Good thread idea, I've enjoyed reading through this one.
I grew up hunting the same deer lease, family has been in it for over 30 years. After I hit college age, I had to become my own paying member, but I took a break for school, met my wife, got busy, and missed a few years.
In the meantime, I hunted a very small private property and took a few deer.
Got a call a few years ago about an open membership slot. Around 2k a year, 1,200 acres, maybe 10 members.
I decided to rejoin. Bought a small camp for about two grand from the next member that left, now I have a little shack to cook and sleep.
Best part? My parents are still members, so I get to bring my toddler up with me every weekend, even if my wife is working. Dad and I can hunt, my mother loves to babysit my little one.
My wife and I usually get 3-4 deer a season (Primitive and Rifle is roughly late Nov - end of Jan), only one or two guys turkey hunt in the spring... almost nobody squirrel hunts.
Most of the members I have known for over 30 years, so it's drama free, more like extended family. Heck, sometimes we have Thanksgiving dinner up there.
2k a year for a little shack of my own with a kitchen, 4 beds and a couple window units, plus opportunities to spend time with my family? It's worth every penny to me. I could think of worse ways to spend it. It's also open year around, so I haul steel targets up there frequently. I have some sight lines over 800 yards and can practice precision rifle, carbine and handgun stuff.
We border other leases, no high fences, but some decent deer (by Louisiana standards) are taken each year. I'm happy with a couple meat deer each season and time away from my desk job.