Appreciate your feedback and I don't know if you took the time to read the entire thread. I don't believe I have the "right", since you brought it up I wanted to make that very clear. The land owner came to my office and we had an adult conversation. I understand it and I stated such here. I was just surprised by it and a bit taken back. As I told him, I don't blame him if it was my land and I wasn't hunting it I wouldln't let someone hunt for free. I don't have rights to anything that is not mine. By nature I am not an entitled individual. Thanks
You are the one that decided your friendship was worth less than $500. Not the landowner. He made the move of a friend by offering the property to you first. AFTER he received an offer for who knows how much. You declined, and then made him out to be a poor friend. I don't see it that way at all. He made the effort to come see you at your office. He declined the original offer until he gave you first chance. Sounds to me like he is a good person that was looking out for you first and foremost. Just because his land is worth a lot of money ($400K), does not mean he is greedy to take the money from someone for a resource that he has no interest in himself. The fact that you brought up his wealth and the expectation that he should pass on the money because of it is probably the most annoying part of your rant to me. People that have a lot of money don't owe anything to anyone else, just because they are fortunate. Market value of land and a home is not cash in the bank. Its a number on paper that doesn't pay the bills.
Very good point(s) and well said. Great perspective. I agree on all accounts. I probably didn't articulate the situation well, posting based on emotions online can certainly be tought to interpret. I am thankful for the 6 years he allowed me to hunt his land. I expressed such gratitude to him as well. I also expressed my understanding of his predicament. I am not asking for a handout in life - again I'm not an entitled person. Perhaps I came off that way. You helped provide some clarity. Thanks
It sucks, there's no denying that. I think I would have paid it, though. 56 acres for $750 a year. Doesn't seem to bad really.
Holy crap! A person in this world capable of taking constructive criticism and step back and look at things. That's refreshing to see.
I understand the frustration of loosing a property. I can't afford a lease and I've had properties leased out from under me. Though I can't pay cash I do my best to help out. Splitting wood mending fences etc..... Just to show the greatest of appreciation for the opportunity. But when you put in time to improve a land it still hurts to see that future investment gone, because the work put into it is a plan for that booner that you realize you'll never see. Sorry for both losses. You have a good outlook on life. Here's to autumn leaves and the midday moon. Enjoying every hour on stand. Jimmy
I think it sucks that you lost the spot, but his land his terms period. I would not pay $750 for 56acres either unless it drew big mature bucks every year. $350-500 seems more reasonable price...unless you figure in the other 6 years. Good learning experience... Would you do it any differently if you had the chance?
Good question. I think the one thing you have to realize is I better than anyone know what this property is worth and know what I put into it. I put in 2 or 3 food plots annuallyequaling about 2 acres total and that costs me money obviously. I'd estimate in the range of $300 to $500 annually on this property alone. Also, the land is 56 acres or so but only about 30 of it is huntable acreage. The property is really cool and dynamic with a lot of doe bedding areas. It does produce nice bucks, but not year around - most bucks just pass through and cruise the property making them very unpredictable (I'm the only one huh haha) and difficult to hunt. I passed on a 130inch 10 point last year. In 6 years that is the biggest buck I have had in bow range. The biggest buck on camera probably a 150 range 10 pointer. So that all being said, saw the land owner a few days later (this Tuesday) in the parking lot a work. A normal respectful exchange (this man is still my friend) and I let him know I pulled my cameras off his property. He responds with, "I think we might be able to work something out". Insinuating that the people who were interested in leasing might have got cold feet?!?! Don't know the full story a passing conversation. I am still only willing to pay so much. $750 although yes, very reasonable is well north of what I am willing to pay for this property. So we shall see how it plays out. A few things I have learned in this process and a few reminders that I already knew: 1. At the end of my day, it's not my land and thus at any time the owner can do whatever the hell he wants, including kick me off. Just the fact of the matter! 2. Be thankful for what you have and appreciate what you have when you have. Land is hard to come by, be respectful of the land and do good by the land owner. It should be noted I do small things every year like clean his gutters of his house every fall. 3. Know what you are willing to pay for a particular piece of property and don't come off that number especially if you know the property's hunting value better than the land owner or the people trying to lease it out from under you. 4. Don't take your frustrations to the internet if you can't handle the hard truth. Ya'all have been very helpful and respectful thanks so much.
Sounds like you may have another crack at it...perhaps you guys could come to an arrangement with a little money and then some basic chores as trade...you are already doing some so perhaps state again $350 + gutters every year, and a few others and I bet you are in there. Maybe you want to sign an agreement if $ is exchanged though. Good luck.
I have read all the responses in this thread twitch and some of them were very thoughtful. I think if you have a second chance at this place and it's going to be on a lease basis now I would try to get the guy to commit to a longer term lease. That way you would probably have a better chance at getting it at your price. Just a thought. Hope things work out for you. Blessings. ..........Pastorjim
Many thanks Jim! We will get it worked out for better or worse. Just part of it! I will let y'all know how it works out.
