97.26 +/- Acre Premier Whitetail Hunting Farm With Plum River Deer Camp

Property Description

Some hunting properties look impressive on a map. Others make their case the moment you step into the timber. This 97.26 +/- acre recreational farm in northern Carroll County, Illinois, does both. With an extraordinary amount of whitetail sign, heavily traveled hardwood ridges, nearly a mile of Plum River frontage, and an established deer camp tucked away along the river, this property offers the kind of complete hunting experience that serious whitetail enthusiasts spend years searching for.

The deer hunting potential is what immediately sets this farm apart. Throughout the timber, you'll encounter an abundance of rubs, scrapes, and heavily used trails that speak to the level of deer activity taking place. Mature bucks are known to frequent the property, and the terrain provides outstanding opportunities to capitalize on their natural movement. Long hardwood ridges, deep draws, natural funnels, and defined pinch points create recognizable travel corridors and numerous opportunities for strategic stand placement. For the hunter who enjoys studying topography, identifying movement patterns, and developing a thoughtful hunting strategy, this farm has an incredible amount to offer.

Approximately 76 +/- acres are wooded, featuring a diverse hardwood stand with mature white oak, red oak, and substantial black walnut. These mast-producing ridges transition into thicker draws and river-bottom cover, creating a variety of habitat types across the property. The remaining 21 +/- acres are enrolled in CRP through 2031, generating $4,254 in annual income. Positioned primarily along the higher elevations, the CRP acreage creates valuable open-to-timber transitions and adds another dimension to the property's wildlife habitat.

Perhaps one of the most attractive features is the Plum River, which winds along nearly a mile of the property. The river provides a permanent water source and an incredible natural setting, with wooded river-bottom habitat contrasting sharply with the elevated hardwood ridges above. This combination of water, cover, mast-producing timber, and significant elevation change contributes to the property's exceptional recreational appeal. The river also offers a beautiful setting to simply get away, explore, and enjoy the outdoors beyond deer season.

At the end of a substantial gravel access road, tucked away near the river, sits a secluded cabin that has served as a traditional deer camp for years. The cabin features a bunk room, kitchen and dining area, and a bathroom with running hot water and a shower. Electricity, water, and LP gas provide the conveniences needed for weekends and extended hunting stays. Outside, buck poles and a bonfire area complete the setting. It's easy to picture returning to camp after an evening hunt, hanging a successful harvest, gathering around the fire, and sharing stories with family and friends. The cabin is modest rather than luxurious, but its setting, history, and functionality are exactly what many hunters appreciate about a true deer camp.

An extensive internal road and trail system provides access to much of the farm, making it easier to navigate the property, maintain hunting locations, retrieve game, and enjoy the land throughout the year. Paved road frontage along the southern portion of the property provides convenient access, while elevated areas offer beautiful views and potential locations for future improvements.

Beyond its hunting appeal, the property carries significant underlying timber value. A professionally prepared Forest Management Plan is in place, along with a recent timber appraisal documenting substantial merchantable hardwood value. Both documents are available for review, providing buyers with valuable information about the existing timber resource and its long-term management opportunities.

What makes this farm special is not simply the amount of timber, the river frontage, or the presence of a cabin. It's the combination of all these features on one property, with the deer activity and topography to bring everything together. Whether you're looking to pursue mature Illinois whitetails, establish a lasting family deer camp, or own a recreational property with meaningful natural-resource value, this Carroll County farm deserves a serious look.