Hunting land can be more than a place to hunt. For many buyers, it’s a long-term investment, family retreat, and recreational property that will be enjoyed for generations to come. Before purchasing, it’s important to evaluate factors like accessibility, wildlife habitat, long-term goals, and property restrictions to make sure the land you’re investing in will continue to meet your needs in the long run. Here’s what to look for when searching for that perfect piece of land.

1. The Three Essentials of Good Hunting Land

A quality hunting property is one that can sustain wildlife through providing access to three important things: food, water, and cover. Properties that include all three are more likely to support consistent game activity. Look for:

• Food sources such as agricultural fields, forage, and potential food plot locations
• Water sources like streams, ponds, and wetlands
• Places game can take cover including thick timber, bedding areas, brush and other natural vegetation

If a property you are looking at does not have all three, would there be a way for you to create a food, water, or cover source, and would you be willing to do it?

2. Access to the Property

A property might have an excellent habitat and abundant wildlife but could be difficult to hunt if the terrain is too steep or flooding limits your access to certain areas of the property. Will you be able to access the land year-round or only during certain seasons? Even more important, is there a way to access the property at all via a road or easement? Or is the property landlocked by other properties? Additionally, are there roads or trails on the property that would allow you to travel where you need to go on the land?

Some properties may be easy to access in the warmer months but then require plowing in the winter. Consider how far the property is from your primary residence – will you be able to get to it and still maintain it in the winter? Would you be alright spending your weekends traveling to the property if it is located far away from your primary residence? All of these questions can help you evaluate whether you will be able to access and enjoy your property!

3. Any Legal Restrictions or Regulations

Before closing on your dream plot of land, it’s important to ensure you’ll be able to use the property for its primary purpose. Hunting rules and regulations can differ between regions and can change over time. Be sure to research your current state and local regulations before purchasing. Just because the land looks like it might be perfect for hunting, doesn’t mean it will be.

In addition to hunting regulations, consider reviewing the following prior to closing as well:

• Property deed restrictions
• Utility easements
• Survey documents (and who owns the land nearby)
• Title work
• Public access agreements
• Environmental issues (like an old dump site or abandoned oil well)

If you’re going to invest in a property that you will enjoy for years to come, it’s important to ensure you won’t have any surprises with how you will be able to use it down the road.

4. A Lender That Understands Hunting Land Financing

The first step in your journey to buying hunting land should be to get pre-qualified. It’s best to do this before beginning your property search. The perfect piece of hunting land can be illusive. A letter of pre-qualification prepares you to act quickly when you find the right property.

Working with a lender like GreenStone that understands recreational land financing will set you up for success in the purchasing process. Meet early with your lender to establish your budget and determine your loan eligibility. That way, you are ready to shop for property within your budget and submit a strong offer when you find that perfect piece of land.

When you partner with GreenStone on your land loan, you can enjoy stable, affordable loan terms up to 30 years, as well as competitive interest rates and no limit to the amount of acreage you can purchase. You are free to dream big!

When you’re ready to invest in your dream hunting property, or land to make memories on for generations, the land financing experts at GreenStone are here to help. Contact your local branch today to learn more about specialized lending options for your unique needs.