Letting friends, neighbors or paying hunters use your land is generous, and it is a real liability question. Tree stand falls, firearm accidents, ponds and livestock are the common risks. A land access waiver puts your rules and boundaries in writing and gets every visitor's agreement.
Copy the terms below into the property-specific section of a full release, such as our free liability waiver template. Many states have recreational use statutes that already limit landowner liability for free access, and charging a fee can change that, so ask a local attorney how yours works.
How to use this template
- Start with a full release of liability. Simple Waivers includes one, and you can read it on the free liability waiver template page.
- Copy the hunting and fishing land access terms below and edit them to match your property and rules.
- Add them as the property-specific section, then send guests one link or QR code to sign before they arrive.
Hunting and Fishing Land Access waiver terms (free to copy)
Land Access Terms. I understand that entering and using this land for hunting, fishing, hiking or other recreation involves risks including uneven and hidden terrain, water, ice, weather, wildlife, livestock, falls from tree stands or blinds, accidental discharge of firearms or bows, and injuries from other hunters or visitors. The land is provided as is, without any warning of conditions, and I and every person in my group use it at our own risk. I agree to follow all hunting, fishing and firearm laws and regulations, to carry any required licenses, permits and tags, and to wear blaze orange whenever the law requires it. I will use a full body safety harness whenever I am in a tree stand or elevated blind, and I will inspect any stand before use. I will positively identify my target and what is beyond it before shooting. I will stay within the boundaries the Organizer shows me, will not shoot toward buildings, roads, livestock or neighboring land, will leave gates as I find them, and will not drive vehicles off approved roads. I will not use the land while impaired by alcohol or drugs. I understand that the Organizer may set other rules or revoke permission at any time, and I will tell the Organizer about any injury, damage or unsafe condition right away.
This is sample wording to start from, not legal advice and not a guarantee of protection. Edit it to fit your property, and have an attorney licensed where your property is located review it before you rely on it.
What these terms cover
- Land in its natural condition, including water, wildlife and livestock.
- Tree stand falls and the harness requirement.
- Following game and firearm laws and carrying licenses.
- Target identification and safe shooting directions.
- Boundaries, gates, vehicles and the right to revoke permission.
Tips before you use it
- Attach or describe a map with boundaries, safe shooting zones and areas that are off limits.
- Keep a list of who has permission and for which dates, and a signed waiver for each visitor.
- Check your state's recreational use statute. Charging a fee or a lease often changes the protection it gives.
- Ask your insurer about hunting leases and guest access. Some policies need an endorsement.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a waiver if I let people hunt my land for free?
Many states already limit a landowner's liability for free recreational access through recreational use statutes. A waiver adds a signed record of your rules and the visitor's acceptance of the risks. Ask a local attorney how the two work together where you are.
Does charging a hunting lease fee change my liability?
It can. In many states, recreational use statutes protect only landowners who do not charge for access. If you lease hunting rights, talk to an attorney and your insurer about how your state treats it.
Should every hunter in a group sign?
Many landowners have each adult sign their own waiver, with a parent or guardian signing for any minor, so every person has their own record. With Simple Waivers each person signs on their own phone from one link.
More free waiver templates
More on this use case: waivers for landowners and choosing a waiver app for your rental.
Have guests sign it on their phone
Create a waiver in Simple Waivers, tick Property-Specific Terms, paste this text, and share one link or QR code. Every signature is saved as a PDF. Free for 10 waivers a month, no card required.
This template is general information, not legal advice, and is provided as a starting point only. Waiver enforceability depends on the law where your activity takes place, and some states and provinces limit waivers or waivers signed for minors. Edit it to match your property and have a licensed attorney in your area review it before you rely on it. Simple Waivers is a software provider and is not a party to any waiver you collect.