helpful Suggestions on craigslist ad requested

[Navotifarm]

I posted this ad on craigslist. And hope it doesn't lure some crazed killer to my land!!! As posted above, I am trying to create some way to get the $ to pay my land taxes. What do you think of this ad? How would you improve edit rewrite it? I am thinking maybe I should put set figures in the. Next iteration if only I knew what they should be!
" I've often seen ads on Craigslist where hunters are looking for land. Sometimes they indicate they have insurance but I have never seen an ad offering greenbacks! Recently it has been published in local newspapers that archery hunters are paying $1,500 apiece to still hunt deer in a subdivision off-season. I also know some hunters pay mega bucks to fly to Africa or Texas to shoot exotic animals for an average price of about $5,000 a head. Now, are there any ethical local hunters who would like to hunt MY local wooded land this upcoming legal hunting season who are willing to pay me actual good green money forthwith either on a season or specific days basis so I can pay my $8,000 property taxes due June 5th????? I have 70 acres of wooded land which doesn't sound like much compared to the large "canned hunting" tracts in Texas and elsewhere. However, my land lies almost adjacent to approximately 700 acres of forested land presently being clear-cut for a subdivision. Therefore, my land has an expected influx of a large numbers of displaced deer. I am already swamped with raccoons slaughtering my poultry in case any readers like barbecued raccoons. I note that I have two regular hunters who have been hunting my land who have helped me on a barter basis for years. I feel loyal to them, so any new hunters, even if they pay me generously, will need to treat my good buddies with respect and fairness. Also< i am thinking, if some hunters or folks who took the gun handling courses wanted to set up a good secure berm and gun practice area for a fair amount of money, that might make a win-win solution to my getting my tax money and your having a good private place to try out your guns, have club turkey shoots, etc."
The heading for this ad is "HUNTERS - GUN PRACTICE."
Thanks for helpful advice!

[ronbre]

well myself i think this might bring in some possible problems. esp on craigslist as we got some scammers from our craigslist ad and in some areas people have been killed by craigslist respondents..so i would be cautious.

you might be better off advertising some other way and less explainatory. Maybe offering guided hunting trips, hunting camp, or something like that? don't ever sound desperate as you'll bring in the real crazies, and you might have many more problems than you expected

[ldc]

What about small ads in hunters magazines? Am a little leary of Craig's List myself. Or an ad in the local paper ahead of hunting season. Also since states and properties are smaller on the East Coast, I don't think you have to worry about being smaller than exotic game ranches in Texas, esp. as your place abuts public land. The real problem with hunters is when they inadvertantly shoot yr livestock, dogs and laundry.... ldc

[Alice In TX/MO]

That's your ad? You are definitely going to get loonies.

[ChristieAcres]

I regularly see ads placed by hunters wanting to find areas to hunt in, and offer to pay for this privilege. I wouldn't be placing any ad on Craigslist for this for reasons already stated. If you choose to advertise, it should be in a hunters mag or publication. Only what is needed for others to know should be in ads, no personal info, and as stated, "never your financial situation." Yes, a real draw for problems.

[live-oak]

I am learning to avoid Craigs List. Never seen to find anything but wackos on it.

[SFM in KY]

You might try finding sites similar to HT that are oriented to hunters, or groups that cater to hunters. Lurk for awhile on any you find to see what the focus seems to be and read the "rules" to find out if you can advertise ...

Many of the groups/lists I am on are not only "social" but have often brought buyers for my horses, rabbits and artwork ...

I don't know about hunting, but you may also find sites that have classified ads for this type of thing, something a little more focused on hunting specifically than craigs list and possibly will generate fewer scams and possible problems.

[hippygirl]

Before I offer up my .02, PLEASE UNDERSTAND that I'm NOT saying anything derogatory towards you...

If I were a looney, I'd jump on that ad in a heartbeat. First of all, you sound desperate, and to a looney, desperate generally translates as gullable. Secondly (and here's where I don't want you to take what I'm saying the wrong way!), to a non-loonie that is legitimately looking for such a deal...I really don't know how to say this other than just spit it out...it might sound a bit looney.

Again, PLEASE don't take that the wrong way! I completely understand you're trying to find ways to generate some cash, but the wording is too much.

I agree with the other posters about being VERY careful with CL. I've done a couple of transactions on CL, but I've never let the buyers come to my home. I've read too many stories where people were robbed or killed after contact on CL.

[geo in mi]

Most hunters are willing to pay for an exclusive lease of your property for a single season, so you will have a problem charging them very much, since their harvest is limited by bag limits. $8,000? Probably not, even charging half for turkeys and half for deer. Nobody would even want multiple parties on the same 70 acres--my thoughts. And especially not if it is rifle hunting, and not shotgun slugs.

Your ad---sounds mighty "desperate". Many men take advantage of desperate people......... I would make a very simple ad "Deer land for lease--2010 season, call Phone Noxxxxxxxxxx," and hang it on the bulletin boards in the local breakfast diners. Most guys, though, get around to it about September. They will also want to look at the land before they lease it. And many will want to set up tree stands and blinds and shacks.

Shooting range? Forget it.......... Nobody shoots on my land but me, and be sure to hide any John Deere equipment........

P.S. Have you thought about a cross country skiing course?

geo

[texican]

You've got some major problems, if you're paying 8K on 70 acres of land.

Hunting Leases around here pay for property taxes, but most taxes are less than 5$/acre.

My property taxes on my place are less than a buck an acre.

Unless you have some trophy whitetail staked out, good luck.

With taxes like that, you're going to need a good job, just to pay your property taxes. Or, plan on moving to a less upscale part of the country.

Maybe you should protest your taxes and get an ag exemption?

[jbos333]

Yes, you may want to rethink the wording, but just for comparison's sake a neighbor behind me leases his 150 acres for deer season for $1500.00. So, 10 bucks an acre. I was thinking of leasing mine (70 or so acres) for 700.00. But, then I would have to think about the guys that hunt there now (neighbors with only small lots of their own) and they kinda keep an eye on my place all year for me.

[Bandit]

In trying to guess where You are in Va. , and Googling Northern Piedmont Va. I ended up in fauquier County Va. " The Heart of Virginia's Horse and Wine Country " , with most of the pictures of Equestrian Events .
I hope the $ 8,000 tax bill is for 70 acres of fenced paddock's or a misprint .
I would skip Craig's List and look for a hunting forum covering your area and post there , for a out of stater looking for a place to hunt. Does Your land abut any State or Govt. owned land open for hunting ? You could also stop at a local Gun Shop/ Hunting Supply store and ask about posting a note
Your state does try hard to bring in the hunters , both Va. and W.Va Wildlife Bureaus are at the Sportsmen Shows in new england .
I just googled " Hunting Leases in Virginia " and found a few sites listed,
Ex.
http://www.hightechredneck.com/
Bob