How many of you guys use these?

My family and I take friends/co-workers out fishing/hunting/shooting from time-to-time, and we thought it might be a good idea to "protect ourselves." As you guys are all aware, accidents happen and even friends can react in unexpected ways.

What are your thoughts on these types of forms? Do you have any examples? Is it rude to ask a friend/co-worker to sign one? How do they hold up in court if an accident occurs?

It's a cattle ranch with stock ponds to fish/hunt, but also has farm equipment around, snakes, spiders, etc.

Thanks in advance, fellas (and ladies)!

I signed one for both the lease in Texas and the one in Kansas. They are pretty simple forms and are combined with the lease agreement. Also, we have one for everyone that goes to our company's land.

I think that to "protect" yourself, it is good to have and I don't think that it is unreasonable to ask friends/co-workers to sign one at all.

As far as court goes, it helps to have it but it will not keep you out of court. People can sue for everything and there is never a good outcome if it comes to that. Even if you win, you are going to be out alot of money trying to defend yourself.

If someone is hurt on your property, you have to prove without a doubt that you did everything in your power to provide a safe place whether they sign the paper or not.

For example: Someone gets bit by a snake. All they have to do is find brush piles, stored material such as tin or wood, or anything else that is conducive to a snake hiding under. Whether or not the snake came from that pile does not matter, you have areas that snakes can hide and therefore it is your fault they were bit since you didn't keep the area clear of debris.

Think of it this way. You want to walk a construction site and they make you sign a piece of paper that says if you get hurt, they are not responsible. As you are walking you slip on a piece of metal and break your arm. You can sue (and probably win) since they did not keep that area clear and provide a safe environment.

So basically, it does help but will not completely protect you in court. A lawyer will tell you to have one and to make everyone sign it.

Hope that helps

Is it really THAT easy, even if they've signed a waiver explaining that will be exposed to wild animals, etc? There would be no way to prevent snakes from living in tall grass pastures...

I made it sound pretty simple but yes, it is easier than it seems. Civil court does not always take into account common sense (or alot of courts for that matter). There is no doubt that you do need them to sign a release as it will help, but if something happens you will need more than a piece of paper.

I have been involved in a case that someone signed an official document providing direction to proceed on an activity that led to an accident. The one that signed the paper was not held liable, but the one that proceeded as directed was. Not exactly the same thing but gives you an idea of how valuable a signature really is.

Really not trying to scare you, just providing information from experience...I will look to see if I have a copy of any of the past agreement and releases I have come across and send you one.

Sadly that is what the world has come to these days but it is needed. Simple signature will help keep you covered should something happen at the ranch/lease. Just the fact they are reading and signing it also helps them to understand to be careful while having fun. I would rather take my chances in court with a signed agreement than without one.

I have a blank one that you need to fill in about 5 blanks. PM me an email and I'll send it your way.

I also have a couple of copies of some of the releases if you would like to see some examples. PM me and I can email them to you.

TP&W did have one on their site. We used it on the current lease were on. Personally, if I had the land to lease, everyone that hunted/stepped foot on it would sign one.

All hunters and guests must sign one our lease (owner's rule).

Hunters and guest sign no matter what, even kids by the parents...

Ours is on our website, but we have a new one coming for next year soon.......

You really need to carry liability insurance. I suppose even trespassers can sue if they get hurt.