"The Oak 80" is a ±70.76-acre property in Rice County located in Shieldsville Township just northwest of Rice Lake. The Oak 80 is a turn-key hunting property with a history of good hunting success in one of the more sought after areas of southern Minnesota. Upon entering the properties established trail system from the locked, gated entrance in the northwest corner you will immediately notice the rolling terrain and diverse habitat. The Oak 80 has multiple different habitat types. There are mature woods, new growth woods, food plots, switch grass plantings, cattail slough and more. The current owner has carried out a strategic habitat management plan to enhance wildlife use and hunting success.
Outside of the main trail system, there are other access points leading from Lake Avenue to hunting stand locations. Those hunting stand locations have mowed trails leading in to wooden box blinds overlooking food plots. The food plots are surrounded by woods, upland habitat and bedding areas. To outline the habitat arrangement, the east boundary of the property is the Cannon River. Along the river are mature hardwood trees, adjacent to the hardwood trees, are freshly planted switch grass plots. These switch grass plantings are designed to become thick bedding cover for whitetail deer. These areas were previously managed as food plots and could be converted back to food if desired. Much of the north end of the property is encompassed by new growth woods. As you will notice from the pictures, those woods are planted in rows, those tree rows were planted as part of a CRP program multiple years prior. While the CRP contract has since expired, the habitat remains in place, as this area of the property continues to mature, the habitat will only continue to get better from a wildlife perspective.
The far south end of the property is a stand of mature timber with oak ridges that overlook a large cattail slough that splits the north and south end of this +/- 70.76 acres. Much of the hunting conversation is often comprised of Whitetail Deer. The Oak 80, its layout, and its location offers diverse hunting opportunities for other species. The Cannon River being the east boundary sets up great for waterfowl hunting. Turkey hunting here can be excellent. Lastly, the cattail sloughs and switch grass plantings will lead to pheasant hunting opportunities as well.
The north end of the property would make an excellent building site for anyone looking to build a hunting cabin or forever home. All of the aforementioned habitat types are not only important for wildlife and hunting, they also create a scenic backdrop for building.
Listing courtesy of Bryce McVicker, Whitetail Properties Real Estate
