Prime Hunting Tract Surrounded By Shawnee National Forest In Southern IL

Surrounded by thousands of acres of the Shawnee National Forest, this exceptional hunting tract in Pope County, Illinois offers a rare combination of income-producing acreage, outstanding wildlife habitat, and virtually unlimited recreational opportunities. With a diverse mix of CRP, timber, water, and natural travel corridors, the property is ideally suited for growing and holding mature whitetails while supporting a healthy turkey population. Approximately 95 acres are enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), generating $11,995.00 annually while creating exceptional nesting, bedding, and security cover for wildlife. The current owner has also leased the hunting rights, providing an additional $4,265 in annual income and demonstrating the property's strong recreational value. The farm features numerous ideal locations for strategically placed food plots that complement the existing habitat. Extensive edge and transition cover connect feeding, bedding, and travel areas, while excellent bedding and sanctuary cover encourage deer to remain on the property throughout the year. The rolling terrain ranges from gently rolling areas to steeper ridges and hillsides, creating countless natural funnels, pinch points, and travel corridors that concentrate wildlife movement. Timbered ridges and draws are covered with a diverse stand of softwoods and mast-producing hardwoods, including an abundance of oak trees that provide an important seasonal food source for deer and turkey. Water is plentiful throughout the property. A large pond provides year-round water for wildlife and recreational fishing opportunities, while a rock-bottom creek and several feeder streams add habitat diversity across the farm. Bay Creek borders portions of the eastern boundary and serves as a major rut travel corridor, creating predictable deer movement during the fall hunting season. A gravel access road and established trail system provide convenient access throughout the property for hunting, habitat management, and recreation while helping minimize disturbance to wildlife. One of the property's greatest attributes is its location. The tract is completely surrounded by the Shawnee National Forest, effectively placing thousands of additional public acres at your doorstep for hunting, hiking, horseback riding, and outdoor recreation. The property also adjoins Millstone Lake along its southern boundary, adding another unique recreational feature and enhancing the overall appeal of this remarkable tract. Whether you're looking for an income-producing hunting property, a long-term recreational investment, or a private basecamp surrounded by public land, this Pope County farm offers an exceptional opportunity in one of Southern Illinois' premier hunting destinations.