Steve Hanson

Located less than 50 miles from Des Moines, this property offers a rare combination of strong income, high-quality wildlife habitat, and excellent recreational features. With over $30,000 annually in CRP income, a proven track record for giant whitetails, and an 8-acre lake, this farm checks every box Don’t let the absence of big timber fool you—this is a true big buck sanctuary. In the 2024 season, two bucks scoring in the mid-180s and near 200" were captured on trail camera here and later harvested by neighbors. Photos and official scores are available. The farm includes 4 acres of electric-fenced food plots, designed to provide dependable late-season hunting opportunities. CRP cover consists of tall warm-season grasses including Big Bluestem, Indian Grass, and Switchgrass—excellent bedding habitat for deer and strong upland bird potential for pheasant and quail hunters. At the heart of the property is a clear, 8-acre lake over 20 feet deep, stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish—ideal for year-round enjoyment. Additional improvements include new fencing along more than half of the property’s boundary, including the road frontage. In the 2024 and 2025 spring seasons, the owner planted over 1,200 trees to establish future thermal cover and wildlife habitat. All CRP maintenance (MCM) work has been completed under the current contract. While this property offers world-class hunting opportunities and investment potential, the seller is motivated due to a current lack of access to a non-resident deer license.

Located just north of Centerville, IA, this 140-acre property offers the ideal combination of productive farmland and top-tier hunting. The farm includes 95 acres of tillable ground with an average CSR above 67 for high productivity. It generates $19,000 annually in cash rent and has a consistent history of strong crop yields. All tillable acres would also be eligible for future CRP enrollment if the next owner chooses to transition to conservation programs. Over 40 acres of dense river-bottom hardwoods provide thick bedding cover and strong whitetail habitat. This area is truly a sleeper neighborhood where mature, trophy-class bucks can be consistently found year after year. The property sits off a dead-end road with very few surrounding roads, located in the middle of a large block of crop fields, timber, and river corridor—offering limited access and ideal seclusion for deer movement and unpressured hunting. The current owner has worked with the farm tenant to leave standing grain in key locations for food plot effectiveness, further improving late-season hunting. In addition to whitetails, this farm supports quality upland game and turkey hunting with healthy populations of quail, pheasant, and wild turkeys.  Additionally, its location within minutes of Rathbun Lake makes this a true investment opportunity with excellent recreation potential.

Located in Leon, Iowa, in highly sought-after Decatur County, this farm offers a strong combination of trophy deer hunting, upland bird habitat, and reliable CRP income. Just east of I-35, it’s an easy one-hour drive from Des Moines. The property includes 181.16 acres enrolled in Pheasant/Quail CRP, generating $25,749 annually through 9/30/2031. Management and wildlife habitat have been enhanced with 15+ acres of clover firebreaks, providing both food sources and easier control of warm-season grasses. This farm is in a well-managed hunting neighborhood with high-quality neighbors. It includes two Grizzly blinds on strategic food plots, plus two additional bowhunting plots. Hunting pressure has been minimal, with two notable bucks harvested: 164” archery in 2023 and 182” early muzzleloader in 2024. A strong trail camera history supports the farm’s potential. The terrain consists of tall warm-season grasses (Indian grass, big bluestem, and switchgrass), along with three ponds providing water throughout the property. Timbered draws feature mature hardwoods and scattered cedars. There are multiple building sites with utilities, overlooking the Grand River. Little River Lake, Wildlife Area, and Slip Bluff Campground are all within five miles. Seller Stephen C. Hanson III is a licensed Realtor in the State of Iowa, is an agent with Hawkeye Farm Mgmt & Real Estate, and is also the listing agent for this property.  

Appanoose County 159+/- Acres – Hunting, Income & Building Potential Located just north of Centerville, Iowa, on the east side of Highway 5, this 159+/- acre farm offers excellent hunting, row crop income, and prime building sites.  This area offers beautiful rolling hills and a multitude of recreational opportunities within minutes of town or Rathbun Lake.   Diverse Habitat & Proven Hunting This farm features a mix of mature creek-bottom timber, oak and hickory ridges to the south, and thick, overgrown pasture to the north, creating ideal south-facing bedding areas. Hunting pressure has been minimal, with only one buck harvested in 2024—a mid-170s-class deer. Two newly constructed creek crossings provide better access and expand options for food plots and stand locations.   Income-Producing Farmland & Timber The farm currently generates $12,250 annually from 70 acres of cash-rented cropland at $175/acre. Additional tillable acres are available for farming but have been left in wildlife cover for habitat enhancement. The mature timber stand, including walnut, white oak, and bur oak, offers future income potential through timber harvesting.   Long-Term Solar Lease Opportunity The current owner has received an offer for a long-term solar lease, including a three-year due diligence period before commitment. Details available upon request.   Ideal for Hunting, Investment & Building With utilities available, this farm offers excellent building sites along with strong hunting and income potential. Additionally, an existing open front shed is currently utilized for equipment storage with great renovation opportunities. Whether you’re looking for a premier hunting property, an income-producing farm, or a great location to build, this tract is priced to sell.