Small Hunting Tract In A Proven Deer Area Near Lakes & Public Land

This Appanoose County property is an outstanding opportunity for a first-time landowner or someone looking to add a high-quality satellite hunting tract to their portfolio. Consisting of 10 mostly wooded acres, the property features approximately a one-acre opening near the hard-surfaced road that is currently established as a food plot. Conveniently located less than a mile west of Unionville and just south of Lake Sundown along Highway J3T, the property is only 16 miles northeast of Centerville, 19 miles southeast of Albia, and approximately 80 miles from the Des Moines metro area. While this would make an excellent building site or country acreage, don't let the size fool you. There are a lot of features packed into these 10 acres that make it an exceptional hunting property. As you enter the farm, you'll immediately notice the one-acre food plot. What makes this plot especially effective is the way it was designed. The brush and trees that were cleared were strategically piled along the west side, forcing deer to enter around the northwest corner and pass through a narrow gate opening before stepping into the food plot. This creates a natural travel funnel that offers excellent stand opportunities. The timber consists primarily of mature white oak, red oak, and several species of hickory. Two prominent ridge tops form a U-shaped layout, providing additional opportunities to expand the existing food plot or establish multiple other plots. If your vision includes building a home tucked back in the timber, these ridge tops offer several outstanding building locations with excellent privacy. Between the two ridges is a natural location that would be ideal for constructing a pond or wildlife watering hole, creating another attractive feature for both wildlife and future enjoyment. The current owners have put considerable effort into improving the property. Clover has been frost-seeded on one of the main ridges in the timber; the food plot has been consistently planted in both the spring and fall, and supplemental water and attractants have been utilized to further enhance the property's appeal to wildlife. What truly sets this farm apart is its location. Although it consists of only 10 acres, it sits in the middle of a neighborhood containing hundreds of acres of quality timber. With very few nearby food sources, this property becomes a natural destination for deer traveling through the area. The trail camera photos and the mature buck harvested here last season are a testament to the caliber of deer that frequent this farm. The hard-surfaced road provides excellent access, allowing you to quietly slip into a stand without disturbing the property. During late October and early November, this setup offers an excellent opportunity to intercept mature bucks as they check the food plot during early morning or late afternoon hours. For a first-time landowner, this property also offers tremendous upside. There are several habitat improvements that could be completed over time, including expanding food plots, performing timber stand improvement, enhancing bedding cover, and further developing the property's hunting potential. It's a manageable-sized property where your efforts can make a noticeable difference. Beyond hunting, this property offers outstanding recreational possibilities. You could easily park a camper, connect utilities, or build a cabin or country home. You're also conveniently located near both Rathbun Lake and Lake Wapello, offering excellent fishing, boating, camping, and countless outdoor recreation opportunities. One of the most common requests I receive is for a smaller property located in a proven hunting neighborhood capable of producing mature whitetails. Properties like this are difficult to find. It's also an excellent option for the nomadic hunter who enjoys having a private hunting property while remaining just minutes from thousands of acres of public hunting opportunities in every direction. Whether you're looking for your first hunting property, a future building site, or a productive satellite farm in an area known for quality whitetails, this Appanoose County tract deserves a look. If you'd like to schedule a private showing or have any questions, give me a call. I'm Hersh Smith with the Southeast Iowa Land Team, proudly representing Whitetail Properties Real Estate.