Buying Hunting Land Series – November 2021

Just as Randy closed the door on the shipping container where he had put his new side-by-side, the county enforcement officer pulled up.

“Good afternoon, sir. I am the County Marshall. I need to ask you a few questions, please,” the conversation began. 

Randy says, “Sure, what can I help you with?”

The potential problem with this scenario is that there can be a difference between what a property owner thinks is allowed and what is actually allowed on their property. In fact, in some counties, “structures” are defined for different reasons. In some cases, structures are defined for the purposes of taxation. That is, for example, if you are using that building for producing a product, storing a product or storing goods to make a product from, it may be a commercial building. 

There is another aspect to structures anyone who has ever built a house knows in most counties in Georgia (not where I live though). Inspectors want to know, for safety purposes, all about electrical wiring and plumbing, and then there is the need for being sure there is somewhere to go with what is being flushed down that toilet in the camper. 

Safety is good, right? 

Beyond just how well the junction box was set up, they check to see if you are running too many amps. Like using that portable welder? Or the five window units you put in that converted bus? Unfortunately, every year there are folks who come to Georgia to hunt and think it is too cold. They fail to ventilate whatever it is they plan to sleep in—and yet they run whatever heater is available… and die. Safety is important.

Owning the land you are on does have some implications beyond what you are allowed to do, but what you are responsible for doing—and what your guests are required to do, as well. In the scenario at the beginning of this column with Randy and the County Enforcement Marshall, does Randy lease the property the container has been placed on? If so, is it to remain there semi-permanently? If so, who will pay the tax on it? There may be some tax due. Is it allowed by code? Has Randy run power into the box? Is he storing flammables— fuel—or what about explosives (black powder maybe)? Who would be carrying the insurance on that box? 

If Randy is leasing the land, he should check with his insurance agent to see just what he can do to insure his ATV if he is locking it inside that box. Renter’s insurance covers some things if they are standardized but may not cover things that are not considered standard. This can lead to some real issues between not only landowners, but their lessees if there is a fire or theft or an accident.

Almost every county and municipality have different codes regarding structures and property. It’s important to know what is and isn’t allowed before purchasing property.

Most folks just go ahead and do what they think is best. They try to be careful about things like setting up power in enclosed buildings they may sleep in—or bring their kids along to sleep in. Shipping containers and some of these really nice looking “sheds” that are pre-manufactured and delivered to the site probably don’t meet local code. It seems a lot better than a tent. It seems better than that 1963 Scotty Camper. But there is a purpose behind codes. Safety is good.

Something that doesn’t get enough attention but should, particularly if a hunting camp has family members joining together, is providing proper handling of the septic situation. Look this up for your county. Sure, there are plenty of bushes to slip behind, and that may work at least for the first weekend. We want kids to enjoy the trip, and it is true, if Mama ain’t happy, ain’t no one happy, so make some plans and adjustments. See what the requirements are, even if it is just going to be a hand-dug latrine. If it is possible to install a dump station or septic tank for campers and travel trailers, everyone will benefit from the expense. 

Fences make good neighbors; someone is credited with saying. But running a cable across an entrance into the property, oh, about neck high on the rider of an ATV or dirt bike, without draping colored and reflective tape across it, can lead to some extremely bad results. And both the lessee and landowner could end up in court over it.

Whether you own it or lease it, land is a great asset, and it comes with responsibility. Take that responsibility seriously and the long-term enjoyment will grow.

Ed Fickey is a licensed real estate broker in GA/AL/SC/TN/NC.