I got a call last night from one of my buddies out at the lease. It seems as if the property owner is trying to drain every penny out of the property that he can. First he charges $10,000 for the hunting lease. This is divided by 15 families. The lease manager hunts free, so its a crowded, high pressure place. I have been on the lease for three years now. Each year I have been there a few hundred acres has been clear cut. This year after cutting we are down to about 600 acres of timber. Its getting REALLY crowded in there. Some bulldozers showed up last week. We assumed they were there to disk in preparation of replanting the pines. Thats what they have done every year so far. well, we were wrong. They are strip mining the land for iron ore. For now they are stripping 300 acres. But I really wonder whats next. Cut the rest of the timber and then mine that next year? I don't begrudge the owner doing what he pleases with his land. But don't you think a heads up would be fair? I have spoken to several other lease members and not one would have paid to stay had we known the place would be mined. We can live with the clear cut but strip mining? I'll be looking for a new place to hunt for next year. You Texas and Oklahoma guys let me know if you hear of anything!
That sucks Tx! If I were part of the leasing group, I'd be ticked. Like you said, at least give a heads up to those that are using the land. Hope no one's stand get dozed.
Dang, I think I may have to turn in my man card. I sound like a whiney ass sissy, drama queen lately!
I agree, it would have been nice. Most likely he knew this a while ago....but he probably also knew that if he told you guys, he'd likely NOT sell the lease. You are right, its his land....and his right, but it would have been nice for him to be up front with you. Hang in the TX....something will turn around for you. We all have those cycles in our lives where it seems like nothing is working in our favor. Keep the faith teammate! I say go out and whack a whopper on that lease this year....since it will likely be the last year you hunt it. Good luck!
