Monthly Archives: November 2011

hunting land

Preparing for Your Georgia Hunting Land Lease

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If you’ve located a Georgia hunting land lease for your hunt club, congratulations! You’re on your way to many great hunting seasons with your buddies, so long as you prepare well. Here are some things to keep in mind when setting up your Georgia hunting land lease.

Get it in writing – Be certain that you have a written lease from the land owner. Their word is not enough to ensure that the terms you’ve agreed upon will be honored. Take the time to put together a detailed lease for both of you to sign. It’s worth paying an attorney to help you ensure that all the details are spelled out and that your document is legal.

Make the lease for several years – It’s likely that you’ll be doing some work on your lease property to make it best for hunting. You may clear some small areas to attract deer or to provide for hunting. It’s a shame to go to such work only to have your lease run out after one year and your landowner be unwilling to renew. You should make your Georgia hunting land lease for a minimum of three years; five is better.

Spell out your hunting club requirements – It’s imperative that you know that your hunting club members are serious. You need their fees in order to pay for the lease. Have written agreements with each member specifying the amount they will pay per year and when the money is due. Have remedies in place in the event of default. Many hunting clubs lock each member into a contract for the duration of the hunting land lease with the landowner. If a member wishes to leave the club before the lease period is up, he must find a member to replace him.

Investigate previous hunting on your Georgia hunting land lease. Be certain you’re not leasing land that has already been over hunted. If a hunting club has previously used the land you’re leasing, find out the catch rates for the last several years.

Spell out your privileges and responsibilities – As mentioned earlier, you may want to make some improvements on the property. You may want to store supplies there and you may want to use the land for activities other than hunting – like camping or four wheeling. Make sure these privileges are spelled out in your Georgia hunting land lease agreement with the land owner. In addition, make sure that any expectations that your land owner has of your club, such as that tree stands are removed at the end of hunting season, be spelled out, too.

hunting

Surgeons Have Scalpels, Hunters Have Hunting Knives

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Ask any outdoor enthusiast what tools are necessary for a successful hunt and hunting knives will always make the top of the list. While some hunting knives are great for the heavy cutting that comes with cleaning a kill, there are times when a small compact knife is best for performing the little, menial tasks while out in the field. There are a number of options to consider when it comes to choosing a hunting knife that is right for the job. Contrary to popular opinion, a larger knife is not always the best bet for a hunt. It can be awkward to handle, require more time to care for and, seeing as most seasoned hunters prefer smaller blades, can say much about a hunter’s level of practical experience out in the field.

Hunting knives are often made of carbon or stainless steel. While they both have their benefits, stainless steel blades are the most common. Those who prefer to have a knife that is easy to keep sharp are likely to choose the carbon blade. However, it should be noted that a carbon blade is more likely to rust than a stainless steel blade. When out in the field, it is not uncommon for knives to come in contact with moisture. This is why many hunters opt for the stainless steel blade. Even though stainless steel is better at resisting moisture, it is also harder to keep sharp.

When it comes to hunting knives, one will find there is a choice between a foldable blade and a fixed blade. A fixed blade will be sturdier and a more reliable choice for larger projects. These types of blades require a sheath and will need to be worn on a belt or carried in the hunter’s pack. While a foldable blade can be quite sturdy, it is not commonly used a primary hunting knife. A foldable blade, or pocket knife, is likely to have other handy tools that also fold out. Many hunters prefer to keep this type of compact knife with them at all times, whether out in the field or out at the grocery store.

Some other aspects to consider when looking at hunting knives might be the shape of the blade, the handle or grip, the butt, thumb spurs or locking liners. One of the most recommended methods for picking out a good knife is how it feels in one’s hand. A knife that is awkward and unwieldy is of no use out in the field. One should also consider the maintenance and care that will be required. There are some knives that come with free conditioning oil or sharpening tools upon purchase. On average, a guide for proper knife care is also included, showing essential care and sharpening procedures.