted platforms like HLRBO to help landowners safely lease their properties for recreation.

Working with established leasing platforms removes the headaches of:

  • Marketing your property effectively
  • Screening potential lessees
  • Managing agreements and payments
  • Handling liability concerns

The Economics of Recreational Leasing

It’s no surprise that increasing numbers of landowners are looking to recreational leasing to supplement their property income. Here are just a few of the economic benefits of recreational leasing:

  • $15-50 per acre annually for typical leases, with premium properties commanding even higher rates
  • No expensive equipment or annual replanting required
  • Significantly less time investment than agricultural activities
  • Potential for year-round income streams through multiple activities
  • Flexibility to lease when you want, where you want, to whom you want with as much or little involvement as you choose

What Makes a Great Recreational Property?

Success in recreational leasing starts with understanding your property’s potential. Evaluate your land’s unique features and identify what makes it attractive to different user groups. Good access roads and clear boundaries are essential, but don’t overlook the value of natural features like waterways, varied terrain, or existing wildlife populations.

Thinking Beyond Hunting

Your land’s earning potential isn’t limited to deer season. There is a wide variety of recreational leasing opportunities for you to consider and a market for each:

  • Wildlife and nature viewing
  • Hiking and camping
  • Farm and ranch tours
  • Photography
  • Off-roading/mudding 
  • Cross-country skiing and snowmobiling 

Hidden Benefits Beyond the Lease Payment

Landowners are discovering that recreational leasing delivers more than just regular payments. There are a variety of advantages to leases like this, including:

  • Built-in property security – lessees become your eyes and ears on the ground
  • Reduced maintenance costs through shared responsibility
  • Potential tax advantages through recreational use designation

As traditional agricultural margins tighten and recreational demand grows, recreation represents an increasingly attractive option for property owners. Those who adapt early stand to benefit most, establishing relationships with quality lessees and building reputations for well-managed properties.

Whether you own 40 acres or 4,000, recreational leasing deserves a serious look. The market is growing, the systems are in place, and the opportunity is real. Don’t leave your land’s potential untapped. Get started with HLRBO today.

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about the author

Max Nova

Max Nova

CEO
Max Nova is the CEO of NCX (the Natural Capital Exchange). NCX's mission is to create fair and honest natural capital markets so that millions of Americans can prosper from the carbon, water, wildlife, timber, and other values their land provides. Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Max earned a degree in computer science from Yale.