I have been looking for the right piece of land to purchase recently and after going to look at a bunch of them a new question popped into my head.....Would I rather buy land that has already been set up (Plots, Hinge, Bedding, Cover) or would I rather start fresh and make my own setup? So I want to know, Would you rather have everything done with minimal work left, or start from scratch?
I guess it all depends on the quality of what was done and how much money you have to spend on getting it the way you'd like it. To me, if everything was done properly, and the previous owner could show trail cams, etc. Without a doubt that would be the least expensive way to go (to me anyway). Depending on the size of the property, and how far it's located from your home, a guy can have a lot of money wrapped up in prep work/travel, etc. Ask me how I know. My property is 100 miles one way.
We own land that we started from scratch. Old cattle pasture and all regroth timber that was about 15years old. That was 10 years ago now it has over. 200 sawtooth oak a lot of fruit trees 9 food plots a bunch of planted pines good road system and a 5acr lake. It took a lot of time money sweat but it how we wanted it. If I had it all over to do again I would do the same. Good luck and remember it all about location!!
im in the process of a DIY in my property. I bought untouched property (besides the house) and doing it my way, doing all the reseach and work myself, its great seeing the transformation, and seeing the deer go where YOU want them to go.
I agree that location is a huge factor. I can also tell you that the feeling of satisfaction you get when you harvest an animal on land that you turned into a hunters paradise is awesome. My place is a work in progress, but 8 years ago, it was a piece of ground that had been severely damage by overgrazing. Due to it's location, it did have some solid potential. I've put a great deal of time, sweat and money into it, but now it's really starting to pay off. I'm getting lots of buck using the property, including quite a few mature bucks. Lots of does too. There's still tons to do, but I enjoy doing most of the work. So obviously for me, DIY was the right option, but I also built my house on the corner of the property. So I can just walk out the back door and get to work. It would be much more of a chore if I had to load and haul all my equipment to the property to work.
I'd say DIY. Bought my 1st pc last year and there's nothing more rewarding then doing improvements to he land you own and reaping the rewards of your work. Land is addictive, buying some makes you want more. I do see you point on land that is lready set up. Some dreams on my to-do list are going to have to wait till next year due to time and money constraints. #1 priority = getting food in there!
I'm looking for another piece in southern iowa. I purchased an untouched piece and developed it into a solid huntable piece, sold it, made money and I'm fired up to do it again. Loved every minute of it, I never intended to sell.
