03/18/2004
NWTF and Forest Landowners Association Promoting Hunting Lease Insurance Program
Of the more than 10,000 members involved in the Forest Landowners Association (FLA), more than half lease their land to hunting clubs. The National Wild Turkey Federation is helping the FLA provide a Hunting Lease Liability Insurance Program to landowners, hunt club members and hunting clubs. The program helps protect them against costs associated with bodily injury or property damage for which the club, member or landowner is legally liable.
"This program offers the best protection available to our landowner clients and the hunt clubs that lease their lands," said Keville Larson, past FLA president.
The insurance program encourages landowners to make more privately owned land available for hunting and other outdoor recreation activities. Wildlife habitat is improved and hunters of all ages are given a chance to enjoy previously unavailable hunting experiences.
"FLA's hunt club liability program has helped open up new hunting lease opportunities here in Michigan," said Thomas Buckingham, Sr., a member of the Heaton Hunt Club in Newberry, Mich. "Until now, no affordable insurance product protecting the liability interests of club members and landowners has been available."
The FLA Hunting Lease Liability insurance is administered by Outdoor Risk Services, Inc. and underwritten by an A+ rated domestic insurance carrier licensed in all states.
"This partnership bridges a gap between a top wildlife organization and a premier landowner organization," said Scott Jones, FLA Executive Vice President. "We are proud to be associated with the NWTF by offering their members access to FLA's first rate hunt lease insurance program."
Bryan Burhans is the NWTF's Director of Land Management Programs. "Many of our more than 500,000 members are private landowners and members of various hunt clubs across North America," he said. "We want to provide them with better insurance pricing and service, so that they get the coverage that they need."
The NWTF suggests the following additional tips for keeping your hunt camp safe.
Make sure you have insurance. Keep your insurance policy up to date and make sure it includes boats, ATVs or any item that may not be covered under a standard homeowner's or renter's policy.
Make sure to take as many of your valuables with you as possible to eliminate the risk of them being stolen while you are away.
Make sure all your valuables are locked away. Spending a few more dollars on quality locks and dead bolts will deter thieves and vandals that much more. Though costly, installing a security system is another way to have piece of mind that your possessions are safe.
Record all serial numbers and put distinguishing marks on all items. By keeping a record of serial numbers, it will help police recover stolen items, such as ATVs, electronic equipment or generators. Put marks or recognizable numbers on tree stands and blinds. This can help law enforcement agents identify these items in the field if they are stolen.
Photograph expensive goods and keep them in a safe place. Photographs can better help police identify stolen items.
Make friends with a year-round resident in the area or neighbor and ask them to keep a watch over your property. Offer them a benefit, such as a place to ride their horses or allowing them to cut hay in one of your fields, in exchange for keeping an eye on your hunt camp.
Post no trespassing signs at all entrances and along property lines of your land.
Construct gates at every entrance to your property, and keep them locked. Criminals are less likely to steal large or heavy items, such as appliances, if they have to carry them long distances.
If possible, store ATVs, tractors, riding mowers and boats inside locked sheds or barns. Lock and secure these items inside the barn as well. Even if thieves break into the building, having everything locked up separately may frustrate them and deter them from stealing everything.
Hide keys (or keep them with you) to outbuildings, gates, ATVs, etc. If a burglar breaks into your house or lodge, you don't want to provide them with easy access to everything else on your property.
