So I now have 2 quail leases for this year. Both in excellent country, the second one is more than double the cost of the first because they wanted to limit the number of lease members. But I couldn't pass up on the place after seeing it and it be awhile before another spot opens up. I can take 2 guests each time I go.

My question is this: If I wanted to do some guided hunts to recoup some of the cost what would be a fair price per day and what should I expect/provide and what would your expectations be if you were paying? I hunt on foot and will provide lodging, food and 4 dogs.

Have any of you ever done something like this? Based on experience I think I could promise 5-10 coveys of wild birds per day. Guessing more on the new place.

My guess that is a great way to be removed from the lease.

I think you'd be better off eating the cost or and getting a guest to split the cost with you.

What Bill said.

And what tigger said too.

It's Texas. Better act like you are a Texun if you want to stay.

The draw back to splitting the lease is who isn't on the lease contract usually can't go without who is.

Right. I've done it a couple of times with the lease manager's knowledge, but I was always the primary lease holder. I went more often.

That is a big no-no! And to think that you have already posted your intent on this board.....Don't step over a dollar to pick up a dime.

If I was on that lease with you and you did that I probably wouldn't invite you back next year. Or the next year. Or the year after that.

Guys, I appreciate your feedback and I understand where you are coming from. First, I'm not looking to become a commercial guide. I am friends with all the lease members and I have already spoken to them about either splitting my spot or doing something like this to get a little money back. Not trying to do anything behind anyone's back.

Splitting the lease cost is one thing and done a lot, but if you brought pay to hunt boys on a lease I was in you would be gone or I'd be gone, one or the other. If the other lease members are ok with you guiding folks on their lease they deserve anything they get.

The big difference is you'd have meat hunters if you did guided hunts. Splitting the cost you would have bird dog enthusiast.

Since you are getting negative feedback, try this approach.
What money amount would you need per hunt, two, four, etc to cover the cost of 1/2 of lease? And is lease manager ok with you doing this...?

most lease hunters have a vested interest in staying on the lease for as long as possible if it's a good lease because finding a good lease is hard. Doubly so an affordable good lease. because of this they tend to be good stewards of the wildlife resources. Pay per hunt hunters aren't going to necessarily have the same priorities...especially those folks who don't bother to keep their own dogs. They are probably better off "hunting" released birds. If you can find folks who would willingly limit themselves to something significantly less than the legal limit for the opportunity to pursue wild birds you might be ok.

If I'm paying for the hunt, I'm looking for 15-20 coveys per day. We were averaging 20 last season.