For many residents of the US, their version of the American Dream means having a little bit of land to call their own. With 90% of property in the Southeast and Midwestern States privately owned, it’s safe to say that many are achieving this dream. That percentage represents hardworking landowners who understand that, with ownership, also comes a whole list of responsibilities to best maintain, conserve and sustain themselves and their property.
Venku empowers the modern-day landowner with a platform that can be used in partnership with other methods (like state-run DNR programs or USDA conservation incentives), to monetize their biggest asset — their land. Whether it’s forest, field, pasture, rock, or water that makes their property special, there are creative ways they can use those features to further their overall land stewardship or conservation objectives. How? There are plenty of ways and they don’t have to own hundreds of acres. In fact, the majority of landowners own between 10 and 66 acres of land.
If you are the landowner we’ve mentioned above, we have some great ideas on how you can start your own #OutsideHustle and earn a little extra money in the process…sharing your paradise with others and finding common ground in a mutual love for the outdoors.
How to Monetize a Small Parcel of Land
Take advantage of local events & festivals by providing an RV Hookup or campsite. Record numbers turned out for the solar eclipse from a few years ago, with lots of people opting to enjoy the event by camping. Keep in mind regional events (especially hunting seasons) or noteworthy natural phenomenon when planning dates of availability.
You can provide quality hunting experiences, even on small parcels of land.
Wildlife writer, John Philips, details the steps you can follow as a landowner to attract and keep does and bucks on your property. He says, “If you intensively manage small sections of land or hunt at lodges offering small places to hunt, you often can take more and larger bucks than those who hunt sizable tracts.” Weekend hunting packages can run in the hundreds of dollars, so this is a great option for earning a little extra seasonal income from your land.
Not interested in listing your property for hunting?
Open up your deer stand or blind for wildlife photography!
Lots of photographers follow similar protocol to hunting when they photography wildlife and the best part? There’s no off-season. You can offer your blind for use year-round to photographers and wildlife-watchers. Photographers are looking for daily rates, but can also be interested in season leases. Watch an incredible video by YETI about a Texas trapper turned photographer that might shed a little more light on the challenges of this popular art-form.
Do you have a fishing pond on your property?
Nearly 36 million Americans a year participate in this favorite pastime and pay ponds can fetch $20 — $30 for a day’s access…maybe even more if you have a designated picnic area or additional amenities! For some best practices on making your fishing pond the best that it can be, check out this article.
Trails could be a great way to earn some passive income…
Especially if the dollars earned go back into making improvements on your property. Overcrowding is becoming a serious issue in public parks and lands. Our solution? Build your own trail. With Outside360 you can easily manage who is on your property and when, so overcrowding is never an issue. Visitors must also abide by your rules for land-use, including the Leave No Trace principles, if you choose to include them in your agreement. This publication talks specifically about developing nature trails on small acreage, so if you’re concerned about not having enough property, it’s worth a read!
What do you enjoy doing on your property?
If you have cultivated years of knowledge about native wildlife or plant species, take guests for an eco-tour of your land! Learn more about how to host a nature walk, and don’t forget to visit Venku to create a listing like this one, where guests can opt to include a guided walk.
Worried about insurance? It’s a non-issue. Visit our partner Outdoor Underwriters for a policy specific to the activities you’re offering.