436 Acres in Ledford, IL - $2,086,000

This 436-acre property has been designed to do something few properties ever achieve. It has been built for one purpose: to create a true wildlife sanctuary. For nearly two decades, this property has been managed with discipline, minimal intrusion, controlled access, and habitat designed for security. The result is something rarely seen: a herd of whitetail deer that moves without pressure, feeds in daylight, and beds with a level of comfort that only comes from true seclusion. It is not uncommon to see large groups of deer in a single field, with mature bucks mixed throughout, moving, feeding, and holding on the property.

At the center of the farm sits a 30-acre management field, once planted in alfalfa, where the number of deer feeding at one time has been described as staggering. Today, it is a blank slate for whatever food plot system you envision, with the potential to produce unmatched deer numbers. Adjacent to this field, a developing orchard adds another layer of attraction, creating both seasonal food and long-term habitat value. Clover, seasonal plantings, and surrounding cover create a reliable hub for both deer and turkey. Additional crop fields provide rotation, food, and income, while a hidden 10-acre field to the north offers one of the most strategic setups on the property. Water, staging cover, and natural travel patterns all come together in one place.

Beyond the fields, the land changes. Old mine terrain creates thick, rugged bedding cover that is nearly impenetrable in places, giving wildlife the security needed to reach maturity. The north boundary stretches nearly a mile wide and is bordered by large neighboring landowners who are equally committed to managing for mature whitetails. This creates a continuous block of ground where wildlife can live, move, and reach age without disruption. This is a farm where habitat, pressure, and layout all work together. It is a place where hunting becomes consistent, not by chance, but by design.

In addition to premium deer and turkey hunting, sections of the property could be developed into waterfowl habitat with minor improvements, adding another layer of opportunity. A five-acre hilltop build site provides space for a lodge or cabin, with utilities nearby and ready for future development. The property is located near Harrisburg, offering quick access to food, supplies, and daily needs. Sahara Lake sits just a few miles away for fishing, while the Shawnee National Forest, Garden of the Gods, and surrounding trail systems offer additional outdoor recreation across the region. This is not just another hunting tract. It is a proven system, a controlled environment, and a rare opportunity to own a true Southern Illinois sanctuary.

The property features a new gated entrance to the south with new rock. It is also enrolled in a conservation easement designed to protect the grounds, land, and wildlife habitat for years to come.

Give me a call if you would like to view the property. This is a one-of-a-kind tract with more turkey and deer than I believe I have ever seen on a farm outside of a prime location I visited in Iowa.

Jarod Jackson
618-559-2967