This is the time to start looking if you don't have a lease. You can see the property during hunting conditions, and get it set up before the heat of the Summer. Also time for hog/off-season hunting. I have some suggestions. Instead of asking "2 hours from the metro," be more specific. The metro is a large area. Instead of "Looking in the Hill Country," again be more specific. Also when you find something you like, and are sure it is legit, be ready to pay. To tell the rancher, "I will think this over," means no. Money talks. I manage a lease. It takes a day of my time to show it and explain how it works. It is helpful to everyone to know what you want before you look at something.

A view from the other side of the lease. Thanks Brother Phil.

Good post. While we have you, any recommendations as to how to find managers such as yourself for those looking for a lease? Do you ever advertise, or is it leased based off word of mouth?

Great advice. Really isn't worth looking, other than a phone conversation, until cash is in hand. Time is valuable and leases move fast.

To JB1316: The term "lease manager" usually means one of the hunters on the lease who is in charge of it, and deals with the land owner. The LM, after meeting with the property owner to learn his requirements of the hunters, usually sets the rules, and collects the money. Since the LM is also a hunter, he has a vested interest in having a quality lease. The term "lease broker" means a business person who leases hunting rights, then sub-leases the rights to others. Generally, a brokered lease will cost more, because the broker is a middleman. I am not in the business, and only manage the lease I am on. The members I have are friends or referrals. I deal with the land owner, and wrote the lease contract. I also show the lease to interested parties. As simple as it sounds, it has taken quite a bit of time. But, I get to make sure it is a quality opportunity for all the members.

Good explanation Brother Phil.

Should be mandatory reading to anyone looking for a lease.

Money talks is a very important aspect of finding a lease. I have at least 10 people who I am friends with that constantly talk about wanting to get on a lease. When I started looking at leases 3 years ago, I couldn't get people to even commit to go look at a place much less pony up money if it was somewhere we wanted to lease. I finally quit asking them if they were interested and found a place looking for a single person. You have to show up check in hand and be ready or it just isn't going to happen.

Ask the rules. Preferred in writing
Year round or limited?
What can you hunt?
Use other peoples blinds? Can they use yours?
Hook ups for rv, cabin or camp?
Limits on what you can harvest?
Feed requirements?
Etc
Do your research before hand.

Keep to yourself... pay ontime.. follow guidelines... if you don't like them don't get on the lease

Number of people wanting leases >>> number of lease spots available

Do the math. Treat the land/landowner accordingly.