Legacy Wildlife Blog

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AG&FC) Deer Program manages the statewide whitetail deer (WTD) herd using the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP). This program is a 4 leveled
approach that includes levels ranging from Depredation Management which is WTD density control, to
Healthy Deer Management, which includes maintaining the WTD herd below carrying capacity, to
Quality Deer Management which involves a more intense doe harvest and allowing bucks to reach at
least 3.5 years of age, and finally Intensive Deer Management where buck harvest is selective and needs to reach a minimum of 4.5 years and doe harvest is high.

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) Deer Program manages the
statewide whitetail deer (WTD) herd using the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP). This
program includes data collection from hunter harvested WTD and education of hunt club members who are actively participating. Data collected under DMAP is used to develop site specific harvest
recommendations and to put participating hunt clubs in a better position to manage their lands for a
healthy WTD herd, while maintaining high quality WTD habitat.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)  now offers a bait privilege license to hunters on privately owned or leased lands. This allows the license holder of any age to hunt white-tailed deer and feral hogs with the aid of bait within the state. Approved by the Alabama Legislature in April of 2019, residents can purchase this license for $15 and nonresidents for $51. Hunters may purchase or renew the license in person, on the phone, or online at outdooralabama.com with immediate effects.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission offers a program to hunting leases and hunt clubs that provides greater flexibility in herd and harvest management and promotes habitat conservation and hunting heritage efforts. The voluntary Private Lands Deer Management Program was developed at the request of private land hunters to have the FWC work closely with them to allow greater flexibility in deer hunting seasons and deer harvest opportunities within sustainable herd management goals for individual properties.

Many hunters are finding it challenging to find quality, privately-owned hunting land today. As a result, hunters are turning to hunting leases. But not all hunting leases are created equal. The quality of game and opportunities each provides can vary. Diligent research is necessary to guarantee a perfect place for you and your friends.

There is a strong demand for good property with a hunting lease. Landowners across the southeast, in states like Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas and Louisiana, have been leasing hunting land for decades. Hunting land that offers deer hunting, turkey hunting or hog hunting is suitable for leasing and highly desired. Here are five things to consider.

1. Understand Hunting Seasons and Laws

2. Learn Available Game on Your Property

3. Perform a Land Evaluation

4. Develop Contract Terms

5. Have Liability Insurance