Had a group snake us out of a lease several years ago. LO came to us and told us it would cost $XX for us to keep it. We agreed to the price but stipulated we wanted a minimum 3yr contract at that price. LO wouldn't do it. We packed up.

Did we like it? No.
Unethical? Not really

Land values, prices, and taxes are going outa sight. I don’t lease my place but allow a young couple and grandson to hunt it.

You can just about bet that what is often called here a greedy landowner has gotten a significant tax increase due to land values increasing. His expenses are increasing just like yours are. You/I/we are taking it in the shorts due to government spending on build back and build back better BS/ scams. With his expenses increasing, he has to try to increase his income, lower his standard of living, or sell out.

Taking more money for a contract is a business decision, not a question of ethics. In making that decision, the landowner must take into account the total value of the contract, which includes the way the lessee treats the land and manages the herd. Making an extra buck in the lease price could end up costing a fortune in damages later. A similar situation is a landlord renting a house or apartment - a great tenant who takes care of the house and pays their bills is worth way more than a crummy tenant paying a higher rental price.

The only thing I've seen here that is an ethical question is the guy that was a part of a lease group, and then bought the lease out from under the group for his company. That may not cross the line of ethics, but it is pretty slimy.

LO can make "business" decisions as they see fit. They should standby their agreements or contracts but when renewal time comes they should price their lease property accordingly. No different than having tenants in rental houses. Good lease locations are in high demand, money talks and BS walks.