When to Sell Hunting Land

Jason from Oklahoma asks,



When should I move on from a farm? Hey Bill - I really appreciate the influence you've had on my whitetail pursuits. I'm fortunate to have a job that allows me to hunt 40+ days annually and I split the time between three farms totaling about 600 acres. The largest farm is 240 acres in a heavily pressured area (but close to home). I've owned that farm for four seasons and harvested a 4yo just shy of 150" last year. After speaking with surrounding neighbors, it appears that was the largest deer harvested in the area in quite some time. We have regularly harvested several does each year to total approximately 15 does to 2 bucks in the 4 seasons. This year, three of the four mature deer or young deer with potential have been killed (the largest of which was ~140" 5yo). I purchased the farm at a good price and could profit a fair amount if sold. I'm concerned because I've inventoried deer for four seasons (through my own cameras and discussions with neighbors on the surrounding 700-800 acres) and the neighborhood does not appear to regularly produce the type of deer I would like to target (either due to pressure, nutrition or a combination). Would you give the farm more time or would you consider this a scenario where the age structure and pressure on a herd is going to make it difficult for the farm to consistently produce? When and why would you consider moving on from a farm? I'm certain every scenario is different, but I'm willing to move on from a farm if needed since my ultimate goal is to be in an area with good age structure and lower pressure. Additionally, I have made significant habitat improvements to the property over the past four years (though I understand the scale of 240 acres is quite small considering the average whitetail's range). There is opportunity to purchase surrounding acreage; however, I think total available land would be less than 500ac over the next several years. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thankfully, the other two farms are in good locations with consistent production of older deer. Unfortunately, they are over an hour from where I live. Jason




Bill responds,


Topic: When to Sell Hunting Land:

Sell Hunting Land

If the hunting pressure is high in the area where you own hunting land, it is usually better to sell and find a new neighborhood rather than somehow expect the behavior of others to change.

Jason,

Yes, I remember you very well from the Midwest Whitetail days. I hope you are doing well.

There is something to be said for owning land close to home, but if it was me, I would sell that farm.  First, I would find something I like better and then tie that one up with an option that gives me the time to sell my piece and do a 1031 tax exchange.

You could wait a lifetime hoping that neighborhood gets better and may never happen. Better to take your profit and move on. Good luck. (11/26/21)

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