Everything You Need To Know Before Buying Recreational Land
If you enjoy the outdoors, there are over 85 million acres in the National Parks System for you to enjoy. If you don't want to share all that space with the over 300 million people that visit each year and want to purchase your own recreational property for hunting or riding purposes, there are a few things you need to know.
What is recreational land?
Recreational land is a large parcel of land, usually several acres, that is used for recreational purposes only. The owner does not intend to build a year-round home on it, but rather intends to use it for hunting, fishing, or even riding off-highway vehicles.
Is recreational land a good investment?
Real estate is always a good investment for the long term. While prices may fluctuate slightly on a year to year basis or in times of economic crisis, investing in real estate is always a good decision. If you plan on holding your recreational land for decades, it will appreciate in value.
What do I need to know about hunting on recreational land?
When choosing a parcel of recreational land for hunting, be sure to understand the species that you plan on hunting. For example, if you plan to hunt deer, your recreational land should have sources of water, food, and shelter that deer prefer. You will still need to follow local hunting season guidelines even if you are on private land.
How many acres would I need in order to hunt on recreational land?
The size of the acreage that you need depends on what you plan to hunt. Experts suggest that a 40-acre parcel is the smallest size piece of land that will support harvesting deer each year. If the property adjoins other parcels or state land, you will increase your chances of taking down a big buck that wanders onto your own property.
Are there any restrictions on off-highway vehicles (OHV) on private land?
If you intend to use your recreational land for riding off-highway vehicles—snowmobiles, four-wheelers, dirtbikes, and more—you need to be aware of your state laws for their use. The vehicle needs to be fully registered with the state, driven at a reasonable speed, and the driver needs to be wearing a helmet, even on the private land.
In most states, it is also illegal to damage wetlands by riding in them and potentially destroying the animal habitats that they house. If your recreational land has wetlands or abuts a wetland area, you should determine how much it will infringe on your riding before making the purchase.
Buying recreational land can be a good, long-term purchase for hunting or riding if you invest in a parcel that suits your needs now and in the future.
