Iowa Land for Sale Farmland, Hunting Land, Acreages

Decoy Deer Hunting Video

Jason Smith Iowa Hunting Properties and Farm Land (Whitetail Trophy Properties) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:38:00 -0600

On November 8th while hunting a listing in Monona County Cory Behr and myself were able to capture this footage of a young buck coming to a decoy, and displaying several different whitetail behaviors that are always fascinating to watch up close.

Information on this listing can be found on the Whitetail Properties website

Iowa Hunting Land 80 Acres of Whitetail Paradise in Warren County Iowa

Jason Smith Iowa Hunting Properties and Farm Land (Whitetail Trophy Properties) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 10:53:36 -0600

South Central Iowa Hunting Land

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Warren County, Iowa Hunting Land- 80 more/less

80 acres more or less (75 acres timber, 5 acre food plots, pond, and creek)
$296,000 ($3700/acre)
Property is located 20 minutes S of Des Moines, IA; 2 hours N of Kansas City, MO
Property has 1 pond and all season creek running through it
Utilities available at road
1 custom built shooting house overlooking a food plot
Internal road access throughout property
3 established food plots
Awesome bedding areas full of native grasses and cedars
intensely managed whitetail area; proven monster buck area
Beautiful building sites
Recently planted 500 oak trees, apple trees, and a pheasant package (plums, dogwoods, nine bark, and cedars)
CHECK OUT THE TRAIL CAM PICTURES OF BUCKS ON THIS PROPERTY!!

Comments:

This 80 acre tract holds as many deer as any 80 acres I have seen! It is truly the bedroom for the area around it. Whether you are looking for an awesome whitetail farm or a beautiful place to build a dream home with a short commute to the city, this farm is for you.

Click here for more information and photos

Gabe Adair

Agent, Land Specialist

Mobile:	1 (515) 971-8182
8AM to 8PM

Office:	1 (217) 285-9000
8AM to 5PM

A New Member of My Team - Chad Freeburg

Jason Smith Iowa Hunting Properties and Farm Land (Whitetail Trophy Properties) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 10:37:51 -0600

As a member of the Whitetail Properties Pro Team I searched Iowa for the best available people to join me in the woods this fall with a camera to record our hunts. I was blessed with some excellent additions and one of the people I'm adding to the team this year is Chad Freeburg from Neola Iowa.

Chad is above all a devoted family man, a deputy Sheriff in Pottawattamie County Iowa and an avid outdoorsman. Chad grew up in Minnesota but relocated to Iowa in part for the excellent Whitetail hunting here. Chads outdoor interests include duck and goose, pheasant, turkey and deer hunting. He is the hunters hunter with the same burning passion we all share for the outdoors. Chad like myself is first an archery hunter but also hunts the late Iowa muzzleloader season for deer. His keen eye for stand sets and hard work in getting things prepared for filming is truly amazing.

In August Chad along with fellow teammate and cameraman Cory Behr accompanied me to the Whitetail Properties camera school in Pike County Illinois where we learned the latest filming techniques, stand sets and the technical side of filming a great hunt and turning out great footage, which is exactly what we expect from the Loess Hills this year.

Chad has been lucky to bag some great Iowa Whitetails in this time here and I wanted to share a photo of one of his great archery harvests from Pottawattamie County Iowa.

Chad lives in the Loess Hills here in Western Iowa and has the same passion for whitetail hunting that I do. Having spent nearly 20 years in law enforcement myself Chad's company in the treestand is always a blast! Between war stories we get plenty of hunting done. As we roll in to November we've had some great encounters already and with Chad's camera work we'll be able to show everybody our ventures into the Loess Hills whitetail woods. Happy hunting everybody and best of luck to you in the woods this year.

The majority of our filming this year will be done on hunting land that I have listed for sale in Iowa. These properties offer some of the best hunting in Iowa and our encounters on these properties so far have been exceptional. The late October pre-rut and new moon period gave us a glimpse of what we are going to see over the next few weeks as the rut sets in and it's going to be good. Later in the season we will reverse rols and Chad will take his turn in front of the camera with both bow and muzzleloader and try to put down a big buck here in the Land of Giants!

One of the listings that is showing some great promise is north of Magnolia Iowa in the Loess Hills. With a rare saddle on this property, as well as a convergence point we've been able to narrow the deer movement down to 2 high opportunity locations. This listing truely is one of the finest pieces of Iowa hunting land in the Loess Hills.

Another piece that we are filming on is in Monona County Iowa. Monona County and Northern Harrison Counties hold some of the best deer in Iowa. With Monona County cranking out a comparable number of Boone and Crockett Bucks to Pike County Illinois you can bet we'll have some great stuff to show you from this property. This listing is the whitetail hunters dream and as far as we are concerned the best hunting property in Monona County Iowa. Its in very remote location near Castana Iowa, has lots of water access, including its own pond and another very large shared property boundary pond, had to access by humans but secure for whitetail bedding areas, cedars, ridges .......... this place has it all, and the rumors of a world class whitetail in the area have us excited.

Lodging in the Loess Hills

Jason Smith Iowa Hunting Properties and Farm Land (Whitetail Trophy Properties) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 09:49:43 -0600

I found this advertisment on Craigs list for lodging in the Loess Hills area of west central Iowa. If you are planning a hunt in the Loess Hills of western Iowa this may be a good option for you. This home is located very near the best hunting in Iowa right here in Monona and Harrison Counties.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Taken from Craigslist.org http://siouxcity.craigslist.org/spo/893982205.html

My hunting trip will not cost you a fortune like a guided hunt will. This is not a guided hunt, but I will advise you. I expect you to already know how to hunt. I farm for a living, so I am too busy in the fall and spring to give guided hunts. I can tell you where to hunt around here. This is an affordable opportunity for you to come visit Central Western Iowa, and for me to put my extra farm house to work. This house is located half way between Sioux City and Omaha along I-29, or 6 miles South of Blencoe Ia. It is also half way between the Missouri River and the Loess Hills, both are 3 miles away from it. Within 15 miles of this house there is 12,000 acres of public hunting in the Loess Hills, and 4,000 acres of public hunting along the Missouri River. The best hunting around here is for deer, turkeys, and predator hunting. Harrison and Monona counties are both rated in the top half of Iowa`s trophy buck registry. Each county is getting 1300 extra doe tags for this season. Act fast because they have always sold out by the end of Nov. Plan a January doe hunt here, we have to many does. The Loess Hills have Iowa`s highest turkey hunter success rate. Harrison co. came in 2nd. for 2007 for total turkeys harvested in the state. Monona was not far behind. Out of state hunters plan now for 2009, you have to apply for tags by early January for deer and turkeys.

Pheasant hunting here is spotty, there are more pheasants in Northern Iowa. Waterfowl hunting here is feast or famine depending on the fall weather. This year could be the best in 13 years though with the recent rains, all we need is for the birds to push through before the season is over. When that happens and we have water around like this year, the waterfowl hunting along the Missouri River bottom can be phanominal! You do not have to be a hunter to stay at my house, if you just need a place to stay while visiting here you are welcome.

I want to warn you though if you are planning on walking in the hills you need to be in decent shape. There are a lot of 2/1 slopes or worse that might be 200 yards long. You can not avoid them if you want to get up were the critters are when the heat is on. I have 30 years of hunting experience in these two counties and I am willing to share that with you to a point for free, leg work will cost extra.
The house is a 2 story 4 small bedroom house with one bathroom that has a tub/shower combo. The kitchen has a gas stove, mircowave, refridgerator, toaster, sink, cooking utensils, and table with chairs. The house is fully furnished, all you need to bring is your hunting gear and food. The price to stay here is $100. per night for the whole house. I also charge a cleaning deposit of $50. per head with a minumum of $200. Sorry for that but it is necessary to keep the place from getting destroyed, anything less would not replace much. If nothing gets ruined I will refund back the whole cleaning deposit. Normal cleaning like at a motel is no extra charge.

You can find out more about the Loess Hills State Forest by going to iadnr.com , find state forests, then click on the Loess Hills. You can also find information about out of state liscenses and tags, and their application dates. If you go to one of the satelite web sites and type in my address of 1025 Cameron Ave. Little Sioux, Ia. 51545 and then scroll East you can see the whole Forest by following the roads. You can also see the place for rent, it is the North house. If you send me your address I have a house brochure I can mail you. Contact Scott & Lisa Phipps: 712-649-2056 or meanfarmer@futuretk.com

Eastern Iowa Trophy Buck Jackson County Kyle Simmons

Jason Smith Iowa Hunting Properties and Farm Land (Whitetail Trophy Properties) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:01:50 -0500

While following the forums at Iowa Outdoors a few photos of a big mature whitetail taken in Jackson County Iowa were posted and later deleted, but many who joined the conversation late were still wanting to see photos of the deer. I'm not going to post them here on my blog because I do not have permission from the hunter that harvested the deer but I have found them on yet another forum, whether the hunter has given permission to that forum to display them I do knot know. If you are looking for what has been called the Kyle Simmons Buck from Jackson County Iowa you might look at the I Do Hunting forums to find photos of this incredible deer.

The deer photo is also posted on the Boone and Crockett Trophy Watch page.

This incredible Iowa Whitetail is said to measure 270 inches gross! A real tribute to the fine deer hunting in Iowa.

South Central Iowa Hunting Land - Warren County Iowa 80 Acres

Jason Smith Iowa Hunting Properties and Farm Land (Whitetail Trophy Properties) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 07:21:42 -0500

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Warren County, Iowa - 80 more/less

South Central Iowa Hunting Land

80 acres more or less (75 acres timber, 5 acre food plots, pond, and creek)
$296,000 ($3700/acre)
Property is located 20 minutes S of Des Moines, IA; 2 hours N of Kansas City, MO
Property has 1 pond and all season creek running through it
Utilities available at road
1 custom built shooting house overlooking a food plot
Internal road access throughout property
3 established food plots
Awesome bedding areas full of native grasses and cedars
intensely managed whitetail area; proven monster buck area
Beautiful building sites
Recently planted 500 oak trees, apple trees, and a pheasant package (plums, dogwoods, nine bark, and cedars)
CHECK OUT THE TRAIL CAM PICTURES OF BUCKS ON THIS PROPERTY!!

Comments:

Click here for more information about this property

Gabe Adair

Agent, Land Specialist

Mobile:	1 (515) 971-8182
8AM to 8PM

Office:	1 (217) 285-9000
8AM to 5PM

Union County Iowa 105 Acres of Timber with Home

Jason Smith Iowa Hunting Properties and Farm Land (Whitetail Trophy Properties) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 09:22:50 -0500

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Union County, Iowa - 105 more/less

Union County Hunting Property and Home

105 acres more or less with home (100 acres timber, 5 acres open grass)
2640 sq ft earth home (built in 1987) with 2 bedroom, 1 1/2 baths comes fully furnished with all appliances EXTREMELY ENERGY EFFICIENT!!
House is at the end of a long private drive that comes in off Hwy 34 (old railroad bed) and overlooks a gorgeous valley and ridge of timber
Home features central vac, solid oak cabinets, solid 6 panel doors, solid oak built-in wall units, electric fireplace in master bedroom, wood burning fireplace in great room
Great access to property with a recorded easement that allows access from north and south side of property
100 acres of virgin hardwood timber; full of huge oaks, walnuts, hickory, cherry, and monster cottonwoods. Unbelievable timber value!!
Borders huge whitetail management timber to the south and east
Proven trophy farm; multiple giants call this timber home (see pics belo w)
Some of the thickest timber and undergrowth I have ever walked
Natural spring on north end of property; old railroad bed could be used as a levee to create a lake behind the house
Bow hunters dream farm
Tractor, brush cutter, and 6' finish mower go with property

Comments:

ONE OF A KIND!! You will not find another property like this one. This farm is old railroad property and has been untouched since the late 1800's. The amount and size of the timber on this farm is like no other I have ever been on. The owner has groomed the road through the property and the park like area around the house. This is truly a property that you have to see!

Click here for more information about this property

Gabe Adair

Agent, Land Specialist

Mobile:	1 (515) 971-8182
8AM to 8PM

Office:	1 (217) 285-9000
8AM to 5PM

Clarke County Iowa Hunting Land 412 Acres m/l

Jason Smith Iowa Hunting Properties and Farm Land (Whitetail Trophy Properties) — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 10:47:18 -0500

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Clarke County, Iowa Hunting Land - 412 more/less

South Central Iowa Hunting Land

412 acres more or less (120 acres tillable, 160 acres timber, 132 acres pasture/brush, 3 ponds, and 2 creeks
$803,400 ($1950/acre)
Property is located 10 minutes NW of Osceola, IA; 1 1/2 hours N of Kansas City, MO; and 45 minutes S of Des Moines, IA
Utilities available at road
3 ponds and 2 creeks provide ample water sources; creeks run through the heart of the farm and make awesome travel corridors
Multiple potential lake sites; 1 ditch would easily make a 7 acres lake on the North end of the farm
Great building sites that would overlook the entire farm
Property acts as a hub for all the surrounding big timber; perfect pinches and funnels to ambush mature bucks
Great neighborhood practicing QDM
Great access from both the North and South sides
Extremely secluded, road on west side is a minimum maintenance dirt road and gets very little traffic

Comments:

This in the area of the country that I was hunting at a very young age and have seen many giant bucks come from it! With all the big timber around this piece and the natural creek funnels and draws, this farm gives you that perfect scenario to harvest mature bucks every year. South central Iowa hunting land.

Click here for more information about this property

Gabe Adair

Agent, Land Specialist

Mobile:	1 (515) 971-8182
8AM to 8PM

Office:	1 (217) 285-9000
8AM to 5PM

Iowa Hunting Land - Ringold County 875 Acres m/l

Jason Smith Iowa Hunting Properties and Farm Land (Whitetail Trophy Properties) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:49:46 -0500

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Ringgold County, Iowa - 875 more/less

Southern Iowa Hunting Land

Border Farm - 875 acres more or less (312 acres in Harrison County, Missouri and 563 acres in Ringgold County, Iowa)
$2,231,250 ($2550/acre)
Property consists of 380 acres timber, 495 acres CRP, barn, and 4 ponds
CRP income of $31,247/year on two contracts through 2015
Beautiful rolling habitat with great mixture of CRP, timber, and awesome food plots
Awesome hunting for trophy whitetails, wild turkeys, game birds, and other small game
Incredible opportunity to hunt both states on one property upon drawing Iowa Deer tag
Numerous picture perfect food plots of corn, beans, and other wildlife mixtures that will be left standing and ready to hunt
Unbelievable potential hunting lease income
New fences being installed this year; large barn on property
Excellent construction sights for home or hunting cabin/lodge; secluded and quiet area
4 ponds providing water s ources for wildlife
Check out the trail camera and harvest pictures!

Comments:

This is an incredible property, period! Combining awesome Northern MO and Southern IA hunting in one farm. 563 acres in S. Iowa, and 312 acres in N. Missouri. Located in noted trophy buck country not to mention an incredible population of wild turkeys. I saw deer and turkeys all over this property while taking pictures. The deer hunting is phenomenal, this farm has produced 2 B&C bucks in the last 3 years, including a 9 point that grossed 187 5/8! This is truly a world class farm that must be seen to be appreciated, the opportunity this farm provides to hunt 2 of the best states in the Midwest is a very rare opportunity. If you're looking for one of the best in the Midwest this is your farm!

Click here for more information about this property

Jeff Propst

Agent, Land Specialist

Mobile:	1 (636) 209-0362
8AM to 8PM

Office:	1 (217) 285-9000
8AM to 5PM

Van Buren County Hunting Land - Iowa 475 Acres m/l

Jason Smith Iowa Hunting Properties and Farm Land (Whitetail Trophy Properties) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:45:10 -0500

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Van Buren County, Iowa - 475 more/less

Southern Iowa Hunting Land

475 acres, more or less
$1,420,250 ($2,990 per acre)
Located just outside of Keosauqua, Iowa; 3 ½ hours NW of St. Louis; 2-hours north of Kansas City, Missouri, and 5-hours SW of Chicago area.
275 acres of big buck timber with the balance in switch grass, brush, creek, and river.
2 bedroom, 1 bath, kitchen, living room and garage cabin. Great home away from home camp.
Bark stripping rubs, tack freckled trails, and bedding thickets.
Incredible trophy buck, long bearded gobbler, critter calling, and small game hunting.
A peaceful creek snakes its way through this big buck paradise.
Scenic wooded rolling hills and valleys.
Huge rubs and scrapes everywhere.
Very thick big buck hiding bedding areas.
Bordered on one side by the Fox River.
Diversity of big buck terrain changes.
The pinnacle of huge trophy bucks.
Marvelous getaway, seclude d and quiet. Ideal for whatever your outdoor passion desires.

Comments:

I call this property "The Freak Show". There are massive bucks all over this farm. I stood in one spot in a cedar thicket and was almost run over by big bucks chasing does back and forth. Just walking through the property one morning, I actually encountered two different bucks I know would gross over 190 inches. If you are interested in owning one of the best big bucks in North America - You've got to see "The Freak Show".

Click here for more information about this property

Jeff Propst

Agent, Land Specialist

Mobile:	1 (636) 209-0362
8AM to 8PM

Office:	1 (217) 285-9000
8AM to 5PM

Decatur County Hunting Land - Iowa 222 Acres m/l

Jason Smith Iowa Hunting Properties and Farm Land (Whitetail Trophy Properties) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:39:59 -0500

Southern Iowa Hunting Land

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Decatur County, Iowa - 222 more/less

222 acres more or less (52 acres tillable, 85 acres pasture, balance in timber, brush, 5 ponds, and spring)
$510,600 ($2300/acre)
Property is located 15 minutes SE of Leon, IA; 1 hour S of Des Moines, IA; 1 1/2 hours N of Kansas City, MO
Ample water for wildlife with 5 ponds and a natural spring
Water and electric available at the road
2 old barns and good fences around property
37 acres of great alfalfa ground, that would be good ground to convert to row crop
Endless locations for food plots
Great travel corridors and pinches located throughout the farm
Farm is covered up with deer and turkey sign
This property is located in an absolutely awesome management section!
Awesome income potential!!

Comments:

This farm is surrounded by big timber that is full of HUGE deer! The potential of this farm is endless, by converting pasture ground to alfalfa, planting row crops on all the flat ground, and food plotting the secluded areas, this piece would reap the benefits of being in a "World Class" management area, and even more so, in a "World Class" section.

Click here for more information about this property

Gabe Adair

Agent, Land Specialist

Mobile:	1 (515) 971-8182
8AM to 8PM

Office:	1 (217) 285-9000
8AM to 5PM

Clark County Hunting Land - Iowa 680 Acres m/l

Jason Smith Iowa Hunting Properties and Farm Land (Whitetail Trophy Properties) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:33:55 -0500

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Clarke County, Iowa - 680 more/less

South Central Iowa Hunting Land

680 acres more or less (63 acres CRP, 277 acres tillable, 390 acres timber/brush, 5 ponds and creek)
$1,832,600 ($2695/acre)
Property is located 15 minutes W of Osceola, IA; 1 hour S of Des Moines, IA; 1 1/2 hours N of Kansas City, MO
60x40 metal building with in-floor heating, 16 ft celings, 14 ft overhead door with electric opener, covered porch; entire building has sprayed in foam insulation
Big barn for storage and old farm house being sold "as is"
Property has 5 ponds and a creek; 1 is a 6 acre lake next to the house that is stocked with catfish, bluegill, and bass
Farm sits in a 9 mile section and is bordered by only 2 neighbors
The owner of this property has leased hunting rights to 1000 acres to the north
Equipment to go with farm included 80 hp tractor with loader, 50 hp tractor, planter, plot master, big disc, roto tiller, harrow, and broadcast spreader
3 - 120 bushel feeders on the property used every winter to help hold deer
15 shooting towers located throughout the property
Owner has planted over 500,000 trees on the property in the last 3 years; including 500 hybrid oaks (white and burr oak mix)
50 acres of food plots planted and left for the deer and wildlife every year
Hardwood timber had a TSI performed last year for habitat improvement and future timber value
Awesome access from both sides of property
Proven trophy farm with a buck that scored over 240" harvested 2 years ago
Optimum whitetail habitat with everything they need and absolutely no reason to leave!

Comments:

This is the most turnkey hunting farm with all the bells and whistles that I have ever been on. The owner of this property has done all the work needed to make this an absolute "Hunting Paradise." A management plan has been in place for years and the deer herd has been taken very good care of, giving them no reason to leave. To find a farm of this size with only 2 neighbors (1 of which can be leased) is unheard of. If you are looking for a BIG farm with all the amenities and priced right then here it is.

Click here for more information about this property

Gabe Adair

Agent, Land Specialist

Mobile:	1 (515) 971-8182
8AM to 8PM

Office:	1 (217) 285-9000
8AM to 5PM

Iowa Hunting Land - How Do You Evaluate Hunting Properties?

Jason Smith Iowa Hunting Properties and Farm Land (Whitetail Trophy Properties) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 12:23:20 -0500

Iowa Hunting Land

What is the difference between one hunting property and another? Is there a way to judge them? The truth is that all hunting properties are unique and they are not created equal. If you were looking at homes you'd have certain things you are looking for. 4 bedrooms, 2 bath, large yard, 3 car garage, swimming pool. The same should be true of your dream hunting property. When it comes to judging a hunting property do you know what you are looking for? How will you judge? For some its all about price and that should be the very single last thing you look at. Start off in your range, but don't let it be a limiting factor up front.

The least talked about feature of a hunting property I hear about is huntability. In today's world you read ad after ad for hunting properties that have "trees shredded by huge monster bucks, excellent spots for food plots, the property is covered up in deer sign, a 200 inch monster was shot here 2 years ago" Those descriptions help you understand some things about the property but usually completely overlook huntability. When you finally decide on a property that has these tree shredding bucks will you be able to hunt it? Will you be able to hunt it for every wind? Will you be able to have a buddy or two on the property at the same time? Most of all does it have high opportunity locations or will all of the deer activty be spead out and equate to a diminished experience for you?

First let me say that I think the single greatest resource you can use in evaluating a hunting property is a topo map. A topo map will tell the story of any hunting farm before you even set foot on it. I'm surprised just how often this tool is overlooked. You can find topographic maps for all of Iowa on the Iowa Geographic Map Server from Iowa State University.

Two weeks ago while planning a hunt with a friend where we were going to hunt a property I'd never set foot on I decided to look up a topo map for the property. I drew a circle on the map and emailed it to him. I told him that circle represented the best opportunity on the property. He was impressed with the thought of using a topo map to choose hunting locations so I elaborated with him a little about how you can tell where deer will be based on terrain features. Unfortunately a permanent blind had already been erected on the property in a different location about 200 yards across the opening, but luckily we could see that location from the permanent blind. At 6pm that first evening we saw deer across the opening and without hesitation he turned to me in the blind and said "thats right where you drew the red circle on that map" He was right, it was exactly where I'd drawn the red circle and now there were 6 deer standing right there. We finish out the evening seeing 22 deer with the majority of them traveling right through the exact spot.

I'm going to use a property that I have listed now to show you what I mean by huntability. A farm I named The Magnolia Trophy Factory is an excellent example of terrain features. First let me show you the aerial view of the property.

Look at the aerial and answer in your mind where you think the best opportunity on the property will be. Notice the layout of the property, the open spaces in relation to the timber on the property. What is your first impression of the property. Does it look like a hunting property you would be interested in? Most people would say yes because it does have some great features you can see from the aerial. There is a secluded field in the northwest corner that's about 25 acres, open spaces for food plots, there is a small stream running north and south on the east side of the property, thick timber and it looks like a variety of stand locations so the property could be hunted by several people at one time. You can even imagine setting aside part of the farm as a sanctuary without loosing much area, and still having great access at the same time from the southwest corner or the eastern side. You can even see another creek on the neighbor to the west, plus you get the benefit of the neighors adjoining timber on the west, maybe thats your sanctuary if you can find out that neighbor does not hunt?

The one thing you can not tell from the aerial is where the best opportunities are on the property. Here is a topographic map of the property and I have circled in red where the best location on the property is to hunt.

This property has two great features in close proximity to each other. Inside the red circle you see another round circle. This round circle is a "convergence hub" and immediately to the east of it is a "saddle"

The convergence hub is a location where many trails will come together like the spokes on a wheel, because many terrain features converge there. Deer naturally use the path of least resistance when navigating terrain, much the same as a human does. When you are standing at the bottom of a hill and you look up you'll be drawn to the path of least resistance. You can also notice these paths by looking at a topo.

A saddle is a low spot in a ridge line that lets animals pass over the ridge with the least amount of climbing. Saddles can be the most effective hunting location, especially during the rut when bucks are out scent checking areas for hot does. A saddle not only acts as a path of least resistance but a funnel squeezing all movement down to a narrow area making them exceptional locations to hunt. They can pass through these funnels and conserve their own energy, and move much more quickly.

Looking at topos becomes a game of connect the dots to see how the land is used by deer.

Above I've connected the dots and you start to see how this property is going to hunt. The ridge top trails in black connect with many of the secondary ridge trails in red, while crossing all of the shelf trails. You can consider each topo increment on the map a shelf trail by itself where deer walk along hillsides rather than up or down them. Now you can see how deer will natigate this property, and you can see the highest opportunity locations. Now all of a sudden that convergence hub and saddle look like excellent locations for a stand site.

If you were to look at this property in terrain mode you'd see this image. Now you can clearly see that saddle and convergence hub and how they will present a greater number of sightings. You can also see the ridge system on the property and choose other locations to hunt as well. In fact, look at that northwest field now! All of a sudden its even more exciting as a great food plot location. You know deer have easy access to it through that hub and saddle, its secluded and you can see from the aerial its surrounded by mature timber where you can hang stands. You also know from the aerial you can place an elevated blind, but the topo tells you the best place to put the blind and be able to see the whole field!

When you are evaluating Iowa hunting properties for purchase never overlook the effectiveness of a topographical map and be sure to choose a Whitetail Trophy Properties agent that has experience in evaluating hunting properties. Our brokerage serves Iowa, Missouri and Illinois with agents in all states. Best of luck this year in the field.

Buying Hunting Land - Iowa or Nebraska?

Jason Smith Iowa Hunting Properties and Farm Land (Whitetail Trophy Properties) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 10:40:13 -0500

I work with folks everyday that are buying hunting land and because I live so close to Iowa and Nebraska border I often hear the question "Should I buy hunting land in Iowa or Nebraska?" Set the property tax question aside where Iowa obviously wins, set the tag question aside where Nebraska obviously wins. If you question about where to buy hunting land revolves around only the quality of the deer, quality of the farms and the areas past production of trophy deer western Iowa wins out every time. Recently I wrote a post comparing western Iowa to western Illinois. Monona and Harrison Counties in Iowa are very similar to Pike and Adams Counties in Illinois. You can read post about the Best Iowa Hunting Land and see how the two places compare.

I've worked hard to let everybody know about western Iowa's Loess Hills and the huge whitetail deer hunting secret we have here in Monona and Harrison Counties. The truth is that its not that hard of a sell, the numbers prove it. Below is a graphic that was sent to me by a friend about the number of Boone and Crockett entries in the area.

This color coded graphic of the counties in western Iowa and eastern Nebraska clearly show the hot spot for trophy whitetail hunting in the entire region. Bordered by the Missouri River valley the Loess Hills in western Iowa are a clear producer of big trophy deer. Its no surprise to me, I live here in the hills and know Monona and Harrison Counties are some of the roughest, most timbered parts of the hills, as well as the least populated. When you factor in the proximity to Omaha Nebraska south of us, and Sioux City Iowa north of us it makes it an extremely attractive area to purchase hunting land. With Interstate 29 running through western Iowa it also becomes the ideal weekend get away spot with easy quick access close enough to both metro areas.

Joel Helmer ranked all the counties in the nation according to B&C eentries. Monona County tied for #4 in the nation for Boone and Crockett entries, tied with Adams County Illinois and only one place behind Pike County Illinois which was #3 in the entire nation. When you look at his work you'll see only two Iowa counties in the top 10 and none of them are southern Iowa counties! Allamakee and Monona Counties are the only two in the top 10. Read Joel's report and see for yourself.

Now look at the numbers at the bottom of the graphic and look at Monona and Harrison Counties numbers compared to all other counties in western Iowa. At 24 entries it has a significant lead over all other counties!

I think one of the most important criteria for choosing a piece of hunting land is the county track record. Stacking the odds in your favor by purchasing hunting land in a county that is already producing is a great first step. Not only does it give you a better chance to harvest exceptional whitetail deer, but an investment in a high opportunity area its certainly going to be more attractive to a buyer when you sell.

A Country So Full of Game - Book Suggestion

Jason Smith Iowa Hunting Properties and Farm Land (Whitetail Trophy Properties) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:59:18 -0500

Recenlty my friend and fellow Auctioneer Cory Behr recommended I read A Country So Full of Game "The Story of Wildlife in Iowa" By James J. Dinsmore. In fact, he even gave me his copy to read and I see why he was so insistent that I read it. If you want to read an exceptional book about history and wildlife I recommend you also find a copy of this book.

This book tells an amazing story about wildlife in Iowa, the settlement of Iowa and the resulting extirpation of many species here, as well as the eventual protection or reintroduction of some. It will capture your imagination, sicken you at times, and help you to appreciate our own duties and responsibilities in wildlife management, and conservation of our resources so that future generations can experience the same passions we do now.

Iowa Hunting Land Listings

Jason Smith Iowa Hunting Properties and Farm Land (Whitetail Trophy Properties) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:20:28 -0500

At Whitetail Trophy Properties we have listed the finest available Iowa hunting farms priced at or below market value you can find in Iowa. If you are looking for cheap affordable hunting land in Iowa take a look at a few of the listings below and contact one of our Iowa agents about seeing them.

Finding affordable hunting land with great farm financing options today is easier than ever. More and more sellers are offering seller financing which is a great option for you to own your own Iowa hunting property and realize your dream. You can also contact Dane at Peoples Bank and Trust for more information on financing options.

79 Acres	$218400	Iowa	Harrison County
	The Loess Hills in Western Iowa hold some of the most rugged whitetail habitat in the Midwest. This great Loess Hills farm is priced right and waiting for you to put your whitetail knowledge and imagination to work. Look at those top 3 secluded fields! Its rugged terrain, hilltop fields, thick timber, and deep creek bring together everything deer need to grow big. Its smaller size makes it affordable as a starter property or a great second property with good investment potential. The country blacktop road carries hardly any traffic but provides great access to the property and would make an excellent homesite. The walnut alone could pay for this property!!! Huge investment potential here! Very close to the Omaha and Council Bluffs metro.
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180 Acres	$720000	Iowa	Harrison County
	This is a very desirable property in the Loess Hills that offers something for everybody. It would make an excellent income farm or ranching farm, but if you like big bucks this one is your kind. This property offers mature timber mixed with thick underbrush, open areas, and a spring. The property has two existing wells and electricity so adding a cabin to this property could be done very easily with less cost. This property has been owned by the same family since the Depression and only one person has hunted the property in the last 20 years. By implementing your own management plan you'll already have a head start, the age structure is already there. Property has countless foodplots locations and great all around access. Just north of Omaha and Council Bluffs with an easy drive by Interstate 29.
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550 Acres	$2475000	Iowa	Harrison County
	Located in extreme northern Harrison County surrounded by the Loess Hills Forest this property is exactly where you'd go to find giant whitetail in western Iowa. Several videos have been filmed on this property including Primos, Realtree and Buckmasters and its no coincidence. Heavy thick timber mixed with tillable crop land and open grass areas come together to make one of the prettiest, productive Iowa hunting properties you'll find. The south access road is behind a locked gate that only you and one other land owner will have access to. Here you will find a secluded cabin building site with well and electricity already in place.
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54 Acres	$670000	Iowa	Allamakee County
	It would be virtually impossible to describe this property in one word, but I can describe it in two. Exceptional versatility! I don't know if I have ever seen a property that has included so many recreational and comforting benefits in one package. It starts with an exquisite log home that has been carefully crafted into a tranquil setting of the northeastern Iowa hill country. This area boasts one of the most diverse outdoor recreation spectrums in the entire country. This property situated in the heart of a neighborhood that consistently pumps out B & C caliber deer and abundant turkeys. A sanctuary tucked into a small valley that allows a hunter to leave a beautiful home and within a short walk leaving them capable of harvesting a giant whitetail.
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92 Acres	$411950	Iowa	Allamakee County
	This farm has some of the most concentrated deer sign that I've ever seen. Allamakee County is a known area for producing great bucks, and this farm also has a very high turkey population. This farm has a natural orchard for the wildlife. The timber tract is very secluded and offers a variety of thick bedding and mature timber, as well as great locations for food plots. The rolling terrain offers many natural funnels and pinch points. This 92 acre farm has an outstanding cabin that would comfortably sleep 5 or 6 with electric/water, dishwasher, washer/dryer, and satellite TV. You won't find a better turnkey hunting property.
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465 Acres	$1204350	Iowa	Appanoose County
	This farm has all that Southern Iowa has to offer. The list of what this property has to offer are endless, but the bottom line is if you want a farm that hunts BIG and is capable of growing, holding, and harvesting Boone and Crockett class whitetails, then look no further! OWNER FINANCING AVAILABLE!!
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80 Acres	$440000	Iowa	Cedar County
	This 80 acre farm has 1 mile of river frontage on the Cedar River, with large stands of timber and thick cover, as well as 3 well established, manicured food plots. Because of the rolling river bluffs this property will hunt like a much larger piece. Well used trails ran throughout the property. There is also an abundant turkey population on this farm. The river bluffs have made many natural funnels and pinch points, and the deer sign is everywhere. This one is a must see!
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82 Acres	$348820	Iowa	Davis County
	This is a great 81.5 acre Davis County farm with the Fox Creek running through it and 3 ponds. Cabin on property would make great hunting camp. There is 46 acres of CRP that provides an annual income of around $3100/year. This farm is a great transition zone between two larger blocks of timber to the east and west, and is bordered by very large corn and bean fields. The CRP has a larger blend of warm season grasses and it has several thick bedding areas of thick cover for optimum wildlife habitat.
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5 Acres with House	$237000	Iowa	Decatur County
	This house sits in the middle of one of the best managed areas for whitetails that I know of. With the 15 acre option, it will make for a great home to live in with great hunting right up the road! Home was completely remodeled in 2000 and is full of amenities with tile floors, fireplace, and blacktop road frontage.
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160 Acres	$319200	Iowa	Decatur County
	SALE PENDING!! This farm would make for an awesome place to build that house or log cabin with some of the best whitetail deer and turkey hunting right out your back door. Adding the alfalfa or crop ground to this piece would without a doubt pull the deer this county is known for into your backyard
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314 Acres	$785000	Iowa	Decatur County
	This farm is located in an area that I have grown up hunting in, the quality deer management is intense, the timbers are big, the sections are huge, the food plots are many, and the hunting is second to none. If you want to be in one of the very best areas for monster whitetails, here it is!
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395 Acres	$946025	Iowa	Decatur County
	Not only is this farm located in Decatur County, but in my opinion it is in one of the best Whitetail Management areas in the entire county. This farm would make for a perfect place to build and have your own piece of Big Buck Paradise right out your back door.
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150 Acres	$317,500	Iowa	Fremont County
	This property is currently in use as pasture and cropland. The property has a stocked pond with some timber. This property offers many agricultural uses along with recreation or even large tract building lot with an incredible view of the Loess Hills. This property also offers an excellent opportunity to the sportsman, deer hunter, hobby farmer or investor. The property offers a beautiful country setting and abundant wildlife with excellent proximity to the Omaha Metro area.
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120 Acres	$333840	Iowa	Lee County
	This 120 acre Lee County, Iowa farm has a perfect mixture of CRP and timber providing awesome bedding areas and thick cover. The property has no road frontage and has deeded access from the north. This farm has a large creek running through and several great pond sites. Deer sign is everywhere, large old rubs and worn down trails. Lee County is one of the top big buck producers in Southeast Iowa and this particular property has great potential. There are numerous options for hidden food plots and a multitude of ambush stand sites.
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48 Acres	$148000	Iowa	Madison County
	This farm would be an ideal spot close to Des Moines for great hunting or an ideal get away. The cover on this property is absolutely perfect for holding mature whitetails. I have no doubt that trophy deer could be harvested on this farm every year.
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189 Acres	$846000	Iowa	Monona County
	If you are a trophy hunter Monona County is Western Iowa's Loess Hills gem. Monona County is one of the top counties in the nation for trophy whitetails. This property has been a haven for big trophy deer and has sat idle for many years as the out of state owner is not a hunter. You'll find a great mix of food, timber, water, and open spaces to provide that every whitetail needs. The thick cedars provide lots of security and lots of bedding close to water and food giving the deer plenty of reason to stay on this property. That's an excellent foundation for you to being developing and maintaining this whitetail paradise.
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22 Acres	$63962	Iowa	Poweshiek County
	This is a great starter farm in the heart of Iowa big buck country. This property has a year round creek, established food plots, cover, and timber making it the total package for optimum whitetail habitat. Add to that the yearly income and several beautiful homesites with utilities only a 1/4 mile away and you have a property that everyone who is looking to get to the country is after. Again, don't let the size of this farm fool you, it has tremendous potential to grow monster bucks. Look at the trail cam pictures!
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174 Acres	$414120	Iowa	Ringgold County
	This southern Iowa hunting property is just north of the Missouri border and would make an excellent hunting setup. With water and electricity you could easily add a cabin, trailer or camper right at the road without sacraficing any of the property. The aerial does not do this property justice, the thick timber and brusy nature of the property, plus surrounding habitat are the total package. Small secluded openings in the timber would make excellent food plots and the creek bed is sure to be a travel corridor every fall.
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875 Acres	$2231250	Iowa	Ringgold County
	This is an incredible property, period! Combining awesome Northern MO and Southern IA hunting in one farm. 563 acres in S. Iowa, and 312 acres in N. Missouri. Located in noted trophy buck country not to mention an incredible population of wild turkeys. I saw deer and turkeys all over this property while taking pictures. The deer hunting is phenomenal, this farm has produced 2 B&C bucks in the last 3 years, including a 9 point that grossed 187 5/8! This is truly a world class farm that must be seen to be appreciated, the opportunity this farm provides to hunt 2 of the best states in the Midwest is a very rare opportunity. If you're looking for one of the best in the Midwest this is your farm!
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78 Acres	$160000	Iowa	Tama County
	In this area the timber for the most part is only around the rivers, and this makes for a killer travel corridor. This farm is literally full of deer, the tracks and trails are everywhere you look. (I'm sure the place is full of rubs too, but the undergrowth was so thick and tall when I walked it, I couldn't see them.) While I was walking this piece I found some huge tracks that were without a doubt left by a bruiser. This piece would make for a great hunting farm.
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243 Acres	$726570	Iowa	Van Buren County
	What an incredible block of solid timber/cover in the big buck producing area of Southern Iowa! Properties like this are hard to find, located in Van Buren County, long known as one of the finest Iowa has to offer for Big Whitetail Bucks. With solid timber and so much security cover for Deer and other wildlife, this property is a truly one of the best. With some strategic clearing and placement of food plots on this property, it simply will be a paradise for the big bucks and wild turkeys. Very secluded and quiet area, all the makings of a hunters dream farm!
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475 Acres	$1420250	Iowa	Van Buren County
	I call this property "The Freak Show". There are massive bucks all over this farm. I stood in one spot in a cedar thicket and was almost run over by big bucks chasing does back and forth. Just walking through the property one morning, I actually encountered two different bucks I know would gross over 190 inches. If you are interested in owning one of the best big bucks in North America - You've got to see "The Freak Show".
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83 Acres	$199200	Iowa	Wapello County
	This farm is perfect for that person wanting a small piece in a great whitetail neighborhood, with the switchgrass income, the food plot potential, the surrounding management area, and the super thick cover this farm has all the ingredients to be a superb big buck producer.
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208 Acres	$539760	Iowa	Wapello County
	This farm is "COVERED UP" with big buck sign! I can't believe how many 8 to 12 inch diameter trees were ripped up on this piece of ground. The deer sign on this farm is absolutely everywhere you look, and it is very obvious that there are some giants that call this property home.
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Deer Depredation in Iowa

Jason Smith Iowa Hunting Properties and Farm Land (Whitetail Trophy Properties) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 09:55:21 -0500

Deer Hunters Willing to Help <--From the Iowa DNR Website)

Iowa producers with chronic deer depredation issues (deer damaging crops) understand that deer numbers must be managed locally to reduce deer densities to acceptable levels. Producers realize that shooting antlerless deer is needed to reduce deer herd numbers and many producers are able to keep deer numbers on their lands to acceptable levels by hunting antlerless deer themselves.

However, there are producers who must rely on hunters to do the culling of antlerless deer for them, because they are not capable of hunting themselves, or because they need to take more antlerless deer on their farm than they can take for themselves. Producers can allow more access to land for deer hunting but unfortunately, many hunters are unwilling to hunt antlerless deer.

Some producers have asked the DNR assist them in locating hunters interested in harvesting antlerless deer, and have expressed support for a system by which they could contact hunters who are willing to harvest antlerless deer.

If you would like to have your name, address, and phone number supplied to requesting producers, log on to the Iowa DNR's wildlife damage management page at http://www.iowadnr.gov/wildlife/files/damage.html and click on the Landowner/Deer Hunter Registry link at the bottom of the page, then complete the information in the form. The Iowa DNR's depredation biologist will maintain and provide a list of hunters to requesting producers

Locked Bucks September 27 Harrison County

Jason Smith Iowa Hunting Properties and Farm Land (Whitetail Trophy Properties) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:59:18 -0500

While showing a hunting land property in Harrison County on September 27 (2008) I came across a set of locked bucks. The two bucks were dead, but had not been dead long. My estimate would be less than 24 hours judging by the condition of the bodies. Both were floating in about 7 feet of water which proved not to be much of a challenge to a determined agent that was going to show the bucks to his clients. I did end up soaked and muddy but it was the right thing to get the animals that would begin to decompose in the water out of the water. I just wish I'd thought to take my cell phone out of my pocket before I let my enthusiasm take over.

With the permission of the landowner I separated the dead bucks to get a look at the size of the deer and to get photos. Its a sad way for a couple of promising 2 1/2 year olds to go, and especially strange they are so aggressive so early in the season. These two were only 3 weeks out of velvet and ended up in the fight of their lives. Most likely when they locked they ended up drowning each other in the pond. It took over 10 minutes to pry the antlers apart. When you look at the photos below I can pinpoint the problem. In the second photo the deer to the right had its right main beam completely around and under the neck of the deer on the left. That was where they were locked and it really took some prying and twisting to get them apart.

Opening Day 2008 Iowa Archery Season

Jason Smith Iowa Hunting Properties and Farm Land (Whitetail Trophy Properties) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 19:57:41 -0500

Its that one magical day out of the year that archery hunters around the nation dream of. October 1 is always the first day of Iowa's Archery Whitetail season. This year the season runs from October 1 to December 5th and then reopens from December 22 to January 10, 2009.

As of 8:00pm the Iowa Harvest Reporting System is reporting a total of 2038 deer harvested in Iowa this year. That includes the youth and disabled hunters season which occur before the archery season. Those two seasons are from September 20th to October 5th this year.

For information on this years season dates and bag limits you can visit the Iowa DNR bag limits and seasons page and you can find 2008 Iowa Hunting and Trapping regulations as well.

Play it safe out in the woods this year, follow the rules, respect mother nature and wildlife by hunting by fair chase rules only. Brush up on your weapons, practice shooting, check your tree stands, make sure you have a harness if you are treestand hunting and be sure that when blaze orange is required you have it on, feel free to wear it even if its not required.

Good luck and best afield this archery season! ~Jason

The Bear Archery Truth 2 Compound Bow

Jason Smith Iowa Hunting Properties and Farm Land (Whitetail Trophy Properties) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 19:38:21 -0500

Better late than never! Today is the opening day of Iowa's Whitetail Archery season and I finally got my Bear Truth 2 in my hands today and got a chance to shoot it. I've got a few weeks to get familiar with it before I hit the woods real hard and it will be plenty of time. I've been itching for 2 months to get ahold of this thing and take it outside and test it out. The bow I'm shooting this year is a 2009 model and it was just produced on September 2nd, shipped to me and then it was off to Full Draw Archery in Omaha for its components and to have some arrows custom made for my new bow. I decided on all Trophy Ridge accessories this year after great luck with their Trophy Hunter rest on my last bow. This time I'll be using the DropZone fall away rest, Matrix series sights and Trophy Ridge 1 piece quiver. Ken and Deb at Full Draw always do an exceptional job and are very active in the area archery community in this area. They are a true pro shop and it shows in their work.

The bow feels tiny, something I've wanted and with this bow being only 33 inches from axel to axel it doesn't get much smaller than that. It makes moving around in tight places easier and keeps me from banging the bow on the tree stand or getting in the branches above me. The bow itself weighs 3.9 pounds. My specific bow is a 29 inch draw with a 70 pound draw which makes you appreciate the 80% let off.

I wasn't disappointed when I was able to get on the range with my new bow. Its 314 -318 fps IBO speed is just amazing, it is fast! It shoots smooth, flat and fast. I'm not a bow technician so I won't give you a technical review. I'm a hunter that wants to put a bow in my hand have it work consistently each and every time I use it. So far the Bear bow has done great, shot very accurate and consistent right out of the shop. After putting 50 shots through it I was satisfied I'd made a great switch.

I began shooting a bow and arrow when I was 4 years old and my first bow was a Bear product. In fact back in 1976 when I was 4 years old there were not many choices. Bear was the standard. Over the years I've tried Jennings, Martin, Matthews and Hoyt. Its sure nice to be back in a Bear product. I have to agree with Will Primos, Fred Bear would have been proud. I'm tickled with for sure and can't wait to get it in the woods!

Jason Smith, Land Specialist and Auctioneer

712-646-2061 or 800-971-7042