Know What You Want in a Recreational Real Estate Property before You Look

When trying to find that ultimate recreational real estate property or hunting tract, the one that will turn your dreams into reality, you need to have a defined goal in mind. That goal should be well defined before you start to look at properties. The question you must ask yourself is why am I buying this property? Is it for family entertainment and recreation with hunting being important but not the only reason for the purchase? Or, is it strictly a whitetail hunting property for the hardcore hunter? How you answer this question will play a role in what type of properties you need to consider. Once you know why you are buying the property it becomes easier to define the parameters that will define your purchase. Now that we have answered that important question we can start to take a look at why it is important to know what you want before you look.

If you are a hardcore hunter and you are looking for that dream hunting tract your goals should be different than the person looking for a recreational piece. A truly great hunting tract combines multiple environments that melt together to create awesome deer habitat. These properties may not have the breathtaking views and most likely will contain some pretty thick and nasty habitat areas. One example is cut over timber tracts, they make awesome hunting properties. However, they usually are not the most beautiful tracts to look at. Great whitetail deer hunting properties will combine some or all of the following traits:

· Thick bedding areas for cover this can be cut over timber areas, old crop or pasture fields that have become over grown, or thickets and briars.

· Open timber that can produce some quality mast for late fall nutrition.

· Water, either ponds, lakes, springs, or perennial creeks.

· Areas to plant food plots, if food plots are not already established, for nutritional needs and to utilize to hunt.

· Access to the areas you hunt is important. You do not want to have to walk or ride through the heart or bedding areas of your property to access your stand or blinds. You also want to consider how easy it is for unwanted trespassers to get on the property.

· Make sure there is sign of deer on the property. Don’t worry about how big the deer are right now. If you are buying properties in the right areas of the country the genetics are there to grow big deer. You are buying the property for the long haul and quality deer management will generate the deer to meet your goals.

· Access to power and water if you are looking to build on the property. Don’t let this keep you from buying that proven hunting tract. Today’s technology allows for water and power to be attained in creative ways. Some examples would be using a cistern for water instead of running a waterline. If you are only going to be at the property a few weeks a year this can be an option.

Great hunting tracts combine a mixture of these traits. It takes it all to have that special property and if managed right even small tracts can be very successful hunting properties. You notice I did not mention crop ground! That is because crop ground is nice to have as an income source but it is not a requirement. You can create nutrition with food plots, mineral licks, and feeders. Crop ground, while great for income, is not a year round food plot. They are a bonus to any great hunting tract but not a requirement. In my opinion, these are the traits to look for when trying to buy a great hunting tract. If the previous owners hunted the property find out how they managed the farm. Ask for deer documentation through the form of pictures of harvested animals, game camera photos, and video.

For the recreational buyer that has hunting as a secondary goal your priorities are a little different. Most recreational buyers want to build so views and access to power and water become more important. Great recreational tracts don’t have to contain all of the important traits of a hardcore hunting tract. Properties with a higher percentage of open ground to woods may work better for the recreational enthusiast. Location of the property can play a role. Being close to towns, state parks, lakes, or rivers for entertainment is important for a lot of landowners that wish to enjoy themselves.

Remember, that there never has been the perfect property created but you can transform a high quality piece of real estate into that dream hunting or recreational piece. Having, that decision made before you start to look will save you valuable time and effort in your quest to finding that dream parcel. I would also encourage you to use a professional Realtor that specializes in the kind of properties you are looking for. Residential Real Estate Agents are not always the right choice when buying hunting or recreational real estate. Look up a land specialist in the area you are looking to buy for the best results.

If you are interested in some Quality Whitetail Properties click here!