I Just Bought a Hunting Farm, Now What?

Ethan Stubbs
Iowa Land Specialist

Owning a piece of land in the Midwest is more than just a real estate investment—it’s a dream realized. Whether it’s a farm you’ve had your eye on for years or an unexpected opportunity, the moment you step foot on your own property, you feel the connection to the land. But once the papers are signed and the excitement settles, the question arises: I just bought a hunting farm, now what?

Improving Your Property for Wildlife

Owning land also opens the door to enhancing it for whitetail deer and other wildlife. Here are some practical ways to make your property a haven for world-class hunting:

1. Habitat Management

   • Plant native grasses and forbs to create bedding and cover for deer. Including but not limited to, direct seeded oaks, stands of switchgrass, blue stem, red osier dogwoods, and chestnut trees.
   • Establish food plots with crops like turnips, brassicas, clover, soybeans, or corn to attract and sustain wildlife.
   • Conduct timber stand improvement (TSI) to enhance forest health and create browse. Contact your local forester to get a gauge on predominant native tree species in the area. Consider planting fruit bearing trees or other forms of natural browse for wildlife to key in on. 

2. Water Sources

   • An often overlooked aspect of targeting mature whitetails is water, or lack thereof. Picture a rutting buck, cruising doe bedding area after doe bedding area for days on end. The dog days of the rut can be supplemented by water sources in or around bedding areas where water may be sparse. If your property doesn’t already have a water source, consider adding a small pond or installing wildlife-friendly waterers. Water is a critical element for drawing and keeping wildlife on your property.

3. Trail Systems and Access

   • Access can make or break your farm faster than anything else. Being able to slip into your stand locations undetected is incredibly important, as you will blow the hunt up before it starts otherwise. Whether it is clearing a small ditch, or using a brush hog to mow down bushes and other small brush, having protected access trails will limit scent and noise pollution into the bedroom of the mature deer you’re targeting.

4. Hunting Stands and Blinds

Proper stand placement is essential for hunting mature whitetails, as they are highly alert to human intrusion. Always consider predominant winds when selecting stand locations. In the Midwest, north and westerly winds are common throughout the season. Additionally, adapt your strategy based on the time of year:

• • • Early October: Warm temperatures and swirling winds are typical. Position a box blind or treestand near a food source close to bedding areas to take advantage of early October cold fronts.
    • Rut: Focus on pinch points, rut funnels, or stands on the downwind side of bedding areas. These spots are ideal for targeting mid-morning cruising bucks. Be prepared for all-day sits during this time of year.
    • Late Season: A box blind overlooking a destination food plot is highly effective. Set up with a strong north or northwest wind and be ready to capitalize on a mature buck visiting the plot.

Planning with wind and seasonal behavior in mind will significantly enhance your hunting success.

   5. Conservation Programs to Enhance Your Habitat

One of the best ways to improve your property for wildlife while reducing your out-of-pocket costs is by participating in conservation programs. Nothing beats a strong back and work ethic, especially when it can line your pockets. In Iowa, several programs are specifically designed to support landowners who want to enhance habitat, promote sustainability, and increase biodiversity. Here’s a closer look at some key programs:

1. 1. 1. Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
         The EQIP program, managed by the USDA, provides financial and technical assistance to landowners for implementing conservation practices.

• • • Benefits:
      • Cost-share opportunities for practices like timber stand improvement, cover crops, and installing fencing for rotational grazing.
      • Guidance from conservation experts to ensure long-term habitat improvements.
    • How It Helps: For whitetail deer, EQIP can support the creation of bedding areas, food plots, and water retention projects.

1. 1. 2. Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
         CSP is designed for landowners who are already implementing conservation practices but want to take their efforts to the next level.

• • • Benefits:
      • Payments for maintaining and improving existing conservation practices.
      • Support for enhancing wildlife habitat, such as planting pollinator-friendly species or creating forest openings.
    • How It Helps: This program rewards landowners for ongoing habitat improvements, encouraging sustainable practices that benefit both wildlife and the landowner.

1. 1. 3. Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP)
         Unique to Iowa, the REAP program funds projects that enhance natural and cultural resources.

• • • Benefits:
      • Cost-share for soil and water conservation projects, prairie restoration, and wildlife habitat development.
      • Assistance for planting native grasses, shrubs, and trees to support wildlife.
    • How It Helps: REAP funding can help you establish high-quality habitat that attracts whitetail deer, upland game birds, and other species.

1. 1. 4. Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
         While widely known, CRP remains a powerful tool for landowners. By enrolling in CRP, you can receive annual payments for converting marginal cropland into wildlife-friendly habitat.

• • • Benefits:
      • Long-term agreements (typically 10-15 years) with consistent payments.
      • Funding for planting native grasses, pollinator plots, or riparian buffers.
    • How It Helps: CRP provides the structure and resources to transform your land into a diverse and thriving ecosystem.

Conclusion:

Buying a hunting property is often the pinnacle of most outdoorsman’s hunting careers. Whether it is the family farm, or your first 40, having a strategic approach to setting up the farm will be crucial for you hunting success for years to come. 

Do you want to learn more?

If you just bought a property and don’t know where to start, reach out to a local High Point Land Company agent to start. For more questions regarding land real estate, visit our YouTube Knowledge Center.

Growing up in Northeast Iowa, Ethan grew a passion for chasing whitetail deer and wild turkeys at a young age. Deciding to turn this passion into a career, Ethan traveled all over the world capturing hunts with a camera. Fast forward to today, Ethan has continued his passion outdoors and will continue to work in the outdoor space selling farms in Iowa. If you are interesting in selling your farmland, call Ethan at (608) 306-1788 or email him at ethan@highpointlandcompany.com