Fort Plain NY hunting lease feedback

Enigma · December 10, 2021

I have a very good friend from out of state interested in leasing a hunting property near Fort Plain, NY. 200+ acres. I'll preface my question(s) by saying I'd rather not discuss the politics of leasing hunting land in this thread. Just trying to help a friend decide if this would be a good option for him (us). My friend's an accomplished hunter and goes on several guided hunts each year. Very successful in that regard. He's also leased several different properties over the years in different states on the East cost, with mixed results. We hunt together when time allows and usually kill game, but this place would be more of a getaway place for him several times a year. Not a trophy hunting property per se.

The property is listed by a leasing company and located in 6S. I'm not personally familiar with hunting in that part of the state (Eastern 6S). Property is located about a 45 min drive for me and 4 hrs for him. I plan on visiting the property early next week. He's basically depending on me to make the call to lease it or not.

We'd hunt deer (all seasons), turkeys and September geese there. The property appears to be a working dairy or beef farm. A majority of the acreage is cropland but also contains some mixed hardwoods and a large stream. ATV use and camping during hunting season would be permitted. My #1 concern at this point is controlling access on a property that can't be monitored 24/7 by either of us. I mean the point of leasing it is too gain exclusivity to hunt it but my gut feeling is that concept would be difficult in practice. Some of my concerns or red flags . . . 1) The listing states the leasee would be permitted to post the property. This tell me it's not currently posted which tells me it might be a free-for-all for the locals. 2) Why is this property even up for lease? It seems like a "fresh" or new lease to the market. 3) Who hunts there now?

What other question would you have for the lessor and leasing agent? All input welcome. Thanks.