Shawnee National Forest 185.25

Description

Premier 185.25± Acre Trophy Whitetail Farm | Pope County, Illinois

Welcome to one of Southern Illinois' premier trophy whitetail properties. Encompassing 185.25± acres in the heart of Pope County, this exceptional hunting farm offers a rare combination of proven genetics, outstanding wildlife habitat, long-term conservation management, and unmatched seclusion.

The family acquired the original and largest parcel of this remarkable property on War Bluff Ridge in 1957-the same year Illinois held its first modern deer season. Since then, nearly seven decades of careful stewardship have established a hunting legacy that continues today. The farm has consistently produced mature whitetails, with numerous bucks scoring from the 150-160-inch range (8-points) and 150-180+ inches (8-points and larger), making it one of the region's most proven trophy-producing farms.

Bordered by the Shawnee National Forest on three sides, with no public access through the property, this secluded farm provides exceptional privacy and security for wildlife. The surrounding National Forest creates the feeling of hunting a much larger property, with this 185.25± acre tract effectively functioning like a 500- to 1,000-acre hunting property.

The surrounding landscape creates an ideal wildlife environment. Thousands of nearby acres of agricultural fields provide dependable food sources, while the surrounding hardwood timber, rugged ridges, deep draws, and dense bedding cover provide everything needed to grow and hold mature whitetails. The property naturally funnels deer movement between bedding areas, food plots, and neighboring crop fields, creating exceptional hunting opportunities throughout the entire season. Wild turkey and numerous other native wildlife species also thrive throughout the property.

Adding even more value, the farm lies just 1,458 feet from the 525+ acre War Bluff Sanctuary, a protected no-hunting preserve owned by the Illinois Audubon Society. Combined with neighboring landowners who actively practice Quality Deer Management (QDM), this creates one of the finest neighborhoods in Southern Illinois for producing mature trophy bucks.

Since the early 1990s, this property has been intensively managed through professional wildlife habitat improvement practices designed to maximize carrying capacity and year-round wildlife use. Improvements include:

• 40.94 acres enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
• Annual CRP income of approximately $4,894, with contracts extending through 2031
• Native warm-season grass establishment
• Cool-season forage and clover plantings
• Established food plots
• Timber Stand Improvement (TSI)
• Prescribed fire management
• Water hole development
• Invasive species control
• Habitat enhancement projects completed in partnership with the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), Quail Forever, and Quail Unlimited

These ongoing improvements have created outstanding cover, browse, bedding areas, and travel corridors that consistently attract and hold mature whitetails while benefiting turkey, quail, songbirds, and countless other wildlife species.

The property also includes a comfortable, fully self-sufficient off-grid cabin, providing the perfect hunting camp or weekend retreat. Whether you're enjoying deer season, spring turkey hunting, or simply escaping into the Shawnee National Forest, the cabin offers a private and relaxing base camp in one of Illinois' most scenic settings.

In addition to world-class hunting, Pope County offers an abundance of outdoor recreation. Nearby opportunities include fishing, kayaking, canoeing, boating, hiking, horseback riding, camping, UTV trail riding, and exploring some of Southern Illinois' most iconic destinations, including Garden of the Gods, Cave-In-Rock State Park, Lusk Creek Wilderness, Little Grand Canyon, Bell Smith Springs, Rim Rock Recreation Area, and countless miles of scenic trails throughout the Shawnee National Forest.

Whether you're searching for a legacy hunting property to pass down through generations, a secluded recreational retreat, or a proven trophy whitetail farm backed by nearly 70 years of hunting history and decades of professional habitat management, this exceptional Pope County property represents one of the rarest opportunities available in Southern Illinois.

Property Highlights

• 185.25± surveyed acres
• Bordered by Shawnee National Forest on three sides
• No public access through the property
• Nearly 70 years of documented hunting history
• Consistent producer of mature trophy whitetails
• Located just 1,458 feet from the 525+ acre War Bluff Sanctuary
• 40.94 acres enrolled in CRP
• Approximately $4,894 in annual CRP income through 2031
• Established food plots and wildlife openings
• Extensive trail system
• Water holes and habitat improvements
• Timber Stand Improvement (TSI) completed
• Native warm-season grasses and prescribed burn management
• Fully self-sufficient off-grid hunting cabin
• Outstanding turkey hunting
• Excellent recreational opportunities throughout the Shawnee National Forest
• A true legacy property offering exceptional hunting, recreation, conservation, and income potential

Schedule Your Private Showing

Properties of this caliber rarely become available. This is an opportunity to own one of Southern Illinois' premier trophy whitetail farms, combining nearly seven decades of proven hunting success, exceptional habitat, CRP income, and unmatched privacy.

To schedule your private showing or to request additional information, contact:

Kevin Boyer
Certified Land Specialist
Mossy Oak Properties Illinois Land & Lifestyle

Cell: 217-592-8426
Email: Kboyer@MossyOakProperties.com

Private showings are by appointment only. Please do not enter the property without a scheduled showing accompanied by the listing agent.

Directions:

From Harrisburg, IL  take route 145 south about 22 miles and turn east on the Eddyville blacktop road. Head east for 5 miles then turn north on Raum road about ¼ mile to green entrance gates on east side of Raum road

From Golconda travel north 2.5 miles on 146 to Eddyville blacktop road, then turn west on Eddyville blacktop road 4.5 miles to Raum road. Go north on Raum road ¼ mile to entrance green gate on east side of the road.

Harrisburg, IL – 24.3 miles

Vienna, IL  26 miles

Mcleansboro, IL.  52 miles

Evansville, IN 85 miles

Vincennes, IN. 116 miles

St louis, MO. 167 miles

Louisville. KY 200 miles

Indianapolis, IN  256 miles

Showing Instructions:

By Appointment Only: - Contact Kevin Boyer at -kboyer@mossyoakproperties.com, 

Call 1- 217-232-0722