EasternIowaFarmer_Fall2023

HUNTING LEASES
an indemnification clause. This is
when the hunters agree to assume the
risk and pay any damages caused to
others by the hunter or the hunter’s activity
on the property. This is important
if the landowner becomes involved
in a lawsuit where a third party was
injured or harmed. It also can help
reinforce the hunters’ responsibilities
and encourage safe hunting practices.
Tree Stands
Studies have found that tree stands
lead to more injuries than firearms in
a hunting context. Providing a tree
stand or elevated hunting platform is
increasing the risk that the hunter or
guest will become injured from a fall
or improperly maintained stand. If
there is a tree stand, it needs to meet
the Treestand Manufacturer’s Association’s
safety standards, and the hunter
should be required to wear a safety
harness at all times. If the hunter is
providing the stand, the stand should
be installed in summer when it is
easier to identify a dead tree. A dead
tree should never be used to support
an elevated hunting platform.
Payment Terms
A hunting lease should include the
terms of payment required under the
lease, including the amount, the due
date, the manner in which payment
is to be made, and the remedy in
the event of nonpayment. It is best
practice to require payment prior to
the hunting period, usually well in advance
so that an alternative party can
be found if payment is not made.
As noted above, Iowa hunting land
is a precious commodity. Through
a well-drafted hunting lease, landowners
can share their resource with
others and, in exchange, receive
a monetary benefit. They should
remember, however, that any such
agreement should be carefully drafted
and cleared with their insurers. Failing
to take such measures could place
them in a liability landmine. n
About CALT:
n The Center for Agricultural Law
and Taxation (CALT) at Iowa State
University was created in 2006. It
provides timely, critically objective
information to producers, professionals
and agribusinesses concerning the
application of important developments
in agricultural law and taxation
(federal and state legal opinions of
relevance, as well as critical legislative
developments) and is a primary source
of professional educational training
in agricultural law and taxation.
Contact CALT:
Iowa State University
2321 N. Loop, Suite 200
Ames, IA 50010
Phone: (515) 294-5217
Fax: (515) 294-0700
www.calt.iastate.edu
CASCADE LUMBER
is more than a lumber yard!
No matter how different of an operation you run, we have your back!
For 70 years we’ve provided the right building for whatever type of farm
operation you run and we will continue to do so for the modern-day farmer.
Build your future with us!
Cascade
Lumber Co.
BUILDING WITH YOU SINCE 1953
• Dairy/Cattle Feeding • Machine Shed • Shops • Shouse
Here for you since 1953!
1000 1ST AVE E CASCADE, IA 52033
563-852-3232
eifarmer.com FALL 2023 | EASTERN IOWA FARMER 85