Offered at $479,000

Located along the Beaver Creek in the Solomon River Valley of North Central Kansas, this estate offers some of the best wingshooting opportunities in the Midwest. This traditional estate combines natural and professionally developed habitat improvements along with native grass stands and wooded creek bottoms, parlayed to form a truly unique experience for hunting or simply taking in the endless skies and natural beauty that Kansas has to offer. Great income opportunities exist from lodging rental, event hosting and farmland.

PROPERTY LOCATION

The property is located approximately 2.5 miles north and west of Smith Center, Kansas.

Readily accessible to Hwy 36 and Hwy 281; the property is a peaceful drive from a broad section of the Midwest.  Distances from major cities include: Lincoln (180 miles), Wichita (200 miles), Denver (380 miles) and Kansas City (260 miles).

ACREAGE

The property consists of approximately 40 acres with CRP and native grass/forbe/legume mixes and tree lined creek bottoms.  Several areas of the property along the creek could be staged as additional food plots.  The surrounding acreage consists of farmland as well as additional acres developed by WILDLIFE PROPERTIES, which makes for an ideal environment for wildlife.  The CRP contract provides annual revenue to the property.

The estate has more than three-quarters of a mile of wind breaks planted with tree and shrub rows consisting of Red Cedar, Fragrant Sumac, Currant, American Plum and Chokecherry.

IMPROVEMENTS

This estate has top-notch improvements including:

• Main Residence/Lodge – custom built, Traditional Style residence with 3,742 square feet highlighted by custom wood trim accents, vaulted and trey ceilings, hardwood floors, a large great room with high ceilings, fireplace surrounded by built-in cabinets, a bar, custom pool table, home theater room with oversized theater seating with 50″ plasma TV and surround sound, 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms.

• The exterior features a wrap-around porch, 2-car garage entering from a circle driveway, cobble stone patio and a screened in back porch for enjoying those long summer evenings.

• Guest Quarters – 1,000 square feet lodge with an open layout, 1 bedroom and 1 full bath, hardwood floors, back patio overlooking the Beaver Creek, fenced in yard for dogs and a covered front porch overlooking the tall-grasslands and endless Kansas sunsets.

• Recreation Facility – 2,640 square foot, wood framed with vinyl siding to match the residences. This facility is primarily used for entertaining, banquets, retreats and receptions.  The building has heated floors, 2 bathrooms, a shower, kitchen, indoor basketball court, indoor batting cage and an over sized roll-up door.  The building is surrounded on the north and west by a Red Cedar wind break and includes large dog kennels, custom built dog houses and runs.

• Utility Shed – for storing mowers, tools and other equipment is located just east of the 2,640 square foot Recreation Building.

RECREATION

Hunting is the primary activity for this estate with Pheasants, Quail, Whitetail Deer, Dove and Rio Grande Turkeys prevalent.

A number of opportunities such as waterfowl hunting, boating and fishing exist at nearby lakes and parks including: Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge & Reservoir, Lovewell Reservoir, Jewell State Fishing Lake, Waconda Lake as well as the Republican and Solomon Rivers.

Additional Hunting Access – There are more than 23,000 acres of private lands in Smith County made available through Kansas’ Walk-In Hunting Access Program and more than 100,000 WIHA acres within a 60 minute radius of the ranch.

SMITH COUNTY AREA

Smith County is one of the best counties in Kansas for trophy whitetail deer, upland bird and turkey hunting.  The county is located at the Geographic Center of the 48 States and is rich with history including The Old Dutch Mill in Smith Center and the birthplace of Home on the Range at the Dr. Brewster Higley Cabin.

For thousands of years this area was sacred hunting ground for Pawnee Indians as they tracked thunderous herds of Bison on the great plains of North Central Kansas.  In 1853, one of the largest Plains Indian battles in US history took place south of the estate when Cheyenne and allied tribes attacked the Kitkahaki Pawnee who were buffalo hunting along the Beaver Creek.  Many artifacts and remnants from the battle and the Pawnee who lived in the area can still be found in the area today.

SUMMARY

The East Fork Lodge/Retreat is an exceptional property.  The estate has been extensively enhanced for wildlife and game birds.  The area is rich in history and well known for trophy whitetail bucks; plentiful turkey and world class upland bird hunting. This is your opportunity to own a great property with enjoyable improvements that are accessible and can be used for a number of uses ranging from residence to an executive retreat or hunting lodge operation headquarters.  Local care-taker and property management services are available with this property.

OWNER FINANCING AVAILABLE FOR QUALIFIED BUYERS!

Contact Nick Rhodes for information about this farm (785) 282-6145 or nick@mywildlifeproperty.com

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Blaine Township (7-3S-12W)

A 42.02 acre tract located 2 miles West of Bellaire, KS on 150 Road.  This property has rural water available on site, great 5-wire fence, 3 steel gates, a concrete pad for future building site and two ponds. This is a great and affordable tract!

There is a ton of potential to make this a great hunting track and as an added bonus the tract adjoins approximately 260 acres of Walk-In Hunting Area (WIHA). An ideal and affordable tract with excellent wildlife potential as well as great building potential or ready for livestock grazing.

Offered at $59,000

ATTENTION HUNTERS: Wildlife Properties will work with you to develop a specific and comprehensive habitat management plan for this tract if you wish to convert it from a grazing property.

Contact listing broker, Nick Rhodes – Wildlife Properties at nick@mywildlifeproperty.com or (785) 282-6145.

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Offered at $49,500

Two story home with detached two car garage.

Located in Agra, KS, approximately five miles north of Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge (the Goose capital of Kansas). This property would make an excellent hunting camp, investment/rental property or a very affordable family home.

- 1,856 sq/ft
- 4 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- Central Heat & Air

Contact Nick Rhodes (785) 282-6145 or nick@mywildlifeproperty.com

Listing Price: $354,200

This is an amazing opportunity to own a piece of the world famous Flint Hills of Kansas, a true national treasure. The Kansas Flint Hills Region is home to the largest expanse of tall grass prairie left in the world as well as breathtaking views and some extraodinary hunting!

Located just minutes from Junction City and Manhattan, KS this property consists of  308 +/- acres and is highlighted by the Davis Creek as it meanders through this unique tract.  Many diverse types of habitat exist on this property offering something for just about every game species known to Kansas.  This tract has rural water on site, year-round live creek, income from crops and tons of outdoor opportunities including hiking, horseback riding and of course hunting.

- 27 +/- acres cropland

- 60 +/- acres Mature Timber (including a variety of mast producing)

- 220 +/- acres Native Flint Hills Prairie

- Access to property by blacktop road

- Property is fenced for grazing

- $1,200/yr income

This listing is offered by Brown Real Estate & Auction Services, LLC – 2323 N. Jackson, Junction City, KS

Contact Jay Brown (785) 762-2266 or Nick Rhodes (785) 282-6145 to schedule a private showing!

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View Aerial Map PDF

Located across from the Smith County Country Club this large modern home features both golf course and private lake views. Easily accessible and close to the town of Smith Center (located 3.5 miles North of the estate) this home has all the modern conveniences and upgrades that one could need.

The property is situated on 33 acres and includes a 3,600 square foot modern home, a 2,000 square foot detached 3-car garage/shop and a private lake stocked with bass, catfish, bluegill and perch.

The residence features a grand entrance, large finished walk-out basement with fireplace and a wet bar, heated floors in the master bathroom, modern appliances, hardwood floors throughout the main level, over sized windows and tons of extras!

Asking Price: $545,000

This property can be purchased two ways:

1) Residence + Outbuilding on 33 acres for $545,000

2) Residence on 20 acres with stocked pond for $495,000 + Detached garage/shop on 13 acres for $70,000

For more information or to schedule a showing of this property call (785) 282-6145 or email nick@mywildlifeproperty.com

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SOLD!!!
Offered at $1,034,900 ($1,310/acre)

The Boeskool Ranch is a 790 +/- acre farm situated in Jewell County approximately 12 miles north of Waconda Lake. This property boasts a number of different types of terrain from rolling hills, fertile crop fields and wooded creek bottoms. Approximately 265 acres of crop fields are spread throughout the farm creating ideal travel corridors for whitetail deer, turkey and other game animals.

More than 500 acres of pristine pasture land comprised of native grass stands round out the property. These pasture acres boast excellent fence and the grazing has been carefully managed over the years leaving the grass stands in immaculate condition.

This Jewell County property would be the envy of your friends from a investment and hunting standpoint. With income and a number of game species including: Trophy Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Pheasant, Quail, Prairie Chickens, Dove and too many others to mention, this property has it all. In addition to the fantastic hunting opportunities on this tract there are more than 7,000 acres of public hunting land within a 15 mile radius of the property.

Water is plentiful on this farm with 5 ponds, a well and a live creek. The ponds offer a unique mix of fishing, hunting and valuable water supplies for livestock operations. In addition to the onsite water, the property is located minutes away from Jewell State Fishing Lake and Waconda Lake, one of Kansas’ finest fishing lakes and a hot spot for migrating waterfowl.

The Boeskool Ranch includes a turn of the century farmhouse, two nice size barns and a Quonset building. The farmhouse is a 3 bedroom, one bathroom facility and the out-buildings provide plenty of storage for equipment and other toys.

Overall, this farm offers some great hunting opportunities with the perfect mix of native grasslands, crop fields and tons of cover. The current grazing & farming leases offer very attractive annual income returns and the potential to capitalize on hunting leases or guide operations could provide additional returns for the farm.

If you would like to schedule a private showing of the Boeskool Ranch contact Nick Rhodes – Wildlife Properties at (785) 282-6145 or email nick@mywildlifeproperty.com.

Brokers Welcome!

View Aerial Map

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SOLD!

80 Acres located in the NE 1/4 NW 1/4 & NW 1/4 NE 1/4 of (17-3S-13W)

Asking Price: $142,000

Kansas Hunting at its finest, with income!

This 80 acre property in Smith County has been managed by Wildlife Properties and habitat expert Nick Rhodes for more than 5 years. This property has been primarily developed for upland game habitat, but with over 1/3 of a mile of winding creek running through the property the deer and turkey hunting opportunities are an added bonus.  This property currently has 45 tillable acres. 26.5 of the tillable acres can be enrolled into CRP for those who want to optimize the wildlife habitat and hunting opportunities. The remaining 35 acres consist of creek bottom, native grasses and wildlife habitat. This property is just 2 1/4 miles North West of the town of Smith Center with access from all weather roads. This close proximity to town offers easy access and convience to hunters and farmers alike.

ACREAGE & INFO: – 45 Tillable Acres – 35 Acres Native Grass/Wildlife Habitat – More than a third of a mile of the Beaver Creek runs through this proper

For more information call Nick Rhodes at (785) 282-6145 or email nick@mywildlifeproperty.com

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SOLD!!! - Featuring two stocked bass ponds, nearly one and a quarter miles of creek and more than 75 acres of income producing CRP grasses; Owl Creek Hideaway is a true sportman’s dream. The property is accessible by all weather roads and is conveniently located a short distance from the historic and picturesque community of Yates Center, KS. The farm is situated in the Verdigris River Valley, the once favored hunting and camping grounds for Native Americans of the Osage Nation.

As an added bonus, Owl Creek Hideaway rests just minutes from the Toronto Wildlife Area & Reservoir as well as the Woodson State Fishing Lake which offer outdoor enthusiasts access to more than 7,500 additional acres of hunting, fishing and recreational access.

Heavy sprawling timber highlighted by a number of mast producing oak and walnut stands are surrounded by productive alfalfa, corn, soybean and wheat fields offering a combination of ideal nutritional and habitat requirements for producing and holding monster bucks, turkey and bobwhite quail.

Offered at $199,950.

Located 90 miles East of Wichita, 80 miles South of Topeka, 120 miles south of Kansas City and 130 miles North of Tulsa.

Call (785) 282-6145 or email nick@mywildlifeproperty.com today to schedule a showing of this great hunting paradise. Listing offered by Nick Rhodes Wildlife Properties, an affiliate of Brown Real Estate & Auction, LLC.

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By: Nick Rhodes, Wildlife Properties Smith Center, KS

Springtime is about new beginnings. It is the time of year that we reflect on the deer we chased and the turkey hunts to come all while we settle in for summer until we’re able to pick up our gun or bow and head back to the stand for next year’s adventure.

However, spring doesn’t mean that the whitetail hunts have to end. This is an excellent time of year to get out and go shed hunting. Shed hunting, looking for the remnants of last season’s whitetails, is quickly become one of the most popular hunting sports around. Early spring affords you the best chance to find sheds before the trees and grasses begin to green up and cover the landscape.

Deer in Kansas typically shed their antlers between December and March after the mating season has concluded. Since bucks use antlers to attract mates and defend against competing bucks, it is only after the mating season that they will shed their racks to aid in body recovery. After the antlers are shed the process of regeneration begins.

It doesn’t take a gun or bow to go shed hunting only persistence and a little luck. Shed hunting is relatively easy to do, requires no permit or weapon and can be enjoyable for the whole family.

Here are a few tips and pointers to get you started:

Search in and around known bedding and feeding areas since this is where deer spend much of their time.

Taking binoculars for spotting the difference between far off sticks and sheds will save you time and effort

Because deer spend a lot of time during the winter sunning, check south facing slopes and hillsides.

Creek and fence crossings are other great places to look because deer will often knock their antlers loose trying to cross these obstacles.

Timber areas with low hanging branches or thickets are good spots to looks because the shedding antler will get caught on these obstructions as the deer pass through.

Take your time, slow down and don’t forget to look down.

Usually when you find on shed the match won’t be far from it. The deer can feel the awkwardness of carrying only one half of their rack so they’ll work hard to knock off the other side.

Shed hunting can be an all day adventure so don’t forget to pack plenty of water and some snacks.

Shed hunting is not only a good reason to get back in the field, it’s also a great way to identify travel corridors and take inventory of the bucks that survived the winter for next year’s pursuit. Shed hunting can be a rewarding adventure as well as a great way to explore your property all while identifying projects to improve the habitat potential of your property for future hunting success.

Decide if Land Will Pay

November 17, 2010

By: Mike Walsten, Pro Farmer Editor

In today’s competitive environment, controlling farmland through ownership and long-term leases is increasingly cited as essential to controlling business risk. Yet rapidly rising land prices bring farmers’ perennial question of “How can I buy land when it doesn’t cash-flow?” to the forefront.

The answer is that land usually does not cash-flow when purchased because the rent (profit) earned from the ground doesn’t cover the loan payment. “But over time, rent (profits) grow while loan payments don’t and eventually the land cash-flows,” says Terry Kastens, Kansas State University Extension agricultural economist. That said, the key to reducing risk is to put down as much cash as possible and pay off debt as soon as possible.

The chart shows two different loan structures:  In B, the buyer put down 40% of the purchase price, so the $60 rent just covers the $60 interest payment. By year 2, rent growth allows for a bit of principal payment, and even more the next year and so on.  The loan balance is zero by year 17.  In loan structure A, the down payment was only 15%.  At purchase, the $60 rent does not cover the $85 interest payment.

Even though asset value grows the same in both cases, it takes much longer for the loan balance to start dropping in loan structure A.  In fact, since rent is insufficient to cover even the interest in the first few years, additional financing is required.  Eventually, rent exceeds interest, allowing for principal payments.  The loan is paid off in 34 years.

Kastens adds, “Although not easily seen in the chart, the debt-to-asset leverage ratio is falling throughout the time period in both cases.  But the risk with 85% loan is much greater than the risk with the 60% loan: Even a modest drop in growth, say from 4% to 2.5%, will lead to loan default at some point, whereas the 60% loan would still cash-flow at a growth rate as low as 0%.

“Regardless, each year that goes by where rent is greater than interest reduces the risk of ownership.  Put another way, each year it gets ‘easier’ to make principal payments.  Hence, it is often stated that ‘if you can make it through the first few years, you’re home free,” Kastens observes.

Be realistic in your forecasts of increased rent (profit) as well as the likely rise in the land’s value, Kastens advises.  By his calculations, that means an annual increase of 4% to 5% in land value and perhaps 2% to 3% in rent (profit) growth per year.