Dave,

Yes, the economics are quite interesting.

base camp was first to market here and has been skimming the market charging very high (ie ridiculous) prices per acre. Lots of competitors are popping up each year so this will be good for hunters and help to bring down lease prices for hunters. Free market economics at work.

Right now demand seems to be outpacing supply (see gwinnman's post) so many new firms are getting into the game, which will of course drive prices down. Some firms will make it, some won't.

If/when I lease I will try to find and negotiate my own lease and leave the middleman (and his big commission) out of it. Information about who owns what is freely available if you know where to look for it.

You are a Purdue grad and bright business guy so you understand it. =)