What You Need to Know When Applying for a Private Landowner Tags & Private Land Licenses

Owning recreational or ranch property comes with many perks, but it’s also a job in and of itself to manage the land, and for some, turn a profit on it. As cattle revenues continue to fluctuate, many large landowners have turned to private hunting leases in recent years as a predictable source of income, not to mention the added benefit of cultivating trophy big game and offering premium hunting opportunities to family, friends, and clients. In many states, private landowners can apply with the Game and Fish offices to receive landowner hunting tags for big game species to use for themselves, family, friends or to sell (depending on the state laws). Before you go down the road of applying for a private landowner hunting tags, here are a few things to know. 

Eligibility Requirements for Landowners

There are a variety of things to consider regarding landowner hunting tags. The first, and perhaps most obvious, is the land. How many acres qualifies for a private landowner hunting licenses? The specific number varies from state to state, but generally falls within the range of 160 to 640 contiguous acres or more. 

Additionally, you will need proof of land ownership such as property deed, tax bill, or contract to purchase and any lease agreements or easements associated with the property. Land owners might also need to show residency within the state in which they wish to offer their private land for hunting. Confirm your state’s regulations, but this typically requires a property owner to live in the state for at least 180 consecutive days before applying for a license. In all cases, make sure to check with your local and state agencies to ensure you meet all requirements. If you’re a non-resident landowner who can not apply for landowner hunting rights, you might still be able to sponsor hunters who live in the state to hunt on your land. Again, review this request with your wildlife management agencies. 

Understanding State and Local Hunting Laws

Each state has a different set of rules and regulations for hunting private land. If you plan on applying for landowner hunting tags to hunt your own land, you’ll need to understand these rules as they relate to your property. In some states, deer require a certain number of contiguous acres whereas larger game, like elk, might require more. And these rules can change from year to year.

Most public land hunting restrictions also apply to private landowners. This can include protected species and seasonal restrictions. If you allow others to hunt your property, make sure all those hunting your land understand these rules and regulations, and know how to identify any protected species and their habitat. 

You can stay informed about local hunting laws by visiting agencies and organizations in your region such as Game and Fish associations, DNR offices and Wildlife & Parks.

The Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Private landowners should collect all necessary information before applying for their permit. This information will vary by state, but can include the following:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Address
• Email
• Which type of permit you’re applying for
• Name in which the land is deeded
• Contact name (if someone other than the landowner, such as a property manager or outfitter, is the primary point of contact)
• County 
• Hunting district (township, range, section)
• Tax bill information 

Some states provide an online licensing system that allows landowners to submit all materials through the wildlife management website. Others might require hard copy materials and an in-person application. 

If you plan to apply for a landowner hunting tags, make sure you know the deadline for the upcoming season. In many cases, the deadline for the next season is the last day of the current year, e.g. December 31, 2024 for the 2025 hunting season. Timeline for approval varies, but most states provide a contact phone number, tracking website, or other form of knowing when you can expect to know the status of your application. 

UPCOMING DEADLINES FOR LANDOWNER TAG APPLICATIONS:

Colorado:

Register by December 1^st 2024 at 11:59pm MST

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Wyoming:

No set deadline, recommend applying before January 1st, 2025.

New Mexico:

Register by January 5^th, 2025 (Primary Zone), June 30^th, 2025 (Secondary Zone)

Montana:

Register by April 1^st, 2025 at 5:00pm MST

Private Land Tag Costs and Fees

Fees for private landowner hunting vary widely depending on a variety of factors, including the state, type of game, hunting district regulations, and total acreage. For landowners the cost for landowner tags can be minimal, but if legal in your state, the landowner may sell these landowner tags to the general public for market rate. 

Keep the following in mind:

• State in which you’re applying
• How much land you own, the more land usually means you can apply for more licenses
• Which type of game you plan to hunt
• Whether or not your application will require a property survey
• Recent property tax bills

Some states like New Mexico offer a bonus or incentive tag for responsible and sustainable land ownership, rewarding those who steward the land, do not overgraze, and oversee good water disbursement.  

Responsibilities of the Private Landowner

As a private landowner with hunting permits for your property, it’s important to be mindful of the responsibility that comes with it. To help ensure the safety of you, hunters on your land, and those hunting bordering properties, make sure you:

• Maintain property boundaries and safety standards
• Set clear rules for hunters on your land
• Establish clear property boundaries and no-trespass points
• Consider legal liability and insurance measures

Hayden Outdoors recreational real estate professional Greg Liddle sums up the benefits of hunting on private land. “In 1985, you could walk into your nearest hardware store and get your deer or elk tag right over the counter. It was good for the entire season. Nowadays, there are units in Colorado that could easily take 25 – 30 years to draw.” He notes that in 2021, an additional 60,000 applicants applied for big game deer and elk tags in the state of Colorado alone as compared to the previous year. 

“This makes hunting on private land pretty appealing to those who have access to it.” Private hunting land is certainly a luxury, but it’s much more than that in today’s world. It’s a legacy for future generations of hunters. It’s added financial value in your recreational real estate investment. And it’s a way to preserve the land for all those who value the art of big game hunting. To learn more about securing a private land hunting application for your recreational property, or if you’re interested in purchasing private hunting land, contact Hayden Outdoors.”

*Don’t forget to visit us at a trade show to discuss Landowner Tags!*

Hayden Outdoors will attend a number of hunting and sporting trade shows every year. Stop by one of these shows to discuss how we can help you with your private landowner tag application, property and wildlife management and learn about some amazing sporting properties we have for sale from coast to coast.

View our trade show calendar here!