Recreational Leases as Means to Increase Landowner Income

Recreational leases for hunting, fishing, and wildlife watching provide a means by which landowners can supplement their income from land ownership. Illinois professional farm managers were surveyed regarding recreational leases held by their clients. Information was collected on lease rates, recreational uses, wildlife types, land management practices, and property characteristics. Results indicated that 38 percent of managers had recreational leases on about 6 percent of their managed properties. Lease rates ranged from $1-75 per acre. Results of a hedonic lease rate model indicated adoption of land management practices and location positively affected lease rates.