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Whitetail Hunting Farm Joining Nature Preserve In Southern IL
Acreage
348 ±
County
Johnson
SOLD
Address Wildcat Bluff Road, Lot#WP001 Vienna, IL 62995
View on Google MapsDescription
Wildcat Ridge is a 348-acre whitetail hunting property located in Southern Illinois just outside of Vienna. The area is well known for producing mature whitetails, strong turkey numbers, and seasonal waterfowl movement. Large tracts with this combination of location, surrounding land use, and documented hunting history are increasingly difficult to find. What sets this farm apart is the balance of diverse habitat, adjacency to protected land, and a long track record of Boone and Crockett caliber deer in the immediate area. The property features a varied mix of timber, ridges, draws, and edge habitat that naturally support consistent deer movement across the farm. The owners have taken an aggressive and thoughtful approach to habitat improvement, planting nearly every available open acre in food. The food plot program includes annual plantings such as turnips and radishes, along with established Whitetail Institute perennial clover. These plots are spread strategically throughout the property to distribute deer activity and reduce pressure on any single area, allowing multiple locations to hunt effectively throughout the season. Access is a defining strength of this farm. The property offers both western and eastern entry points, allowing hunters to adjust access based on daily wind conditions. Once inside the gates, an internal road system runs north to south and branches into multiple routes, providing flexibility to approach stands without crossing core bedding or travel corridors. This layout allows hunters to adapt to changing deer patterns rather than forcing movement through limited access points. A major advantage is the property’s direct adjacency to the Wildcat Bluff Nature Preserve, which is part of the Cache River State Natural Area, totaling more than 14,690 acres across three counties. This preserve serves as a permanent no-hunting sanctuary and creates a stable, low-pressure environment along the boundary. The terrain drops in elevation beyond the property line, allowing access from higher ground while remaining out of sight of bedding areas within the preserve. This topographic advantage helps limit disturbance and supports consistent daylight deer movement. Improvements on the property are well suited for extended stays and efficient management. A newly constructed cabin sells furnished and includes one bedroom, a full bathroom, a utility room, and two loft areas for additional sleeping space. The cabin is positioned in the upper corner of the property to maintain privacy and avoid interference with hunting pressure. A Fleetwood camper is also included, covered by a metal awning with a built-in deck, providing supplemental lodging during hunting season. A large barn offers ample storage for tractors, implements, and equipment required for food plot and trail maintenance, supporting long-term stewardship of the land. Wildcat Ridge represents a rare opportunity to acquire a large, well-managed hunting property in a proven Southern Illinois neighborhood. The combination of scale, protected adjacency, thoughtful access, and established habitat work makes this farm well suited for serious whitetail hunters seeking a property built for long-term success.
Details
- 348± acre whitetail hunting property in Southern Illinois near Vienna
- Located in a proven neighborhood known for mature whitetails and strong turkey numbers
- Directly adjoins Wildcat Bluff Nature Preserve, a permanent no-hunting sanctuary
- Diverse habitat including timber, ridges, draws, and edge cover
- Extensive food plot program with annuals and Whitetail Institute perennial clover
- Food plots positioned to distribute pressure and support multiple hunt locations
- Western and eastern access allows entry based on prevailing wind conditions
- Internal road system provides flexible, low-impact access throughout the farm
- Elevation advantage along preserve boundary improves concealed entry and exit
- Newly constructed 1BR, 1BA furnished cabin with lofts for additional sleeping space
- Fleetwood camper included with metal awning and built-in deck
- Large barn provides equipment storage and supports long-term land management
Summary
Activities on Property
Hunting, Hiking, ATV Riding, Camping, Horseback Riding, Family Activities
Land Type
Hunting and Recreational
Type of Home
Cabin
Outbuildings
Barn
Nearby Features
Public Hunting, Public Fishing, Camping/Campground, Boat Ramp, Public Access Area
Minerals
Surface Only
Tillable/Production Areas
Softwood Trees, Wheat, Pasture, Hardwood Trees, Corn, Soybeans, Clover
Waterfront
Pond (0-3 acres)
Wild Game
Small Game, Big Game
Recent Property Improvements
Food plot, Trail network, Tree stand/Blinds, Internal Road Network, Gated entrance
Improvements/Features
Small Game, Big Game, Predators, Creek/Spring, Food Plot, Tree Stands/Blinds, Trail Network, Internal Road System, Surface Only
Road Frontage
County Road
Roads
Road Frontage
Fencing
Low Fence, Partial
Land and Farm Property Types
Agriculture - Farm, Land - Hunting, Land - Recreational
Land Details
Timber, Tillable, Grass, Open, Pond
Property Type
Farms, Recreational Land, Hunting Land
Other Property Details
Utilities
- electric: onsite
- water: onsite
- internet: nearby
- cable: nearby
- telephone: nearby
Coordinates
37.3745, -88.9197
Annual Taxes
$0
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For more information or to see additional properties currently for sale see Justin Mason's listings.