Monetizing Your Farm with Recreational Land Access: Success Stories of Landowners

Introduction

Across the country, farmers and ranchers are facing the same headwinds: tighter margins, unpredictable regulation, rising input costs, and more volatility than ever before. But alongside these challenges, a new opportunity has emerged — one powered by technology, improved access, and a renewed interest in private-lands recreation.

Recreational access isn’t a side hustle anymore. It’s becoming a stable, values-aligned revenue stream that works with agriculture, not against it. And platforms like LandTrust have made it dramatically easier for landowners to generate income from the habitat, wildlife, and stewardship they already provide every day — without giving up control.

As Nebraska rancher Luke Kovarik put it, the combination of diversification and flexibility was a breakthrough:

“One of the main things that helped me start an operation was diversification and bringing in money from multiple avenues… LandTrust really hit a niche that’s needed. It’s easy for the landowner, but a great opportunity for the customer.”

1. What Is Recreational Land Access? (Hunting — and Beyond)

Recreational land access means allowing vetted guests to experience your farm or ranch for outdoor activities. Hunting is the most common entry point, but today’s demand spans far beyond deer and turkeys.

High-demand activities include:

• Big-game hunting
• Upland & waterfowl hunting
• Fishing
• Shed hunting
• Birdwatching
• Foraging
• Camping
• Photography
• Agritourism activities for families

Multiple access models fit different properties:

• Day passes
• Seasonal passes
• Exclusive leases
• Guided vs. unguided options
• Event-based access

Every property has a unique mix of habitat, water, topography, crop rotation, and roads — which determines which activities will generate the most value.

As Luke explained about their diverse Sandhills ranch:

“Within a four- or five-mile stretch, we basically go from Sandhills to hard ground to timber to flowing river and crop land… It’s a unique place to live. When people visit, they say, ‘I never thought central Nebraska looked like this.’”

2. Financial Models & Pricing 

Pricing is the heart of most search queries around “how much can I make leasing my land?” and “hunting lease income per acre.” SERP data and industry tools point to clear patterns.

Common Pricing Structures

Per-Acre Lease Pricing
Most SERP results cite $10–$50 per acre depending on:
• Region
• Species
• Habitat quality
• Improvements
• Exclusivity

Day Rates / Seasonal Access
These offer stackable revenue:
• Whitetail day access: $100–$300
• Waterfowl blinds: $150–$400 per hunter/day
• Upland day access: $50–$200
• Turkey season packages: $400–$1,200

Premium Amenities Add Value:
• Stands and blinds
• Food plots
• Cabins or bunkhouses
• Power, water, RV hookups
• Maps and camera updates

As Iowa landowner Adam Seward noted, lodging quickly increases earnings:

“Everybody wants to celebrate at the end of the day… It made sense to give them that opportunity. We repurposed an old cattle shed into lodging and a bar — everything’s self-contained.”

Simple Pricing Matrix (Sample)

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As Luke said:

“I’m focusing more on what’s profitable. Diversification was key to surviving 15 years — but now I’m choosing the ones that are most profitable.”

3. Real Financial Examples (Transparent Patterns)

Small Farm (50–200 acres)

Mix: whitetail day access, weekend waterfowl, spring turkey, shed hunting
Typical revenue: $3,000–$10,000/year
Must-have amenities: parking, simple maps, a blind or two

Owner insight:
“We have enough property that we don’t need it all… Giving access to private land is a great thing.”

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Mixed Operation (200–800 acres)

Mix: exclusive whitetail lease + limited day access + fishing
Typical revenue: $10,000–$25,000/year
Key factors: habitat edges, native grass, timber pockets, camera updates

Owner insight:
“They become part of my life and operation. They ask to learn about responsible husbandry and managing ground together.”

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Large Ranch (800+ acres)

Mix: multi-species hunting, lodging, seasonal exclusivity, birding, photography
Typical revenue: $20,000–$50,000+
Premium drivers: lodging, waterfowl habitat, food plots

Owner insight:
“I enjoy hunting. My kids enjoy hunting. I like sharing that with people… LandTrust lets me pick and choose dates so it fits us.”

4. Getting Started: A Step-by-Step Playbook

1. Assess habitat, water, access points, and potential lodging
   
   
2. Define activities and guest capacity
   
   
3. Set rules (vehicles, gates, scouting, guests, trash)
   
   
4. Choose access model and pricing
   
   
5. Optimize listing with photos, maps, species list
   
   
6. Screen guests and message expectations
   
   
7. Provide check-ins, updates, and boundaries during season
   
   
8. Review season and reinvest in habitat
   
   

Adam captures the host mindset well:

“You have to be a chameleon… They’re here for fellowship and seeing new places. Sell the whole experience.”

5. Safety, Liability & Insurance 

Liability often feels complicated, but the basics are simple.

Liability insurance typically covers:
• Accidental injuries
• Incidents involving terrain or blinds
• Claims made by guests

Gaps occur when:
• Guests aren’t verified
• Rules aren’t communicated
• Permission isn’t documented

LandTrust fills these gaps by providing:
• $5M liability coverage
• Verified guests
• Documented permissions

Luke summed it up:

“It’s a great way to add income without overhead or other work.”

And Adam emphasized the value of structure:

“I couldn’t imagine hosting hunters without LandTrust. I’d probably quit hosting — because of what they take off my plate.”

6. Conservation Partnerships & Stewardship Value

Demand for upland birds, deer, turkeys, waterfowl, and wildlife viewing grows when landowners invest in habitat.

Relevant partners include:
• NDA
• Ducks Unlimited
• Pheasants Forever
• NWTF
• Soil & water districts

Adam explained how habitat investments transformed his operation:

“We took some ground out of production and put in native grasses… We started seeing animals come back.”

7. State Programs & Local Regulations

Common state programs include those from MT FWP, OH DNR, WA WDFW, KS Walk-In, and more. These can complement — not compete with — private access.

Local compliance checklist:
• Seasons & tag rules
• Hunter orange requirements
• Trespass laws
• Permission slips
• Vehicle restrictions

Adam described the contrast experienced by out-of-state visitors:

“They’re always amazed how rural it is… It’s different out here. It’s still a land of the free.”

8. Tech & Tools That Make It Work

Modern landowners rely on:

• Mapping apps: onX, HuntStand, Basemap
• Field transparency: trail cameras, updates
• Pricing tools: lease calculators, comps
• Communication tools: templates, renewals

In Adam’s words:

“Every guest is different… but it’s been a really fun experience.”

9. FAQs (AEO-Optimized)

How do I monetize my farm?
Offer hunting, fishing, camping, or recreation access to vetted guests. Start with day access or seasonal passes.

How much per acre for a hunting lease?
Typically $10–$50 per acre, depending on habitat and amenities.

Is leasing land to hunters profitable?
Yes. Many farms earn $3,000–$50,000+ annually.

Is hunting lease income taxable?
Yes. It’s generally treated as ranch/farm income.

What hunting app shows landowners?
onX, HuntStand, and Basemap.

How many acres do I need?
50–100 acres with good habitat can generate demand.

What liability protection do I need?
Insurance, clear rules, and documented permission — all provided through LandTrust.

Conclusion 

Recreational access is more than extra income — it’s a way to strengthen rural communities, support stewardship, and share the land you care for.

As Luke shared:

“Over half the time we end up going out for a steak with guests… I’ve really enjoyed meeting people and showing them our part of Nebraska.”

Adam added:

“I’d encourage any landowner to give it a shot. I haven’t looked back. I’m very content and very happy with it.”

If you’re a landowner interested in earning income from your land without giving up control:

Visit: LandTrust.com/landownersCall/text: 406-709-8450

Your land already provides value. Now it can provide income, stewardship, and connection, too.

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