Arguably the most developed hunting property in Southern Illinois, this hunter's paradise packs a big punch! The current owner has devoted over 20 years of his life to make this a premier hunting property. Tony LaPratt, wildlife consultant and big buck killer, was brought in to write a property-specific plan to take the whitetail hunting to the next level. Tony brought his years of experience in and designed the ultimate entry and exit routes, ultimate snow fence funnels and the maze concept. The owner has since added to that and planted 450 chestnut trees, scattered in orchards throughout the farm. Currently, they are managing over a dozen food plots as well.High up on the hill near the entrance to the property sits the custom 6 bedroom lodge. The lodge was designed and built by the current owner, a general contractor by trade. High quality construction is evident when you tour the building. As you enter the front doors you are greeted by a warm and open living/dining room that transitions right into the kitchen. The purpose for this was so that when the lodge is full of family and friends you are all together. There are 6 bedrooms, with a Jack-and-Jill concept so they each share a bathroom. Off the back side of the kitchen is a butcher shop designed specifically for processing venison. It is designed so you can back a truck or UTV into the building, winch up the animal, and process inside in the heat. There is adequate counter space and freezer storage so you can complete the entire job from start to finish.Upon leaving the lodge you will pass the large pond which is about 20 feet deep and stocked with fish. There is a wide trail system that runs from N-S through the entire property. This provides quiet and easy access to the over 30 stand sites they have on the farm. You will notice as you concourse the property the gently rolling topography with stands of massive, hardwood timber. The creek bottoms are mostly scattered with old CRP fields, food plots and orchards. There is access from the north (primary) and south (secondary) so you can use this to your advantage depending on the winds.The turkey hunting here is phenomenal as well! In 2007 the #1 Illinois state record wild turkey was harvested on this property. The bird featured 8 beards and had a total NWTF score of 149.3750!!!! The owner stated that turkeys have been very consistent and abundant on the farm from year to year. In fact, there have been several years where they have tagged out.Lastly, one feature that makes this property so desirable is the location in Southern Illinois. Personally, I think this area offers so much more than many places in the Midwest. Not only is this a great hunting farm, but it also doubles as a great family vacation. There are tons of things to do while hunting season is not in, so you are sure to get 12 months of fulfillment from the investment. The property sits near the Ohio River with Cave-In-Rock being the closest town. Just up the road is Garden of the Gods, with world-class hiking and breathtaking scenery. There are hundreds of Shawnee National Forest sites to visit in the area. The Southern Illinois Wine Trail is within an hour offering live music during the summer. You can also find zip lines, horseback riding, antique shopping and much, much more.If you are in the market to purchase a first-class, established hunting property big enough for the entire family then give us a call. This farm will not disappoint!
This property is off market, which means it's not currently listed for sale or rent on Zillow. This may be different from what's available on other websites or public sources.
