"While 'word of mouth' works well in some instances, the services many landowners have to offer often are not known by others," said Russell Stevens, a wildlife specialist at the Foundation. "If that's the case, the landowner has to investigate advertising in local and area newspapers and periodicals and on Web sites."

This advertising can be costly, Stevens explained, so landowners may not include the details needed to adequately advertise their property and services.

The Noble Foundation is addressing this issue by providing a free online listing service called the Hunting and Recreational Lease Registry. This new service allows landowners or managers to advertise properties for lease and lets sportsmen view leases that meet their search parameters. The Hunting and Recreational Lease Registry can be accessed by going to http://www.noble.org/WebApps/WebListings/WildlifeLease/.

To create a free listing, users must complete a one-time registration, and then make their listing by answering a few simple questions.

"This service organized in an easy-to-use format — mostly 'check boxes' for quick entry — with distinct areas for entering specific information," Stevens said.

Those looking for a recreational lease will find the site easy to use, as well. They will have all the necessary information at their fingertips in order to contact individuals who have entered a listing.

"Even though this service is free and set up for easy use, entries must be made by landowners or outfitters for it to be successful," Stevens added.

For more information about the Hunting and Recreational Lease Registry, call the Foundation's Ag Helpline at (580) 224-6500.

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The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, headquartered in Ardmore, Okla., is a non-profit organization conducting agricultural, forage improvement, and plant biology research; providing grants to numerous non-profit charitable, educational and health organizations; and assisting farmers and ranchers through educational and consultative agricultural programs.

To learn more, visit the Noble Foundation Web site at http://www.noble.org.

More news releases available at www.noble.org/Press_Release