Value of Illinois’ hunting land remains very strong

Story by Brooke Bouma Kohlsdorf / Successful Farming

Pittsfield, Ill. — Recreational land values remain exceptionally strong in the state, according to the Illinois Society of Professional Farm Managers and Rural Appraiser.

A recent Trends Report by that organization put the total value per acre of recreational land in the western region of Illinois at $6,600 per acre for 2024. That’s a 10% increase from the previous year.

“The recreational market in 2024 remained exceptionally strong, driven by a continued imbalance between demand and available inventory,” the authors said about the western region.

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The market for recreational hunting ground is as strong as it’s been in 10 years, according to Joe Dierker, owner of First Harvest Land Exchange in Pittsfield. Dierker sees a tremendous amount of hunting land transactions – both in state and around the country – using 1031 exchanges.

There are a few reasons for the trend. First, hunting land is different from traditional farm land used for raising crops or animals.

Dierker says buyers are always trying to find that next property that’s better than the one they currently own.

Second, the recreational market is strong because hunting is a hobby that continues to draw people to western Illinois, especially those hunting deer, according to Dierker.