<![CDATA[The Trophy Case]]> <![CDATA[Spring Turkey Prep: Getting Your Property Ready]]> Spring is Here - A Serious Hunter's Guide to Chasing Midwestern Gobblers

There's a moment in early April, somewhere between the last hard freeze and the first green tinge on the hillsides, when a gobble rips through the timber at first light and something primal fires in your chest. It doesn't matter how many springs you've done this. That sound does something to a person that's hard to explain to anyone who hasn't heard it while crouched against a white oak in the dark, shotgun across their knees, palms sweating in forty-degree air.

Eastern wild turkeys are one of the great hunting animals in North America. Not because they're the biggest or the most dangerous, but because they will humble you in ways that deer and ducks simply cannot. A mature gobbler has survived multiple hunting seasons by being suspicious of everything. He's spent his whole life eating and avoiding being eaten, and he's very good at both. If you want to consistently kill birds, you have to earn it — and that earning starts long before opening morning.

This is how you do it right.

Know the Animal First

Before you touch a turkey call or hang a trail camera, spend some time understanding what a wild turkey actually is and how it lives.

Turkeys are highly social, highly vocal birds that organize their lives around predictable seasonal routines. In the Midwest — Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Indiana — the spring breeding season typically runs from late March through May, timed to coincide with longer days and warming temperatures triggering hormonal changes in both hens and toms.

Here's the core biological fact that governs spring turkey hunting: gobblers don't come to hens. Hens come to gobblers. That's the natural order. When you're out there yelping on a slate call, you're asking a bird to do something that runs counter to his instincts — you're asking him to reverse the script. Understanding this tells you everything about why turkey hunting is hard, and it tells you exactly where the opportunities lie.

A dominant gobbler in the Midwest will typically have a harem of two to six hens during peak breeding. When those hens are with him, he is nearly impossible to call away. He has what he wants. But early in the season before hens are fully receptive, late in the season after hens are on nests, or on mornings when a henned-up bird loses his company — that's when a well-placed call can bring a longbeard at a dead run. Your job is to be in the right place when those windows open.

Scouting: Do It Like You Mean It

Most hunters scout too late and too casually. If you want to kill turkeys on your property with any consistency, you need to be in the woods in February and early March, before birds feel any hunting pressure, gathering intelligence that will pay dividends all season.

Find the roosts first. Wild turkeys in the Midwest are creatures of extraordinary habit when it comes to where they sleep. They roost in the same timber, often in the same trees, night after night throughout the season. Your job is to find those trees before the season opens.

What you're looking for: large, mature hardwoods with horizontal limbs at canopy height. Oaks, sycamores, and cottonwoods along creek drainages are prime candidates across most of the Midwest. Birds want to be high enough to feel safe from ground predators, and they want visibility — they don't roost in the middle of thick, brushy timber. They want to see danger coming.

The best way to find roosts is simple and it doesn't cost anything: be in the field at dusk in late March and listen. Turkeys are loud going to roost — they fly up one by one, thrashing branches, occasionally yelping and clucking. Mark every roost site on your mapping app. Then come back the next morning before first light, sit downwind a few hundred yards away, and listen to them gobble on the limb as the sky gets light. What you learn in those two hours will be worth more than any piece of equipment you own.

Understand the fly-down and the morning routine. When turkeys fly down from the roost, they almost always move in a predictable direction toward food or toward hens. Watch this without bumping them. Over several mornings, you'll identify the specific routes they take, the fields or timber openings they move toward, and critically — where the strut zones are.

Read the sign. Turkeys advertise their presence if you know what you're looking at:

  • Tracks in creek mud or soft field edges tell you where birds are crossing and in what numbers. Tom tracks are notably larger — front toe to back heel, a mature gobbler's track can measure four inches or more.
  • Droppings are sex-specific: tom droppings are J-shaped and considerably larger than hen droppings, which are more spiral or circular. Find tom droppings in a consistent location and you've found a travel corridor worth hunting.
  • Scratch — areas where birds have raked leaves aside while feeding — tells you about food sources. In early spring in the Midwest, birds are often targeting waste grain in agricultural fields, green clover in open areas, and invertebrates and mast remnants in the timber.
  • Feathers and drag marks from wing tips in soft soil near open areas indicate strut zones. A gobbler dragging his wingtips while in full strut will sometimes leave faint lines in the dirt or leave primary feathers behind.

Map all of this. Build a picture of how birds are using every corner of your property.

Identify and Protect Strut Zones

A strut zone is exactly what it sounds like — an area where a gobbler likes to display. These are typically open areas with good sightlines where a bird can be seen by hens at a distance. In the Midwest, the classic strut zones are:

  • Field edges and pasture corners, particularly where two habitats meet
  • Ridge tops in timbered terrain, where a bird commands a view of multiple drainages
  • Logging roads and two-tracks running through timber
  • Open hardwood stands where the canopy is high and the understory is relatively sparse
  • Food plot edges, especially where clover or small grains meet timber

Once you identify these areas, treat them with the same reverence you'd give a whitetail scrape. Don't walk through them unnecessarily. Don't let your scent or disturbance condition birds to avoid them. The strut zone is where you want to be on opening morning, and you want a bird to feel comfortable there right up until the moment he isn't.

Prepare Your Property

Most landowners can make meaningful improvements to their turkey habitat with a chainsaw, a brush hog, and some basic food plot seed. None of this requires a large budget, but it does require some thought.

Create and maintain open areas. Turkeys, despite being woodland birds, spend enormous amounts of time in open areas. A field, a pasture corner, a brushed-out ridge top — these attract birds and give them places to strut, feed, and congregate. If you have timber that's been shaded out at the understory level with no ground layer, consider selective logging or prescribed burning to open it up. The best turkey timber in the Midwest has a mix of mature canopy and open, parklike ground cover.

Plant clover. If you do one food plot for turkeys, make it a clover plot. Ladino white clover in particular is a nearly year-round food source that turkeys return to obsessively in spring. Even a half-acre plot mowed into a field edge can become a strut zone that pulls birds from a quarter mile away. Clover also attracts the insects that turkeys — especially hens with poults — rely on heavily for protein.

Clear quiet access routes. This is one of the most overlooked aspects of property preparation. The best setup in the world does you no good if you have to snap branches and wade through brush to reach it. Walk your access routes before the season and trim what needs trimming, lay down a path over any crunchy areas, and identify where you can slip in under darkness without making noise. A bird that hears you coming at 5:30 AM is a bird that won't be there at 6:00.

Trim shooting lanes, not strut zones. You want visibility from your calling location, but resist the urge to over-manicure the areas where birds actually travel. Leave the strut zones natural. Trim shooting lanes in the areas where you will be sitting, not where the bird will be walking.

Protect your roost timber. If you know where birds are roosting, keep people, dogs, and ATVs away from those areas during the season. A spooked roost can cause birds to move off your property entirely. If you're going in to hang a camera near a roost, do it once in February and stay out. The intel isn't worth repeated disturbance.

Calling: Enough to Kill a Bird, Not to Win a Contest

There's an entire industry built around turkey calling, and a fair amount of it is aimed at getting you to buy things rather than kill turkeys. Here's the honest version.

You need to be able to make a convincing yelp, a soft cluck, and a purr. That's it. Those three sounds, made with moderate competence on a slate or box call, will kill you a turkey. The aggressive cutting, the cackles, the fighting purrs — those have their place, but they're finesse moves that only matter after you've mastered the basics.

The yelp is the primary turkey vocabulary. Hens yelp to communicate location and mood. A series of five to nine yelps on a slate call, done at moderate volume with realistic cadence, is the most productive call you'll ever make.

The cluck is short, single notes — conversational. When a bird is close and locked in, clucks and soft purrs will often close the last fifty yards when a loud yelp would blow him out.

The fighting purr is aggressive, rattling purring that simulates two hens fighting. It works best early in the season when hens are competitive over dominance, and it can pull a bird away from hens by bringing the hens to you, dragging the gobbler along.

The most important calling advice anyone can give you: call less than you think you should. Especially in the Midwest, where birds carry less hunting pressure in some areas and can be very responsive, the instinct to hammer a gobbling bird with call after call will work against you. Make a series of yelps, put the call down, and wait. If he's gobbling back but not moving, the worst thing you can do is keep calling. Let him wonder where you went.

If you are looking for tips to improve your turkey calling skills - we made a video with our friend and world-champion turkey caller, Billy Yargus. Check out this turkey calling masterclass here:

How to Call Turkeys - Calling Masterclass with 3X NWTF Champion Billy Yargus!

Setting Up to Win

The setup is everything. A mediocre caller in a perfect setup will kill more birds than a world-class caller in a bad spot.

The ideal turkey setup has three characteristics:

  1. It's where the bird already wants to go. You are not trying to redirect a gobbler's morning routine — you're inserting yourself into it. If a bird flies down from a roost and walks northeast to a strut zone every morning, set up between the roost and the strut zone, slightly off his direct line of travel. Trying to call a bird across a creek, over a ridge, or through thick brush is a losing proposition. Work with his habits, not against them.
  2. It gives you concealment and visibility. Sit against a tree wider than your shoulders — this breaks up your outline and protects your back. You want to see the bird before he sees you, which means being in a position where you can scan open ground. Don't bury yourself in brush so thick you can't see fifteen yards.
  3. It's accessible without spooking birds. Plan your approach the night before. Know where you're parking, what route you're walking, and how long it takes in the dark. Be in your setup at least thirty minutes before legal shooting light, settled, still, and quiet. The birds that die on opening morning die because their hunters were already sitting when the woods woke up.

The Morning of the Hunt

Get there early. This cannot be overstated. Set up in the dark, get still, and let the woods come to you.

When you hear a bird gobble on the limb, resist the urge to immediately call. Let him gobble two or three times. Gauge how far he is and what direction he's facing. When he gobbles on his own, unprompted, he's fired up. That's when a single soft tree yelp — the sound of a sleepy hen waking up — will often trigger an immediate response.

When he flies down, watch his body language if you can see him. A bird that flies down, hits the ground, gobbles once, and puts his head down to feed is a tough bird. A bird that flies down, fans out, and gobbles repeatedly while turning in circles is an easy bird. Read him and adjust your calling volume and frequency accordingly.

The most common mistake after a bird goes silent is assuming he's gone. In the Midwest, toms will often go quiet and simply walk in without announcing themselves. Stay absolutely still once you've called and the bird has stopped gobbling. Your movement will end the hunt before it ends.

A mature Midwest gobbler is an animal that has managed to survive in a landscape increasingly stacked against wildlife. He deserves a clean kill and a meal that honors what he was. Clean your bird in the field, get it cooled down quickly, and put that meat to use.

Turkey hunting in the Midwest is genuinely one of the finest hunting experiences this continent offers. The bird is smart. The mornings are extraordinary. The interaction between hunter and animal — the calling, the response, the cat-and-mouse of it — is unlike anything else. Put in the work this spring, know your land, know the bird, and go earn it.

Trophy Properties and Auction works with landowners and buyers across the Midwest who take their land — and what lives on it — seriously. Whether you're managing for turkeys, whitetails, or the long-term value of exceptional ground, we're here to help you understand what you have and what it's worth.

]]> <![CDATA[5 Signs a Property Has Trophy Potential]]> What to Look for When Buying Hunting Land

Not every piece of ground is a "Trophy Property". Some tracts hold deer occasionally. Others produce mature bucks so consistently you start taking it for granted. The difference between the two isn't luck, and it isn't acreage — it's whether a property checks the right boxes. And if you're serious about being set up for this fall — food plots planted, stands hung, TSI and  other habitat work done — the window to buy is coming up faster than most people realize. Summer prep starts very soon.

If you're evaluating land and asking yourself whether it has the bones to become a legitimate trophy producer, here's what you need to look for.

1. Diverse, Year-Round Food Sources

Whitetails are calorie-driven animals, and mature bucks are especially demanding. A property that relies on a single food plot or a neighbor's corn field isn't self-sufficient — it's just convenient until something better comes along.

While deer are always on the move, they are a creature of habit first. The key to creating a frequently used food source is making sure that not only is there enough food for the season, but that the deer feel safe while using these feeding locations.

The properties that hold deer consistently are the ones that keep them fed twelve months a year. That means a layered food system: hard mast from oak ridges, soft mast from persimmon and wild apple, agricultural ground for late-season carbohydrates, and edge habitat that produces natural browse from green-up through early fall.

When walking a property, ask a specific question: if every food plot on this farm went unplanted this season, where are the deer eating? If the answer points off the property, that's a problem worth taking seriously.

What to evaluate on a walkthrough:

Identify mast-producing trees, edge transitions between timber and open ground, and areas suitable for food plot development. Properties with existing agricultural ground and the ability to layer in managed food sources have a significant advantage over single-source tracts.

2. Thick, Secure Bedding Cover

Mature bucks don't survive to maturity by accident. They seek shelter in dense, difficult terrain that offers both concealment and escape routes. If you can walk through the bedding cover without getting scratched up, it probably isn't doing the job.

The best bedding areas have thermal advantage built in. South-facing slopes retain warmth in cold early seasons; north-facing slopes stay cool when bucks are still in velvet. Multiple entry and exit routes allow bucks to leave quietly when pressure builds. Thick CRP, young regrowth timber, cedar thickets, and cattail marshes all check that box when they're located away from road traffic and human activity. 

3. Reliable, On-Property Water

Water gets undervalued on almost every land evaluation. Buyers focus on food and cover — both important — and treat water as a secondary concern. That's a mistake, particularly during early season when temperatures are still high and bucks are burning through water faster than they can replace it.

Properties with year-round creeks, natural springs, or well-placed ponds have a built-in advantage over dry tracts. Deer will travel to reliable water, and where they travel predictably, you can set up with confidence. A hidden waterhole in timber near a bedding area can be one of the most reliable early-season stand locations on the entire farm.

On properties without natural water, evaluate whether the terrain and soil allow for pond development. The ability to create a reliable water source is nearly as valuable as having one already.

4. Terrain Funnels That Concentrate Movement

Topography is the silent architect of deer movement. Deer are like people - lazy. They travel efficiently, using terrain features to move between bedding and food while staying below skylines and out of open ground. The properties that consistently produce encounters are the ones where the terrain does the work for you.

Pull the property up on onX or Google Earth before you ever set foot on it. Look for saddles connecting two ridges, creek crossings with high banks on both sides, inside corners where timber fingers into agricultural fields, and narrow strips of cover connecting bedding areas to food. These are the pinch points where predictable movement happens.

The best terrain funnels work across multiple wind directions. A stand location that only works on a north wind is situational. A saddle crossing surrounded by thick cover with low-impact entry and exit is a place you can hunt confidently, multiple times, all season.

Pro tip:

Map the terrain before the walkthrough, then verify on the ground. The pinch points that look obvious on a topo map are usually the right call — mature bucks have been using the same terrain features for generations.

5. Manageable Neighboring Hunting Pressure

This one doesn't show up on any listing, and most buyers never think to look for it. But it might be the single most important factor when evaluating a property's ceiling for trophy deer production.

Generally, the fewer parcels that touch your property, the better.  A great tract surrounded by neighbors who operate on "if it's brown, it's down" is a difficult situation to overcome. You can manage your ground perfectly, run top-shelf habitat, and hold deer through late season, but if mature bucks are dying on all four sides of your fence, you're not growing a trophy herd. 

The Bottom Line

Not every property can be a trophy property, but if you work with an expert and have a plan, it can be found and developed. Properties that check all five of these boxes are genuinely rare, which is exactly why serious buyers move on them fast and rarely discount them.

  • Diverse, year-round food sources
  • Thick, isolated bedding cover
  • Reliable on-property water
  • Terrain funnels and pinch points
  • Manageable neighboring pressure

If you know what you're looking at, you can identify these properties before the market catches up. 

If you're evaluating land and want an honest, experienced read on its wildlife potential, reach out. We can help you find that turnkey trophy property, or help you find a project that in a few years can be your dream hunting setup. Contact us today!

]]> <![CDATA[How to Conduct a Prescribed Burn to Improve Your Rural Property]]>

Fire built the Midwest. For thousands of years, periodic wildfire and intentional burns set by Native Americans shaped the prairies, savannas, and open woodlands that defined this landscape. The tallgrass prairies of Missouri, the oak savannas of Illinois, the grasslands of Iowa and Kansas — all of them evolved with fire and depend on it to stay healthy.

Today, less than one percent of the Midwest's original native prairie remains. Without fire, woody invasives creep in, dead thatch smothers new growth, and the diverse plant communities that support whitetail deer, wild turkey, bobwhite quail, and countless other species slowly disappear. Conservationists call this process the "green glacier" — and it's one of the biggest threats to rural land quality in our region.

The good news is that prescribed fire — the planned, controlled application of fire to the landscape — is one of the most powerful and cost-effective land management tools available to rural landowners. A well-executed burn can accomplish in a single afternoon what years of mowing, spraying, and mechanical clearing struggle to match.

At Trophy Properties and Auction, we work with landowners across Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, and Kansas who are serious about making their property the best it can be. This guide draws on the kind of deep, practical knowledge you'd get from a conservation officer with decades of field experience. Whether you've never struck a drip torch or you've been burning for years, there's something here for you.

Why Prescribed Fire Is the Most Effective Land Management Tool You Can Use

Before we get into the how, let's talk about the why. Understanding what fire does to the landscape — at the soil level, the plant community level, and the wildlife level — helps you make better decisions about when, where, and how to burn.

Stimulating Native Plant Growth

Fire removes accumulated dead plant material (thatch and litter) that insulates the soil surface and blocks sunlight from reaching the ground. Once that layer is gone, the soil warms faster in spring, and native warm-season grasses like big bluestem, Indiangrass, little bluestem, and switchgrass respond with vigorous new growth. These fire-adapted species store their energy in deep root systems below ground, so they bounce back quickly and aggressively after a burn.

At the same time, fire stimulates the germination of native wildflowers (forbs) and legumes that are critical components of a healthy prairie ecosystem. Many of these plants have seeds that require heat scarification or the removal of a litter layer to germinate. Without fire, they sit dormant, and the plant community becomes a monotonous stand of rank grass with little diversity.

Suppressing Invasive and Woody Species

Cool-season invasive grasses like tall fescue, smooth brome, and sericea lespedeza dominate millions of acres across the Midwest. These species choke out native plants, provide poor wildlife habitat, and reduce the ecological and economic value of your land. Fire is the most efficient tool for knocking them back.

Prescribed fire also controls woody encroachment — the gradual invasion of eastern red cedar, hedge (Osage orange), honey locust, and other woody species into grasslands and open timber. Left unchecked, these trees shade out native grasses, eliminate ground-level habitat structure, and fundamentally change the character of your property. A single well-timed burn can top-kill young cedars and hardwood sprouts that would take years to remove mechanically.

Improving Wildlife Habitat

This is where prescribed fire delivers some of its most dramatic results for rural landowners.

Whitetail Deer: Young hardwood resprouts that emerge after a burn contain significantly more available protein and phosphorus than unburned browse. Deer actively seek out recently burned areas for the lush, nutritious forage they produce. Fire also creates the mosaic of cover types — open areas next to dense cover — that deer use for bedding, feeding, and travel. If you manage your property for quality deer, prescribed fire should be a cornerstone of your habitat plan.

Wild Turkey: Turkeys benefit enormously from the open understory and diverse plant community that fire creates. Poults (young turkeys) depend on insects for protein during their first several weeks of life, and burned areas produce dramatically more insects than unburned ground. The low, open ground cover with scattered shrubs that results from regular burning is textbook turkey brood habitat. Hens also prefer open ground with good visibility for nesting and poult-rearing.

Bobwhite Quail: Quail are perhaps the species that benefits most from prescribed fire. Bobwhites require native warm-season bunch grasses for nesting — they nest on the ground and need to be able to walk beneath the grass canopy to enter and exit the nest. But quail also need bare ground, forbs, and legumes for feeding and brood cover. The ideal quail habitat is roughly 60% or more wildflowers and legumes with native grass clumps throughout. Fire is the only practical way to maintain this composition at scale.

Pollinators and Songbirds: The flush of wildflowers and native plants that follows a burn supports pollinator populations — bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects — that are declining across the Midwest. Grassland songbirds like dickcissels, meadowlarks, and grasshopper sparrows depend on fire-maintained habitats for nesting and foraging.

Improving Soil Health

Fire returns nutrients locked in dead plant material back to the soil through ash deposition. It generally lowers soil acidity, which makes nitrogen-fixing legumes more abundant and productive. The rapid warming of soil after a burn accelerates decomposition and nutrient cycling. Over time, properties with a regular prescribed fire program develop healthier, more biologically active soils than those managed without fire.

Reducing Tick and Pest Populations

Prescribed fire can significantly reduce tick populations by removing the leaf litter and ground cover that ticks need to survive. In a region where tick-borne diseases like ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever are serious concerns, this is a meaningful quality-of-life benefit for anyone who spends time on rural land.

 

Step 1: Get Trained and Certified Before You Strike a Match

Prescribed fire is powerful, but it's not something to attempt without proper training. Every state in the Midwest has resources to help landowners learn to burn safely and effectively.

Missouri: MDC Certified Burner Program

In Missouri, the Department of Conservation (MDC) offers a Certified Burner program that every landowner should complete before conducting a prescribed burn. The certification involves two parts:

  1. Online course: The "Prescribed Burning for Missouri Land Managers" course is available online for $25 through the MDC's approved provider. It covers fire behavior, weather interpretation, burn plan development, safety procedures, and legal requirements. You'll be tested throughout the course.
  2. In-person field day: After completing the online portion, the MDC will contact you to schedule a hands-on field day where you'll work with certified MDC staff on an actual burn. You receive your permanent Certified Burner Certification after successfully completing this field day.

This certification is a prerequisite for having a burn plan developed for you by the MDC or NRCS. It's also your best protection from a liability standpoint, as Missouri's Prescribed Burning Act (RSMo Section 537.354) provides liability protection for certified burners who follow an approved burn plan.

Illinois, Iowa, and Kansas

Each state has similar training opportunities through their respective natural resource agencies, Cooperative Extension services, and prescribed burn associations. Illinois offers training through the Illinois Prescribed Fire Council and University of Illinois Extension. Iowa's training is coordinated through Iowa State University Extension and the Iowa Prescribed Fire Council. Kansas offers certification through K-State Research and Extension and the Kansas Prescribed Fire Council.

Regardless of which state your property is in, the fundamentals are the same: get trained, get certified, and build your confidence under the supervision of experienced burn practitioners before going it alone.

Join a Prescribed Burn Association

One of the best things you can do as a new burner is join a Prescribed Burn Association (PBA). A PBA is a group of landowners and conservation-minded citizens who pool their knowledge, labor, and equipment to help each other conduct burns. Members learn from each other, share equipment costs, and provide the crew numbers that safe burning requires. Many PBAs work closely with MDC Private Land Conservationists, NRCS staff, or Quail Forever wildlife biologists who provide technical assistance and hands-on leadership at burns.

PBAs exist across Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, and Kansas, and joining one is often the fastest way to gain practical experience.

 

Step 2: Develop a Written Burn Plan

Never burn without a written plan. Period. A burn plan is your prescription, your safety protocol, and your legal documentation all in one. It forces you to think through every aspect of the burn before you light the first match, and it provides the framework your crew needs to operate safely and effectively.

Your burn plan should include the following components:

Burn Objectives

What are you trying to accomplish? Be specific. Examples include: reduce cedar encroachment in a 40-acre native grass pasture, set back cool-season grasses and promote native warm-season grass establishment in a CRP field, improve turkey brood habitat in an oak savanna by opening the understory, reduce fuel loading to lower wildfire risk, or stimulate native forb and legume production to improve deer browse and quail nesting habitat. Your objectives determine everything else in the plan — the timing, the intensity, the firing pattern, and the equipment you'll need.

Site Description and Map

Include a detailed map showing the burn unit boundaries, firebreak locations, interior fuel breaks (roads, creeks, plowed lines), structures, utilities, neighboring properties, smoke-sensitive areas (highways, towns, hospitals, schools), water sources, and staging areas for equipment and personnel. Aerial imagery from Google Earth or your county GIS site makes an excellent base map.

Weather Prescription

This is the most critical section of your burn plan. You'll define the acceptable range for each weather parameter:

  • Temperature: Typically between 40°F and 70°F for most Midwest burns. Temperatures above 75°F increase fire intensity and crew fatigue.
  • Relative humidity: Generally between 25% and 60%. Below 25%, fuels are dangerously dry and fire behavior becomes erratic. Above 60%, you may struggle to get the fire to carry through the fuel.
  • Wind speed: Sustained winds of 5 to 15 mph are ideal for most burns. Below 5 mph, smoke lies down and won't clear the burn area. Above 15 mph, fire behavior can become difficult to control. Avoid burning when gusts exceed 20 mph.
  • Wind direction: Steady and consistent is what you want. The wind direction determines where your smoke goes, so plan your burn for a wind direction that carries smoke away from roads, neighbors, and populated areas.
  • Mixing height and transport wind: These atmospheric factors determine how well smoke disperses vertically and horizontally. Higher mixing heights and moderate transport winds mean better smoke dispersion. Your local National Weather Service office issues spot weather forecasts for prescribed burns — use them.
  • Fuel moisture: The moisture content of fine fuels (dead grass, leaf litter) largely determines fire behavior. Fine fuel moisture of 8–25% is typical for most burns, depending on your objectives.

Firebreak Plan

Firebreaks are the containment boundaries that keep your fire where it belongs. Your plan should describe every firebreak — its type, location, width, and condition. There are several types:

  • Bare-soil breaks: The most reliable. Created with a disk, plow, or roto-tiller. A minimum of 2–3 times the expected flame height in width. For tall native grass, plan on 10–30 feet wide. Prepare these 1–3 days before the burn — too early and vegetation regrows or leaves accumulate on them.
  • Roads: Gravel and dirt roads make excellent firebreaks with minimal preparation. Paved roads work too, though falling embers can cross pavement in high winds. Mow the road shoulders for extra width.
  • Mowed or pre-burned lines: Mowed strips can supplement other breaks, but mowed grass alone may not stop a hot headfire. Pre-burning a strip (a "black line") 2–7 days before the main burn is one of the most effective strategies for widening your containment zone.
  • Wet lines: Spraying water along the burn perimeter to create a temporary break. Useful as a supplement but not reliable as your primary containment, since wet lines dry out quickly on warm, windy days.

A good rule of thumb: your firebreak should be at least three times as wide as your expected flame height on the downwind and crosswind sides. For headfire runs through mature native grass, that can mean 30 feet or more.

Personnel and Equipment

Your plan should list the minimum number of crew members required, their assigned roles, and the equipment they'll have. A typical burn crew for a 40–80 acre unit might include:

  • Burn boss (1): The person in charge. Makes all ignition and suppression decisions. Monitors weather throughout the burn. Has authority to call off or shut down the burn at any time.
  • Ignition crew (1–3): Operate drip torches or other ignition devices. Follow the burn boss's instructions for firing pattern and timing.
  • Holding crew (2–4): Patrol the firebreaks with water (backpack sprayers, ATV sprayers, or a truck-mounted tank). Their job is to catch any spots that cross the line and keep the fire inside the burn unit.
  • Spotter/lookout (1): Watches the downwind perimeter and monitors for spot fires, smoke drift, and changing conditions.

Equipment for a typical burn includes drip torches, backpack pump sprayers (5-gallon), an ATV or truck with a mounted water tank and pump (at least 100 gallons, ideally 200+), a disk or mower for emergency firebreak construction, hand tools (rakes, flappers, shovels), weather kit (Kestrel or similar for temperature, humidity, and wind readings), two-way radios for crew communication, and a first aid kit.

Critical safety gear: Every crew member must wear natural fiber clothing (cotton or Nomex — never synthetics like nylon or polyester, which melt and cause severe burns), leather boots, leather gloves, eye protection, and carry water. Hardhats and shrouds are recommended in timbered areas.

Notification Plan

Before you burn, you must notify your local fire department or fire protection district, all adjacent landowners, your county sheriff's office (in some jurisdictions), and any relevant state agencies. In Missouri, notification is a requirement under the Prescribed Burning Act and a condition of liability protection. Keep a written record of every notification — who you called, when, and what they said.

Contingency and Escape Plan

Every burn plan should include a contingency section that addresses: what you'll do if the fire escapes the burn unit, where your crew will retreat if conditions deteriorate, what resources you have available for suppression (water, equipment, backup help), trigger points for calling off the burn (wind shift, humidity drop, fire spotting beyond breaks), and emergency contact numbers for your local fire department and 911.

 

Step 3: Understand Firing Techniques

How you light the fire determines how it behaves. Understanding the three basic fire types — and when to use each one — is fundamental to conducting a safe, effective burn.

Backfire

A backfire burns into the wind. It's the slowest-moving fire type, with the shortest flame heights and lowest intensity. You'll use backfire first to create a "black line" of already-burned fuel on the downwind side of your burn unit. This strip of black acts as a wide, fireproof barrier that protects everything downwind.

Backfires are your safest, most controlled ignition pattern. They consume fuel more thoroughly than other fire types because the fire moves slowly and burns longer in each area. They also produce roughly one-third the smoke of a headfire, which is important for smoke management. The tradeoff is speed — a backfire through heavy native grass might move at less than one chain (66 feet) per hour.

When to use: Always light your backfire first. This is non-negotiable. You need black between the fire and whatever is downwind before you escalate to flanking or heading fire. If you're managing a native grass stand with heavy woody encroachment, a backfire alone may generate enough heat and residence time to effectively top-kill young cedars and saplings.

Flanking Fire

A flanking fire burns roughly perpendicular to the wind direction — it moves sideways across the wind. Its behavior is moderate, falling between a backfire and headfire in terms of flame length, speed, and intensity.

When to use: After your backfire has created a sufficient strip of black on the downwind edge, light flanking fires along the sides of the burn unit. This widens the burned area and prepares the unit for the headfire. Flanking fires also help connect your backfire to the upwind firebreaks.

Headfire

A headfire burns with the wind. It's the fastest-moving, most intense fire type, with the longest flame lengths and greatest heat output. Because the wind pushes heat ahead of the flame front, a headfire actively pre-dries the fuel in front of it, which accelerates the fire and increases intensity.

When to use: Only after a secure perimeter of black has been established by your backfire and flanking fires. The headfire finishes the job — it moves quickly across the remaining unburned fuel toward the black you've already created on the downwind side. Headfires are dramatic, but when properly set up with adequate black on the receiving end, they're safe and efficient.

Strip Headfire (The Most Common Technique)

In practice, most prescribed burns use a strip headfire pattern rather than a single headfire. The burn boss lights a narrow strip of fire (typically 5–15 yards wide) on the upwind side, lets it burn toward the black, then lights another strip behind it. This controls the intensity by limiting how much unburned fuel the fire can access at once. It's the most commonly used finishing technique on Midwest burns and gives the burn boss excellent control over the fire's behavior.

The Standard Ignition Sequence

Putting it all together, the standard sequence for most Midwest burns looks like this:

  1. Light the backfire on the downwind firebreak. Let it burn inward until you have a solid strip of black, typically 30–100 feet deep depending on fuel height and expected headfire intensity.
  2. Light flanking fires along both sides of the burn unit once the backfire has established adequate black. Crew members light simultaneously from both ends, working from the downwind corners toward the upwind side.
  3. Light the headfire (usually as strip headfire) from the upwind side once the flanking fires have connected to the backfire's black. The headfire burns with the wind toward the black and is absorbed.
  4. Mop up and patrol. Walk the burn unit after the active fire passes. Extinguish any logs, stumps, or dung piles still burning near the firebreaks. Continue monitoring for at least 2–4 hours after the burn is complete, and check the area again the following day.

 

Step 4: Timing Your Burn for Maximum Benefit

When you burn matters almost as much as how you burn. The season of your fire dramatically affects which plants benefit and which are set back. Matching your burn timing to your management objectives is one of the most important decisions you'll make.

Late Winter / Early Spring Burns (February – Early April)

This is the traditional burn window across the Midwest and the most common timing for prescribed fire on private land. The advantages are significant:

  • Native warm-season grasses are fully dormant, so fire doesn't harm them. Their energy is stored safely in deep root systems below ground.
  • Cool-season invasives like fescue and brome are just breaking dormancy and are vulnerable to fire damage.
  • Fuel loads (standing dead grass and accumulated litter) are at their peak, which means fire carries well and generates enough heat to be effective.
  • Most wildlife species haven't begun nesting yet, minimizing impacts on ground-nesting birds.
  • Conditions are generally more favorable for controlled burns — cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and predictable wind patterns.

Late winter burns are ideal for stimulating native warm-season grass growth, knocking back cool-season invasives, reducing cedar and woody encroachment, and general habitat maintenance.

Late Spring / Early Summer Burns (May – June)

Growing-season burns target different objectives. Fire during this window can be more damaging to cool-season species because they're actively growing and have invested their energy reserves in above-ground tissue. This makes growing-season burns particularly effective for fescue conversion and aggressive woody species control.

However, growing-season burns carry more risk for ground-nesting wildlife. Turkey, quail, and songbirds may have active nests that could be destroyed. For this reason, growing-season burns should be carefully planned and limited to specific units as part of a rotational burn program — never applied across an entire property at once.

Best for: Aggressive fescue and invasive grass control, cedar and brush top-kill when bark is thin and sap is flowing, and stimulating native forb production.

Fall Burns (September – November)

Fall burns are less common in the Midwest but can be effective for specific objectives. They're useful for reducing fuel loads before the spring burn season, preparing seedbeds for native grass or forb seedings, and managing certain invasive species that are vulnerable in fall.

Fall burns generally produce lower-intensity fires because fuel moisture tends to be higher and many plants still have green tissue. They're a good option for landowners who can't burn in spring or who want to diversify their fire regime.

Rotational Burning: The Key to Great Wildlife Habitat

This is one of the most important concepts in prescribed fire management, and it's where many landowners go wrong. Never burn your entire property in the same year. Instead, divide your land into burn units and burn different units in different years on a 2–5 year rotation.

A rotational burn program creates a patchwork mosaic of habitat — recently burned areas with low, open ground cover alongside older unburned areas with taller, denser vegetation. This structural diversity is exactly what deer, turkey, and quail need. Deer use the thicker unburned areas for bedding and the recently burned areas for feeding. Turkey hens nest in the thicker cover and bring poults to the recently burned open areas to feed on insects. Quail nest in the bunch grasses of 1–2 year-old burns and raise broods in the open, forb-rich recently burned areas.

A good rule of thumb: burn one-third to one-quarter of your property each year so that you always have a mosaic of burn ages across the landscape.

 

Step 5: Executing the Burn

The Day Before

  • Check the forecast one final time. Confirm that conditions will be within your prescription window for the full duration of the planned burn.
  • Inspect all firebreaks. Walk or drive the entire perimeter. Clear any debris, leaves, or vegetation that has accumulated since preparation.
  • Test all equipment. Fire up your pump, check spray nozzles, test radios, fill drip torches, and top off water tanks.
  • Confirm crew availability and assignments. Every person should know their role, position, and communication protocol.
  • Make all notifications. Call your fire department, neighbors, and any required agencies. Document every call.

Burn Day

  • Take on-site weather readings at least 30 minutes before ignition. Record temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and wind direction. Compare these readings to your burn plan prescription. If any parameter is outside your prescription, do not burn. There's always another day.
  • Brief your crew. Walk through the burn plan verbally. Cover the ignition sequence, firebreak assignments, contingency triggers, escape routes, and communication signals. Make sure everyone has water and is wearing proper gear.
  • Start the backfire. This is where patience pays off. Don't rush the backfire. Let it develop a solid strip of black before moving to flanking ignition.
  • Continue monitoring weather throughout the burn. Take readings every 30–60 minutes. Conditions can change quickly, especially in spring. If the wind shifts, humidity drops below your prescription, or you observe erratic fire behavior, shut the burn down and focus on holding what you've already burned.
  • Communicate constantly. The burn boss should be in radio contact with every crew position at all times. Report any spot fires immediately.
  • Complete mop-up. Walk the entire burn perimeter after the active fire passes. Extinguish anything burning within 30 feet of a firebreak. Pay special attention to stumps, log piles, and cow patties — these can smolder for hours and re-ignite.

After the Burn

  • Monitor the burn area for at least 24–48 hours after the fire is out. Wind can push embers from smoldering material across firebreaks.
  • Document everything. Photograph the burn area. Record the date, weather conditions, crew members present, area burned, and any issues that occurred. This documentation is important for your records, for future burn planning, and for liability protection.
  • Log your burn. In Missouri, the MDC and Missouri Prescribed Fire Council encourage all private land burners to log their burns through the MPFC website at moprescribedfire.org. This data helps the state track the scope of prescribed fire use and advocate for continued landowner burning rights.

 

Step 6: Legal Considerations, Liability, and Insurance

Missouri's Prescribed Burning Act

Missouri's Prescribed Burning Act (RSMo Section 537.354) is one of the more landowner-friendly prescribed fire statutes in the Midwest. Under this law, a landowner or their agent is not liable for damage, injury, or loss caused by a prescribed burn or its smoke — provided certain conditions are met. These conditions generally include having a written burn plan, following that plan, conducting the burn under appropriate weather conditions, and meeting certification and notification requirements.

This is precisely why training, certification, and a written burn plan matter so much. They're not just best practices — they're your legal shield.

Illinois, Iowa, and Kansas

Each state handles prescribed fire liability differently. Illinois has notification requirements but less formal liability protections. Iowa and Kansas both have prescribed fire statutes that offer varying degrees of liability protection for landowners who follow approved burn plans and meet training requirements. Regardless of your state, the principles are the same: get trained, write a plan, follow it, notify everyone required, document everything, and never burn outside your weather prescription.

Insurance Considerations

Talk to your farm or rural property insurance agent about your prescribed fire program. Some policies include coverage for prescribed fire damage; others exclude it or require a rider. Ask specifically about liability coverage for smoke damage to neighbors, fire escape damage, and any certification or burn plan requirements your insurer may have. A growing number of insurance companies recognize that prescribed fire reduces wildfire risk and are becoming more accommodating of landowners who burn responsibly.

 

Step 7: What to Do After the Burn — Monitoring and Follow-Up

The work doesn't end when the smoke clears. What you do in the weeks and months after a burn determines whether you get the full benefit of your effort.

Monitor Plant Response

Walk your burn units regularly throughout the growing season after the fire. Note which species are coming back and how vigorously. Take photos from fixed points so you can compare year over year. Look for the response you were targeting: native warm-season grass regrowth, forb and legume emergence, reduction in woody sprouts, and absence of invasive cool-season species.

Follow Up with Targeted Management

Prescribed fire works best as part of an integrated management approach. After a burn, consider spot-spraying any surviving fescue or invasive species that the fire didn't fully control. Interseeding native forbs or grasses into burned areas where you want to enhance diversity. Adjusting grazing intensity to allow burned areas to recover before livestock pressure resumes. And planning your next burn in the rotation to maintain the momentum you've built.

Track Your Results Over Time

Keep a journal or digital record for each burn unit. Track the date burned, weather conditions, firing technique, plant response, wildlife observations, and any issues. Over several years of burning, this data becomes invaluable for refining your approach and demonstrating the improvement in your property. Landowners who document their management are also better positioned for cost-share programs through NRCS (EQIP, CSP) that can help offset the costs of prescribed fire.

 

Let Trophy Properties and Auction Help You Get More From Your Land

At Trophy Properties and Auction, we don't just help you buy and sell rural real estate — we help you make the most of it. Prescribed fire is one of the most powerful tools in a landowner's toolkit, and we're passionate about connecting our clients with the resources, knowledge, and professionals who can help them use it effectively.

Whether you're looking for a property with established habitat that's been managed with fire, or you want guidance on improving the land you already own, our team knows Midwest rural land inside and out.

Contact us today — let's talk about your property and your goals.

]]> <![CDATA[The Ultimate Buyer's Guide to Hunting Property]]> Buying rural real estate is one of the most rewarding investments you can make. Whether you're looking for productive farmland in Iowa, a recreational hunting property in Missouri, rolling pastureland in Kansas, or an affordable homestead in Illinois, the Midwest offers some of the best rural land opportunities in the country.

But buying rural property is different from buying a house in town. There are unique considerations — from soil quality and water rights to access roads and zoning — that can make or break your purchase. At Trophy Properties and Auction, we've guided hundreds of buyers through this process across Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, and Kansas, and we've distilled everything we know into this step-by-step guide.

Here's exactly how to go from dreaming about rural land to owning it — and making the most of it once you do.

Step 1: Becoming a Qualified Buyer

Before you start browsing listings or attending land auctions, you need to know where you stand financially. Getting qualified early puts you in a stronger negotiating position and prevents the heartbreak of falling in love with a property you can't close on.

Know Your Budget and Financing Options

Rural land financing works differently than a traditional home mortgage. Most conventional lenders don't offer standard 30-year mortgages on raw land or agricultural property. Instead, you'll likely work with one of these options:

  • Farm Credit lenders — Institutions like Farm Credit Services specialize in agricultural and rural property loans. They understand the land, and they offer competitive rates with flexible terms tailored to rural buyers.
  • USDA Rural Development loans — If you're purchasing a rural home with acreage, USDA programs can offer favorable terms, including zero-down options for qualifying buyers.
  • Local and community banks — Many regional banks across Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, and Kansas have dedicated ag lending teams that understand the local market.
  • Seller financing — In some cases, especially at auction, sellers may offer financing terms directly. This can be a great option when traditional lending timelines don't align with auction closing schedules.
  • Cash purchases — If you have the means, a cash offer gives you the strongest negotiating leverage and the fastest path to closing.

Get Pre-Approved

Talk to a lender before you start your search. A pre-approval letter tells sellers and auction companies that you're serious and financially capable. At Trophy Properties and Auction, we can connect you with trusted lending partners who specialize in rural land transactions across the Midwest.

Define Your Goals

Ask yourself what you want from this property. Your answer shapes everything — the type of land you need, where you search, and what you're willing to pay.

Are you looking for income-producing farmland with strong row crop history? A recreational hunting property loaded with whitetail deer and wild turkey habitat? Pasture for a livestock operation? A quiet rural homestead where you can build your dream home? Maybe a combination of all of the above?

Getting clear on your goals now saves you time and money later.

 

Step 2: The Search Process

With your financing in place and your goals defined, it's time to find the right property. This is where working with a rural land specialist — rather than a general residential agent — makes all the difference.

Why a Rural Land Specialist Matters

General real estate agents are great at selling houses. But rural property is a different world. You need someone who understands soil types, timber value, water resources, hunting habitat, agricultural leases, mineral rights, and the nuances of buying land at auction.

At Trophy Properties and Auction, rural land is all we do. Our team knows the Midwest landscape — from the fertile river bottoms of Missouri to the productive cropland of central Iowa, from the Flint Hills pastures of Kansas to the tillable acres of southern Illinois. That local expertise helps you find properties that match your goals and avoid costly mistakes.

Where to Search

Start by exploring listings on our website and signing up for property alerts so you're notified when new parcels come to market. Beyond online listings, some of the best rural land opportunities come through:

  • Land auctions — Auctions are one of the most common ways rural property changes hands in the Midwest. They create a transparent, competitive marketplace where true market value is established in real time. Trophy Properties and Auction specializes in this process and can walk you through every detail.
  • Off-market opportunities — Not every property hits the open market. Our local relationships and extensive network across Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, and Kansas give us access to parcels that never make it to a public listing.
  • Estate and succession sales — As farming families plan for the next generation, quality tracts often become available. These properties can represent exceptional value.

Evaluate Multiple Properties

Don't settle on the first property you see. Compare multiple tracts based on your goals. Consider factors like location, road access, proximity to markets or towns, soil productivity ratings, water sources, timber coverage, and overall terrain. A good land specialist will help you weigh the tradeoffs and identify the property that best fits your vision.

 

Step 3: Due Diligence — Protecting Your Investment

You've found a property that excites you. Now it's time to dig deeper. Due diligence on rural land is more involved than a standard home inspection, and cutting corners here can cost you dearly down the road.

Soil and Productivity Analysis

If you're buying farmland, soil quality is everything. Request the property's soil survey from the USDA's Web Soil Survey tool and review the Corn Suitability Rating (CSR) or equivalent productivity index for your state. Higher ratings mean more productive ground, which translates to higher rental income and stronger long-term value.

Ask for historical yield data and any recent soil test results. Understanding what the land has produced — and what it's capable of producing — is fundamental to making a smart offer.

Water Rights and Resources

Water access is a critical factor that many first-time rural buyers overlook. In the Midwest, you'll want to evaluate:

  • Existing wells, ponds, creeks, and springs on the property.
  • Water rights and any permits associated with irrigation or livestock use.
  • Flood plain designations and drainage patterns.
  • Watershed district rules that may affect how you manage the land.

Boundary and Title Review

Always get a current survey to confirm property boundaries. Fences don't always sit on property lines, and assumptions about where your land ends can lead to disputes. A title search will reveal any easements, liens, encumbrances, or mineral rights reservations that could affect your ownership.

Timber and Habitat Assessment

For recreational and hunting properties, a professional timber cruise or wildlife habitat assessment can reveal significant value — or potential red flags. Mature hardwood timber can represent tens of thousands of dollars in standing value. Quality deer and turkey habitat, established food plots, and diverse cover types all add to a property's recreational appeal and resale potential.

Zoning and Land Use Regulations

Check county zoning regulations, building codes, and any conservation program enrollments (like CRP) that may restrict how you use the property. If you plan to build a home, run livestock, or develop the land in any way, make sure the local regulations allow it.

Environmental Considerations

Look into any environmental concerns such as previous chemical storage, underground tanks, or contamination history. For properties near mining areas or industrial sites, an environmental assessment may be warranted.

 

Step 4: The Buying Process — Making It Official

You've done your homework and you're confident in the property. Here's how the transaction typically unfolds.

Making an Offer or Bidding at Auction

For private treaty sales, you'll submit a written offer through your agent. Your Trophy Properties and Auction representative will help you craft a competitive offer based on comparable sales, property condition, and market dynamics.

For auction purchases, the process moves faster. You'll register as a bidder, review the auction terms and conditions, and bid on sale day — whether in person, online, or by phone. Auction purchases in the Midwest typically require a non-refundable earnest money deposit on the day of sale, usually around 10% of the purchase price, with closing following within 30 to 45 days.

The Contract and Earnest Money

Once your offer is accepted (or you're the winning bidder), you'll enter into a purchase agreement. This contract outlines the price, closing timeline, contingencies, and responsibilities of both buyer and seller. Your earnest money deposit secures the deal and demonstrates your commitment.

Closing the Transaction

At closing, you'll sign the final documents, funds will be transferred, and the deed will be recorded in the county where the property is located. Your Trophy Properties team coordinates with the title company, lenders, and attorneys to make sure everything is handled correctly and on schedule.

For auction transactions, the timeline from listing to closing typically runs 65 to 80 days — about 30 days of marketing leading up to the auction, followed by a closing period.

Step 5: After the Purchase — Making Your Property Work for You

Congratulations — you own rural land. Now what? The best rural landowners don't just buy property and let it sit. They manage it intentionally to build value, generate income, and enjoy it for years to come.

Establish a Land Management Plan

Whether your property is farmland, timberland, recreational ground, or a mix, a management plan gives you a roadmap. Consider working with your local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office or a private land management consultant to develop a plan tailored to your property and goals.

Improve Soil Health and Productivity

If you purchased cropland, invest in soil health. Practices like cover cropping, no-till farming, nutrient management, and proper crop rotation improve yields over time and build long-term land value. Healthy soil is the foundation of a productive and profitable farm.

Enhance Wildlife Habitat

For hunting and recreational properties, strategic habitat improvements can dramatically increase your property's quality and value. Consider:

  • Planting food plots with crops that attract and sustain deer, turkey, and other game species throughout the year.
  • Creating or improving water sources like ponds and waterholes.
  • Managing timber through selective harvesting to open the canopy and promote understory growth.
  • Establishing native grass and pollinator habitat to support a healthy, diverse ecosystem.
  • Building access trails and strategically placing hunting blinds or stands.

Invest in Infrastructure

Good infrastructure makes your property more usable and more valuable. Think about improvements like fencing for livestock management, road and trail maintenance, building sites and utility connections, and pond construction or renovation.

Explore Income Opportunities

Rural land can generate income in more ways than you might expect. Beyond traditional crop or livestock leases, consider hunting leases, timber sales, conservation program payments (CRP, EQIP, CSP), agritourism, or even renewable energy leases. Your Trophy Properties team can help you evaluate which income streams make sense for your specific property.

Protect Your Investment

Talk to an insurance agent who specializes in rural property to make sure you have adequate coverage. And work with an estate planning attorney to ensure your property transfers smoothly to the next generation when the time comes.

 

Ready to Start Your Rural Land Journey?

Buying rural real estate in the Midwest is a big decision — and it's one you don't have to navigate alone. At Trophy Properties and Auction, we specialize in helping buyers find, evaluate, and purchase the right rural property across Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, and Kansas.

Whether you're a first-time land buyer or an experienced investor adding to your portfolio, our team has the local expertise, market knowledge, and auction experience to guide you every step of the way.

Contact Trophy Properties and Auction today to start the conversation.

Trophy Properties and Auction is a full-service rural real estate brokerage and auction company serving buyers and sellers across the Midwest. From productive farmland and recreational hunting properties to rural homes and investment acreage, we help our clients make confident land decisions every day.

]]> <![CDATA[What to Know Before Selling Your Land]]> Selling land is a fickle thing. You can own a farm for 40 years and never think twice about it, but the minute you start talking about selling, the ground seems to shift a little beneath your boots. Every hill, draw, and fence line carries its own history. Every treestand you hung, every food plot you planted, every season of drought or rain — it all sits there together like rings in a tree, marking time.

Land isn't just an asset on a spreadsheet. It's where your stories live.

And when it's time to pass that land on to someone else, you feel the weight of wanting to get it right.

Over the years, walking properties and talking with landowners, we've learned that selling land isn't about slick numbers or quick deals. It's about understanding what you have, what it's worth, and what you want your next chapter to look like. If you've been wondering where to start, here's the honest, boots-on-the-ground version.

Start With Why You're Selling

Before anything else, you have to get clear with yourself. Why sell?

Sometimes the reason is straightforward:

  • The kids don't hunt.
  • You're ready to retire.
  • A tenant relationship has run its course.
  • An estate needs to wrap up a chapter.

Other times, it's more complicated. Maybe your family's owned a place for 100 years, and letting go feels a bit like pulling up a root system. Or maybe the land never quite became what you hoped it would be.

Whatever the story, it matters. Your "why" guides everything — how you market, how you price, and which method of sale will treat you and your land the right way. It's the compass for the journey.

Know That Land Has Its Own Language

If houses are easy to value, land is the opposite.

No two tracts are truly the same — not in soil, not in habitat, not in topography or access.

I've stood on farms where the tillable ground was as good as anything in the county — level, black, and productive. I've also walked acres that didn't offer much for a tractor but would make a deer hunter's pulse jump just looking at the bedding cover.

Buyers feel those things. They're drawn to certain features instinctively:

  • The bend in a creek that ducks like to funnel into.
  • A pinch point that begs for a November stand.
  • Timber with enough age that a sawmill would smile at it.
  • A ridge that catches sunrise just right and makes you think, "Someone's going to build their forever home here."

So when you think about price, it's not just acres. It's the story those acres tell.

And the right land specialist is fluent in that story. They know the difference between average soil and the stuff that yields consistently. They know what healthy timber looks like. They know where mature bucks travel and how hunters judge a property the moment they step out of the truck.

That kind of knowledge isn't theoretical — it's lived-in.

Gather Your Information Before You Need It

Every good hunter does some preseason prep. Selling land isn't much different.

Having surveys, maps, records, CRP contracts, and clear access information ready is like having your broadheads sharp and your gear sorted before opening day. It doesn't just make life easier — it keeps surprises from blowing up a deal.

Most land buyers want to know exactly what they're stepping into.

What can be farmed?

What's in a floodplain?

What programs is the land tied to?

Where are the boundaries?

Where are the potential build sites?

Good information builds trust, and trust builds stronger offers.

Pick the Right Path: Listing or Auction

There's no one "correct" way to sell land — just the right way for your goals.

A traditional listing is like taking the scenic route. You give your property time to breathe on the market, wait for that right buyer who sees what you see, and negotiate details as they come.

An auction is more like a well-planned drive:

Defined timeline.

Serious buyers only.

Clear terms.

Cash at closing.

Everyone knows the rules.

If you want the cleanest, fastest, most predictable process — especially for estates, trusts, or unique properties — an online auction is hard to beat. Competition brings out the real value of land, and a reserve gives you peace of mind.

We use both tools at Trophy, and we pick them based on the land and the landowner — not on what's most convenient for us.

Marketing Matters More Than You Think

Buyers don't find land the way they used to. They don't drive around hoping to see a sign. They search online. They look at drone footage. They comb through soil maps, timber stand photos, trail camera images, and aerial videos. They follow land accounts. They watch for new listings like deer watch the wind.

Great marketing doesn't make your land something it's not — it honors what it is.

It showcases the pond at sunrise.

It highlights the productive bottom ground.

It captures the timber in November light.

It maps the trails and draws so buyers understand the layout.

It connects your land to the exact buyers who want what you have.

That's why we put so much muscle into media at Trophy: video, drone, interactive maps, Business Journal placements, Land.com Signature listings, and a buyer database that spans multiple states.

Good land deserves to be seen the right way.

Think Like a Buyer for a Minute

Buyers aren't complicated.

They want land they can use, land they can understand, and land that feels like a good decision.

They're asking themselves:

  • Can I farm it?
  • Can I hunt it?
  • Can I build on it?
  • How's the access?
  • What are the neighbors like?
  • Is the timber worth anything?
  • What will this place feel like for the next 20 years?

The more you answer these questions upfront, the easier the sale becomes. A confused buyer becomes a cautious buyer. A confident buyer becomes a competitive one.

Fix Problems Before They Become Problems

Almost every property has a quirk — an old fence line that doesn't match the deed, an easement nobody remembered, a low spot that floods more than you wish it did, a tenant agreement that's "handshake only" and not on paper.

None of these are deal-breakers… unless the buyer discovers them at the wrong time.

A good land expert will help you identify the potential snags early so the sale goes smooth, not sideways.

Understand Timing

Just like hunting or planting, land selling has seasons.

Hunting land shines in late summer and fall — when deer hunters feel that shift in the air and start imagining stands and November mornings.

Tillable farms show best after harvest, when the books are clean and the yields are known.

Recreational land sings in the spring and early summer when the grass is green and the ponds are full.

The trick is not to overthink timing — but to use it strategically.

Choose a Team That Understands Land the Way You Do

You wouldn't take bowhunting advice from someone who's never sat in a tree stand.

And you shouldn't take land-selling advice from someone who hasn't spent real time on real acreage.

The right team makes all the difference.

At Trophy Properties & Auction, our folks are hunters, farmers, foresters, habitat managers, biologists — people with dirt under their nails and more hours in boots than behind desks. We know how to talk about land because we know how to use land. And we know how to reach the buyers who think the same way.

Selling land is about more than price.

It's about legacy.

It's about handing the keys to someone who will appreciate what you've stewarded.

It's about moving into your next chapter with confidence.

And that's what we want for every landowner we work with.

When you're thinking about selling your land, one of the best things you can do — long before marketing ever starts — is to gather and organize your property information.

Buyers want clarity. Lenders want clarity. Title companies want clarity.

And the clearer the picture you provide, the faster buyers can move and the stronger their offers tend to be.

Good information builds trust, cuts down on negotiation, and keeps deals from getting shaky at the finish line.

Here are some of the documents and details that make a huge difference:

  • Deeds & surveys – boundaries, acreage, and legal descriptions.
  • FSA maps – tillable acres, field borders, and land use.
  • Crop & history records – yields, rotations, and tenant info.
  • CRP/WRP/easement documents – terms, restrictions, payments.
  • Well & septic details – age, capacity, service records.
  • Lease agreements – hunting, farming, pasture, mineral rights.
  • Access agreements – easements, shared drives, recorded rights-of-way.
  • Boundary information – fence lines, corner markers, surveys, disputes.

The more complete your file, the smoother the sale.

If you're considering selling and want help gathering documents—or aren't sure what applies to your property—just reach out. Our team does this every day, and we're happy to walk you through the whole process.

]]> <![CDATA[From Dream Farm to Seamless Sale – Jim's Auction Success Story]]>

At Trophy Properties and Auction, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional service and innovative solutions for our clients. For Jim Sramek, the decision to work with us to buy and later sell his recreational farm proved to be a rewarding journey. His story is a testament to the power of auctions and the unique benefits they offer to sellers.

The Start of Jim's Farm Journey

Jim's interest in recreational property stemmed from a desire to escape the fast-paced nature of life and create a serene retreat for his family. "I love the outdoors. I wanted a place where I could work on the land, bring my grandkids, and just enjoy the open space," Jim explained.

After sharing his vision with Phil Brown, Broker & Owner of Trophy Properties and Auction, Jim found the perfect property—a fixer-upper in Hermann, Missouri. "The house was run-down, the barn was on its last legs, and the basement was just concrete blocks. It was exactly what I was looking for," Jim recalled with a smile.

Why Jim Chose Auction to Sell His Farm

Years later, with fewer family visits and more time spent at his home in Florida, Jim decided it was time to sell the farm. Initially hesitant about auctions, he turned to Phil for advice. "Phil and I talked for nearly two hours about the pros and cons of auctions," Jim shared. "I was nervous, but he explained everything clearly. By the end, I was 100% confident it was the right decision."

Here's what stood out to Jim about the auction process:

• Higher Returns: "The day of the auction, the price went 18% higher than we expected. It was amazing to watch the bids come in."

• No Contingencies: "There were no inspections, no repairs, no back-and-forth. It was a cut-and-dry deal, and that was a huge relief."

• Defined Timeline: "I knew exactly when the property would sell and close, which made planning so much easier."

A Turnkey Selling Experience

Trophy Properties made the process seamless for Jim, handling every detail of the sale. "Phil and his team took care of everything. All my wife and I had to do was sign the paperwork and enjoy the results," Jim said. The property was marketed extensively, and open houses allowed prospective buyers to explore the farm in person.

Jim also benefited from selling his farm equipment through a secondary auction. "We auctioned off the tractor, side-by-sides, and all my implements. I wouldn't have gotten nearly as much money without the auction," he explained. "Before we even closed on the farm, I had a check for all the equipment."

Comparing Auctions to Traditional Sales

Jim had previously sold his Chesterfield home through a traditional real estate listing through Trophy Properties and Auction's residential division with agent Jake Brown, so he was able to compare the two experiences. "Selling a house traditionally meant inspections, minor repairs, and showings at inconvenient times," he noted. "With the farm, there were no surprises or last-minute hurdles. It was all so smooth."

Jim also appreciated the flexibility auctions offer. "One of the greatest things about an auction is that you don't have to sell if the price doesn't meet your expectations," he explained. "But I didn't have to worry about that because the bids exceeded our goal."

A Trusted Partner for Every Sale

Jim's experience reflects not just the value of auctions, but also the dedication of the Trophy Properties team. "Trophy Properties is a one-of-a-kind company. They feel like family," Jim said. "I've referred Phil to several people because I trust him completely. They're honest, transparent, and they make everything so easy."

Jim also praised the team's expertise in a variety of property types. "They're not just about farms. They handle residential, commercial, and even businesses. They're truly spreading their wings."

As Jim looks back on his experience, he has no regrets. "The auction process was so transparent and fun. Watching the bids come in was exciting. It was the perfect way to sell my farm," he said.

Even after selling the property, Jim remains a loyal advocate for Trophy Properties. "Phil joked that I should get an office at their place since I stop by so often," Jim laughed. "I've told my wife, if I ever want another farm, I know exactly who I'll call."

Your Auction Success Story Awaits

Jim's journey demonstrates how auctions can deliver unmatched results, whether you're selling a farm, a home, or equipment. With our experienced team and proven process, Trophy Properties and Auction is here to make your next sale seamless and successful.

Ready to explore the possibilities? Contact us today and let's create your success story together.

CONTACT US!
]]> <![CDATA[TrophyCast - Ep 17 - We're Back! w/ Christian Curtis of Banded!]]>

Duck season is here! And in honor of the opening of the season in Missouri, we are releasing a podcast that we recorded this past January with Christian Curtis, one of the founders of Banded and a friend of Trophy Properties and Auction.


From Passionate Hobbyist to Industry Pioneer

Curtis's journey into the hunting industry began with his passion for duck hunting. Growing up in the Midwest, he honed his skills on local rivers and wetlands before pursuing a career as a hunting guide. Curtis recalls the camaraderie and thrill of these early days, from making modest two-mallard limits to the satisfaction of a successful hunt with friends. This grassroots experience laid the foundation for his later career.

But Curtis's big break came when he joined Avery Outdoors, a groundbreaking brand in waterfowl gear at the time. Working at Avery, Curtis gained expertise in product development, helping design everything from blinds to decoys, and later building his own company, Bandit Holdings. This journey reflects the broader evolution of hunting gear, where necessity has often driven innovation, resulting in the high-tech equipment hunters rely on today.

The Evolution of Waterfowl Migration and Hunting Grounds

Hunting locations and migration patterns have also shifted significantly, and climate change is just one factor. Curtis and the hosts observe that, unlike decades ago when ducks traveled deep into the southern U.S., many now stop further north, especially in mild winters. As waterfowl migration adjusts, hunters have had to rethink where and when they can find game. Missouri's Mississippi Flyway remains a popular destination, but unpredictable migration patterns and fewer ducks in traditional areas are a reminder that nature is always changing.

Missouri's public hunting lands are a notable exception, still providing reliable access to hunting grounds that attract waterfowl. The system is a point of pride for many local hunters, who value the balance it offers between conservation and recreation. It's also a stark contrast to other states where finding quality hunting land is more challenging, underscoring the importance of thoughtful land management in maintaining hunting traditions.

Tech Takes Over: The Impact of New Tools on Traditional Hunting

One of the most striking themes in the discussion was the role of technology. Today's hunters have access to advanced tools like high-resolution trail cameras, new duck decoys, and digital platforms that allow them to scout and plan with precision. However, Curtis and his hosts express mixed feelings about these tools. While they increase hunting efficiency, they may also detract from the traditional aspects of the sport.

Trail cameras are a prime example. Curtis and Cleveland shared how some hunters now rely heavily on trail cameras to track game, essentially changing the experience from a hunt to a "wait-and-see" approach. The same could be said for GPS-guided duck calls and other high-tech accessories. As Curtis says, "Hunting is a pursuit, and maybe sometimes it's okay to leave a little to chance." It's a sentiment many hunters, nostalgic for simpler times, can relate to.

Social Media and the Rise of Hunting Influencers

The conversation also touched on social media's influence on hunting culture. While Curtis admits he personally avoids social media, he acknowledges that Bandit Holdings has benefited from partnerships with influencers who bring visibility to their products. However, authenticity is key. Curtis believes that many influencers can appear inauthentic, creating staged moments that don't reflect true hunting experiences.

Instead of pursuing social media stars with millions of followers, Bandit Holdings partners with micro-influencers who represent real hunting communities. "People can see through a fake connection," Curtis notes. "When we find a genuine brand partner, it resonates more deeply with our audience." This approach aligns with Bandit's broader mission of authenticity and staying true to the spirit of the sport, even as the industry shifts towards digital marketing.

Land Ownership and the Changing Real Estate Market for Hunters

Land ownership has become a hot topic in the hunting community, especially with the rising popularity of recreational land for hunting and outdoor activities. They've observed a shift from large tracts of land toward smaller, more affordable parcels, which allow new buyers to enter the market.

Breaking up larger properties into smaller plots not only makes land ownership accessible but also gives first-time buyers a way to customize their experience. "A lot of people can't afford 500 acres," Cleveland explains, "but 40 acres with a pond and some timber is doable and still offers a great hunting experience." This approach has democratized access to recreational land, allowing more people to participate in the sport and experience the joy of land ownership.

Preserving the Future of Hunting

We all agree that the future of duck hunting will depend on a balanced approach to conservation, land management, and community engagement. With increasing urbanization and fewer spaces dedicated to public hunting, preserving hunting traditions is more critical than ever.

"Hunting is about more than the harvest," Curtis reflects. "It's about the places, the people, and the memories." For Curtis, Cleveland, and many others, duck hunting is as much about connection and community as it is about skill and technique.

]]> <![CDATA[How Farmers Estimate Crop Yields and Its Impact on Land Prices]]>

In the world of agriculture, predicting crop yields is both an art and a science. For potential land buyers and sellers in Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, and Kansas, understanding how farmers estimate their annual yields is critical because it directly affects land values. At Trophy Properties and Auction, we specialize in helping clients navigate these complexities, ensuring that you can make well-informed decisions when buying or selling agricultural land. In this post, we'll explore how farmers project yields, the key factors influencing land productivity, and how all of this plays into the real estate market for farmland.

How Do Farmers Estimate Their Yields?

Farmers use several precise methods to estimate yields, and these methods vary slightly depending on the crop in question. Corn and soybeans, two of the most common crops in the Midwest, follow different approaches, but both involve understanding plant population, moisture content, and the average kernel or pod size per plant.

Farmers walk their fields to sample corn ears, counting kernel rows and calculating yields based on plant population per acre.
Farmers walk their fields to sample corn ears, counting kernel rows and calculating yields based on plant population per acre.


Estimating Corn Yields

For corn, the yield estimation process often starts with understanding plant population and ear development. Farmers will usually walk through their fields, pull random samples of corn ears, and then count the rows of kernels on each ear. The kernel count helps them calculate the yield per ear, which is then multiplied by the number of ears per acre. Here's a basic formula for estimating corn yields:

Corn Yield Formula:

Yield (bushels per acre)} =(({Kernel Rows} X {Kernels Per Row}) X {Ears Per Acre})/{85,000}

• Kernel Rows: The number of rows around the ear (always an even number, typically between 12 and 20).

• Kernels Per Row: The number of kernels in a single row (often between 30 and 40).

• Ears Per Acre: The plant population (in ears per acre), typically around 28,000 to 34,000.

• 85,000 kernels: An industry standard for the number of kernels in a bushel of corn.

Example Calculation:

If you have an ear of corn with 16 rows, 35 kernels per row, and 32,000 ears per acre, your yield estimate would be:

(16 X 35 X 32,000)/(85,000) = 211

This basic formula allows farmers to get an initial idea of what their harvest may look like. However, this estimate can fluctuate based on factors like moisture content, plant health, and weather patterns leading up to harvest.

Soybean yield estimates depend on pod and seed counts per plant, with farmers considering factors like weather and plant spacing. They're not as accurate as corn estimates.
Soybean yield estimates depend on pod and seed counts per plant, with farmers considering factors like weather and plant spacing. They're not as accurate as corn estimates.


Estimating Soybean Yields

Estimating soybean yields is a bit more complex due to the variability in pod counts and seed size. Soybeans are influenced heavily by rainfall and sunlight, which can make predictions less straightforward. Farmers will sample several plants in different parts of the field, count the pods per plant, beans per pod, and the number of plants per acre. A typical formula for estimating soybean yields looks like this:

Soybean Yield Formula:

{Yield (bushels per acre)} = (({Pods per Plant} X {Beans per Pod}) X {Plants per Acre}) / {Seeds per Bushel}

• Pods per Plant: The average number of pods on each plant, often between 25 and 50 in less productive fields, or 70 to 100 in high-yield fields.

• Beans per Pod: Typically around 2.5 to 3 seeds per pod.

• Plants per Acre: The number of plants in the field, usually between 100,000 and 150,000 plants per acre.

• Beans per Bushel: There are approximately 216,000 beans in a bushel

Example Calculation:

Let's say you estimate 2.5 seeds per pod, 35 pods per plant, and 120,000 plants per acre. With 216,000 beans per bushel, the formula would look like this:

(35 X 2.5 x 120,000)/(216,000) = 48.6 { bushels per acre}

This gives farmers a ballpark figure, but the estimates of beans are much less accurate than corn due to the variability of what the plants can produce per pod.


Higher projected yields directly increase the value of farmland, especially in regions with prime Class A soils.
Higher projected yields directly increase the value of farmland, especially in regions with prime Class A soils.


The Relationship Between Crop Yields and Land Prices

Land prices, particularly for tillable farmland, are closely tied to the expected productivity of the land. In regions like Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, and Kansas, crop yields are one of the most significant determinants of land value. Farmers, investors, and landowners alike need to understand how this relationship works when evaluating farmland.

How Crop Yields Drive Land Prices

High yields on Class A land naturally increase its desirability and value. For example, prime farmland in Missouri can range from $10,000 to $20,000 per acre depending on factors like soil quality, historical yields, and market demand. On the other hand, Class B or C soils, which may not have the same yield potential or nutrient retention, can sell for significantly less.

This price disparity is due to the long-term investment return that high-yield land offers. As yields increase, so do the profits per acre. Investors and farmers alike are willing to pay more for land that consistently delivers high crop production because it promises a better return on investment.

In contrast, Class B or C soils, while cheaper, may require substantial investment in fertilizers and soil amendments to produce competitive yields. Even then, they may never reach the productivity levels of Class A soils. This is why we often advise potential buyers to think long-term: investing in high-quality land, while more expensive upfront, usually offers better financial returns over the years.

Precision farming tools, such as variable-rate fertilization and hybrid seeds, help optimize crop production on marginal land.
Precision farming tools, such as variable-rate fertilization and hybrid seeds, help optimize crop production on marginal land.


Key Factors That Affect Yield and Land Value

Soil Type and Quality

Soil quality is perhaps the most critical factor in determining both yield and land value. Class A soils, which are rich in organic matter and nutrients, can support higher yields even in less-than-ideal growing conditions. For instance, northern Missouri has Class A soils that can hold more nutrients and moisture, making them less susceptible to drought.

Class B and C soils, while still productive, require more input in terms of fertilizers and water management. Buyers looking for a better deal may find value in Class B soils but should be prepared to invest in soil improvement practices to increase productivity.

Weather Patterns

Weather plays an enormous role in yield outcomes. While farmers can control many factors, they can't control the weather. Rainfall, sunlight, and temperatures during the growing season all impact how well crops perform. In drought years, yields drop, which in turn lowers land prices, especially in areas where irrigation isn't practical or available.

For example, in 2023, parts of the Midwest experienced lower-than-average rainfall, which caused a decrease in soybean yields and affected the per-acre value of farmland. Buyers should pay attention to both historical and current weather trends when considering land investments.

Farming Technology and Practices

Advances in farming technology, such as precision planting, variable rate fertilization, and hybrid seeds, allow farmers to optimize their crop growth. These innovations help farmers get the most out of marginal lands and increase yields on higher-quality land.

Genetically modified seeds, for example, are more resistant to pests and drought, enabling farmers to maintain high yields even in challenging growing conditions. Additionally, soil testing and grid sampling allow farmers to apply nutrients more efficiently, targeting areas that need it most, which can increase productivity on lower-quality soils.

Yield History and Consistency

Consistent yields over time increase a land's value. Buyers want to invest in land that has a proven track record of high yields because it offers a more predictable return. Fields with erratic or historically low yields will struggle to command high prices unless improvements are made.

Cost of Inputs

Fertilizer, seeds, irrigation, and technology all play a role in the cost of maintaining high yields. Investors must weigh the cost of these inputs against the potential return on investment. For example, Class B soil may require significant fertilization, but with today's high input costs, it may be more economically sound to invest in high-quality land with lower input needs.


Buying farmland with a strong yield history provides a long-term investment with consistent returns.
Buying farmland with a strong yield history provides a long-term investment with consistent returns.


What Should Land Buyers Know?

For those looking to invest in farmland, it's important to understand how yield projections can affect land prices. Class A soils in regions like Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, and Kansas typically offer the highest return on investment, as they consistently produce high yields with relatively lower input costs.

However, even if you're considering Class B or C soils, which may come at a lower price, it's critical to factor in the additional costs of soil improvements and fertilization. These lands can still offer a strong return on investment, especially if you use the latest farming technology to maximize yields.

Landowners can boost their property value by showcasing soil quality, yield history, and improvements made to the land.
Landowners can boost their property value by showcasing soil quality, yield history, and improvements made to the land.


What Sellers of Tillable Land Should Know

If you're planning to sell tillable land, understanding the factors that influence its value is crucial to getting the best possible price. As the agricultural real estate market continues to grow, sellers need to be aware of what buyers are looking for, and how they can maximize the perceived value of their property. Here are some key considerations:

Highlight the Quality of Your Soil

The most significant factor in determining the value of tillable land is soil quality. If your land has Class A soil, which offers high nutrient-holding capacity and better moisture retention, it will naturally command a higher price. Be prepared to showcase soil tests and yield history to potential buyers. If your property contains Class B or C soils, emphasizing improvements like proper fertilization, irrigation systems, or cover crops can still make the land more attractive to buyers.

Action Tip: If you are a farmer, you probably already have a soil grid sample; but if you don't, we recommend getting one done. A grid sampling test over 1 to 2-acre sections can provide a detailed report on soil health, fertility, and pH levels, giving potential buyers confidence in the land's productivity.

Provide Yield History and Data

Buyers are particularly interested in land with a proven track record of productivity. If your land has consistently produced high yields, this is an important selling point that can significantly raise its value. Be ready to share several years of yield data, along with any improvements you've made, such as soil treatments or enhanced irrigation systems.

Action Tip: Organize detailed records of your land's yield performance over the last 5-10 years. If you've used any advanced farming techniques like precision planting or variable-rate technology, highlight this as it shows the land is primed for continued high productivity.

Capitalize on Current Market Trends

Land values fluctuate based on market conditions, particularly commodity prices. For example, when corn and soybean prices are high, demand for tillable land increases, and prices per acre can soar. If you're considering selling, it's important to monitor these trends and time your sale during a favorable market.

Action Tip: Stay informed about current commodity prices and overall market conditions. If crop prices are on the rise, it could be a good time to list your land for sale.

Consider Selling at Auction

Auctions can be a great way to sell farmland quickly, while often yielding a higher price through competitive bidding. This method works particularly well for high-quality land that is expected to draw strong demand. Trophy Properties and Auction offers extensive experience in farmland auctions and can help you attract the right buyers and get the best price for your property.

Action Tip: Evaluate whether selling your land via auction might be the best strategy. If your land has desirable qualities like high yields, good soil, or a strategic location, an auction could drive up the final sale price.

Showcase the Potential for Future Returns

Buyers are not just looking at the current state of the land but also its potential for future returns. If your land is situated in an area with expected infrastructure growth, strong agricultural demand, or technological advancements in farming practices, this can be a major selling point.

Action Tip: If there are any upcoming infrastructure developments in your area, such as road expansions or new facilities that could boost local farming productivity, make sure to include this in your property listing. Future potential can often be just as enticing as current productivity.

Competitive bidding at farmland auctions can help sellers maximize the price of their tillable land.
Competitive bidding at farmland auctions can help sellers maximize the price of their tillable land.

Understanding how farmers estimate crop yields and how those estimates impact land prices can help potential land buyers and sellers make informed decisions. Whether you're looking to invest in high-quality tillable land in Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, or Kansas, understanding the relationship between crop yields and land value is essential to maximizing your investment. By taking into account factors such as soil quality, weather patterns, and technological advancements in farming, you can make smarter decisions when it comes to purchasing or selling farmland.

At Trophy Properties and Auction, our expertise in agricultural real estate ensures that you have the guidance you need to navigate the complexities of the farmland market. Whether you're looking to invest in prime Class A soil or seeking opportunities with Class B or C land, we can help you evaluate the potential return on investment based on projected yields and land characteristics.

If you're considering buying or selling land, contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve your goals in the Midwest land market. Together, we can ensure your investment yields results for generations to come.

]]> <![CDATA[How to Cook Dove Breast - Teriyaki Marinated Dove Breast Kebabs]]>

Meat: Dove Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6 Difficulty: Easy

Dove is delicious, but sometimes you want to mix it up beyond just a dove jalapeño popper (as delicious as they are). This is an easy, healthy, and delicious way to cook dove breast and makes for a great appetizer or entree.

INGREDIENTS

  • 12 Dove Breast
  • 1 Teriyaki Marinade
  • 1 Onion
  • 2 Bell Peppers
  • 1 Zucchini

PREPARATION

1. Debone and marinate the dove breast. You can debone the breast while cleaning the doves after you harvest them, or while prepping to cook. Let the breast marinade while you are prepping the rest of the ingredients.

2. We recommend starting by soaking your skewers in water while preparing the veggies and dove breast, this will keep them from burning up as quickly while on the grill.

3. Cube the vegetables. Cut them thick enough for them to have a little rigidity when putting them on the kebab. Put the cubed vegetables in their own bowls to easily be able to assemble the kebabs.

4. Assemble the kebabs - Put the ingredients on the skewers, alternate the vegetables and the dove breast to your liking.

5. Grill them! Get the grill to a medium-high heat. You only need them on the grill for a couple minutes each side. We don't want to overcook the dove breast (or any wild game for that matter).

6. Add a little salt and pepper and you are ready to enjoy!

PAIRS WELL WITH:

Anything really! This is a great appetizer or an entree for a big group. With the teriyaki flavor in the marinade, we recommend a pineapple fried rice or steamed broccoli.

 Teriyaki Dove Kebabs
Teriyaki Marinated Dove Breast Kebabs
]]> <![CDATA[Duck Calling Masterclass ft. 9X World Champion - Kent Cullum!]]>
Duck Calling Masterclass ft. 9X World Champion - Kent Cullum!

We were lucky enough to hunt with nine-time World Champion duck caller, Kent Cullum, this past duck season. Since then, Kent has become a good friend of Trophy Properties and Auction. So much so, that he was generous enough in his time and talent to help us create this Duck Calling Masterclass!

In this masterclass, Kent shares invaluable insights into the art and science of calling ducks, emphasizing technique, equipment, and the subtle nuances that can make all the difference in the field. Let's break down some of his key points and tips to help you become a more effective duck caller.

Kent Cullum in the Blind
Kent Cullum in the Blind


The Basics of Holding and Using a Duck Call

One of the first things Kent emphasizes is the importance of how you hold and use the duck call. Many people mistakenly think it's complicated, but Kent simplifies it:

Grip: Hold the duck call between your thumb and first finger, wrapping your other fingers around the call but keeping them open enough to let the air flow properly.

Mouth Placement: Instead of putting the whole call in your mouth, rest it on your bottom lip, much like taking a sip from a soda bottle. This method seals the call and ensures no air escapes, giving you better control over the sound.


Understanding Air Pressure and Back Pressure

Kent explains that different calls require different air pressures. Modern calls are designed to be easy to blow, but understanding back pressure is crucial:

Back Pressure: This is the resistance you feel when blowing into the call. A call with good back pressure is easier to control and allows for more realistic sounds.

Sound Control: Kent demonstrates how calls without back pressure require more effort to sound realistic, whereas his calls flow naturally, making it easier to produce lifelike duck sounds.


Mastering Different Duck Calls

Kent breaks down the different types of quacks and calls you need to master:

Quack: The fundamental sound. If a call can't produce a good quack, it's unlikely to be effective.

Cadences: Ducks have a variety of sounds, from coarse hens to fine hens. Each has its own quack cadence, and learning these will help you mimic the ducks more accurately.


The Importance of Realism

One of Kent's core messages is the importance of sounding realistic. Ducks are smart, and they learn quickly. If your calls don't sound right, they'll avoid your location:

Happy Quacks: Use these when ducks are content and feeding. They are softer and more varied, mimicking a relaxed environment.

Alarm Calls: Avoid using these, they signal danger and can scare ducks away. Never quack with a loud and rising tone.

Check out the yellow Hobo Prime Meat Duck Call!
Check out the yellow Hobo Prime Meat Duck Call!


Practice and Equipment

Kent stresses the importance of using quality equipment. A good duck call is an investment that will pay off in the field. He also advises against starting with cheap calls as they don't provide the necessary range to learn effectively.

Lucky for you, Kent is the owner and operator of Hobo World Champion Duck Calls! These are the calls that Kent uses in the video and that we now use in the field, we can't recommend them enough.

http://www.hoboduckcalls.com/

Keep your eyes to sky and call accordingly
Keep your eyes to sky and call accordingly


Observing and Adapting

Successful duck calling involves constant observation and adaptation:

Watch the Ducks: Pay attention to how they react to your calls. If they're coming in, keep your calls soft and natural. If they're veering away, you might need to change your strategy.

Adjust Your Calling: Based on the ducks' behavior, you may need to switch from aggressive calls to more subdued ones, or vice versa.


Teaching and Sharing the Passion

Finally, Kent encourages hunters to share their passion with others, especially kids. Introducing young hunters to duck calling can instill a lifelong love of the sport. Ensure their first experiences are positive by choosing good weather and active hunting days. We couldn't agree more!

Kent Cullum's masterclass is a treasure trove of information for both novice and experienced duck hunters. By focusing on the fundamentals, investing in quality equipment, and continuously observing and adapting to the ducks' behavior, you can significantly improve your duck calling skills. Remember, the goal is to sound as realistic as possible and to enjoy the process.

Hopefully, these tips can help you in the field this fall. Good luck, have fun, and Feed the Family!

A great hunt with friends in Southeast, MO!
A great hunt with friends in Southeast, MO!


If you are looking for your own Trophy Waterfowl Property, Contact us Today!

CONTACT US
]]> <![CDATA[Why Real Estate Agents Should Embrace Auctions!]]>

In today's rapidly evolving real estate market, adaptability and innovation are essential. Recent industry shifts, including the impactful NAR ruling, highlight the perfect opportunity for agents to explore the powerful and efficient process of real estate auctions. Whether representing buyers or sellers, auctions with Trophy Properties and Auction can significantly enhance your business by streamlining transactions, boosting transparency, and maximizing profitability.

Embrace The Auction Advantage!


Benefits of Auctions for Buyer's Agents

Guaranteed Competitive Commission

At Trophy Properties and Auction, we value your efforts as a buyer's agent. Unlike traditional listings, our auctions explicitly advertise and guarantee competitive buyer-agent commissions, typically as high as 3%. This transparency ensures you're fairly compensated when your client successfully bids.

Fair and Transparent Transactions

Auctions offer unmatched transparency. The public bidding environment ensures real-time market pricing, eliminating guesswork and hidden negotiations, allowing buyers to feel confident in their purchasing decisions.

Clear Terms and Conditions

All necessary property documentation, including inspection reports, legal disclosures, and detailed property descriptions, is provided upfront. This allows buyers to complete thorough due diligence and approach the auction process confidently.


Why Sellers' Agents Should Refer Properties to Auction

Maximum Market Value

Competitive bidding naturally uncovers the true market value of properties. Auctions attract motivated buyers who actively compete, pushing sale prices to their maximum potential and ensuring sellers achieve top-dollar results.

Seller Control and Certainty

Sellers maintain full control over sales terms and timelines. Auctions typically feature a reserve price set by the seller, ensuring properties are not sold below an acceptable threshold. The process delivers cash contracts without contingencies, greatly enhancing transaction certainty and minimizing fall-through risks.

Efficiency and Speed

The entire auction process—from initial listing to final closing—usually spans just 60-75 days. This accelerated timeline appeals to sellers seeking swift closures, ideal for estate sales, relocations, financial planning scenarios, or simply sellers prioritizing speed and certainty.

Reduced Workload, Enhanced Earnings

Referring properties to auction enables agents to earn attractive commissions while significantly reducing their workload. Trophy Properties and Auction expertly manages marketing, buyer outreach, due diligence, and transaction logistics, freeing agents to focus on client relationships and business growth.


Residential Auctions: A Powerful Emerging Trend

Historically associated with distressed or land-focused properties, auctions are rapidly gaining momentum in residential real estate markets. Trophy Properties and Auction specializes in effectively auctioning both residential homes and land, demonstrating significant benefits to homeowners and residential agents alike.

Residential Auctions Bring Premium Results

Modern residential auctions consistently attract motivated, qualified buyers seeking to purchase homes efficiently and transparently. Properties often sell above reserve prices due to heightened buyer engagement, driven by the competitive atmosphere auctions naturally create.

Broader Market Reach

Auctions leverage extensive marketing campaigns that surpass traditional methods. Properties are showcased through digital platforms, extensive social media outreach, targeted advertising, and professional networking, significantly expanding the pool of potential buyers.

Ideal for Unique Residential Scenarios

Auctions are an excellent fit for various residential scenarios:

- Unique or luxury homes seeking maximum market exposure and competitive bidding.

- Estate sales requiring timely settlements.

- Relocations needing quick, definitive closures.

- Financial planners and trust attorneys assisting clients in asset liquidation with transparency and speed.

And many more!


Now let's address some of the most common concerns...

Are Auctions Only for Distressed Properties?

Not at all! Auctions increasingly feature premium properties, including upscale homes, recreational retreats, investment properties, and residential developments. Sellers choose auctions due to their proven efficiency, transparency, and market-driven outcomes.

What Happens if the Property Doesn't Sell?

Properties typically have a reserve price; if bids do not meet this benchmark, the seller isn't obligated to sell. Sellers retain control, mitigating risks of underselling.

Double Your Earnings with Referrals

Trophy Properties and Auction rewards agents exceptionally well for referrals—earning up to 6% commission when referring both buyer and seller. Our streamlined process ensures positive experiences for your clients, strengthening your professional credibility and enhancing repeat business opportunities.


CASE STUDIES

60 Liberty Ln, Highland, IL 62249 - Madison County, IL

Residential Auction Case Study 1

Reserve $335k - Sale Price $463,100.00

19 bidders - 57 bids received

Buyer' Agent Commission - $12,630


SEE THIS AUCTION!


4603 US Hwy 67, De Soto, MO 63020 - Jefferson County, MO

Residential Auction Case Study 2

Reserve $1,666,750 - Sale Price $1,745,829

38 bidders - 204 bids received

Buyer's Agent Commission - $39,446

SEE THIS AUCTION HERE!

SEE THIS AUCTION!


Don't Just Take it from Us - Agent Testimonials

"Working with Trophy Properties and Auctions for the first time was an outstanding experience! I was representing a buyer, who was interested in 2 of their properties that were going to be on auction. I wasn't familiar with their auction process, so I reached out to learn more. Their team took the time to thoroughly explain every detail, from how their auctions operate to what to expect on auction day and during the online bidding process. When the auction opened, everything unfolded exactly as they described, and the excitement of the bidding was such a thrill! We were fortunate to win one of the auctions, and although we didn't win the other, the experience was seamless from registration to bidding to the closing table. The Trophy Auctions team went above and beyond, always available to answer my questions and ensure everything ran smoothly. I'm looking forward to working with them again in the future and highly recommend Trophy for their professionalism and exceptional customer service."

Chris Neskar, REALTOR® - License #: 2021025176

"I recently had the pleasure of working with Trophy Properties on a past transaction, and I must say, it was an incredibly smooth and a professional experience. Their team handled every aspect of the deal with utmost efficiency, ensuring a successful closing. They are well versed at handling auction properties, where some agents might not have as much experience. Despite this, Trophy Properties is willing to work with buyers agents and guide us through the process, making sure everything goes accordingly and makes it towards a successful close. Their commitment to collaboration and support is truly commendable, and I highly recommend any buyers agent to sell one of their properties."

Nicholas Walters, REALTOR® - License #: 2022021227

WE ARE THE AUCTION EXPERTS!


Embrace the Auction Advantage TODAY!

The real estate auction is a powerful tool that can benefit both you and your clients. By addressing common concerns and misconceptions, you can help your clients feel more comfortable and confident in the auction process. At Trophy Properties and Auction, we are committed to providing a transparent, efficient, and rewarding auction experience, ensuring that you and your clients reap the benefits.

So why wait? Take the first step towards expanding your business opportunities and helping your clients find their perfect properties through auctions. Embrace the auction advantage today!

INTERESTED? CONTACT US TODAY!
]]> <![CDATA[Turkey Calling Masterclass with 3X NWTF Calling Champion Billy Yargus]]>


Master Turkey Calling to Become a Dominant Turkey Hunting Force

For any hunter who wants to hunt turkeys, being able to call in longbeard gobblers is a required skill. Turkeys have incredible hearing and vision, so your calling ability can make or break a hunt. If you want to consistently kill these mature, wary birds, you must dedicate time to improving turkey calling skills across various call types. Mastering mouth calling and learning to orchestrate coordinated calling sequences with multiple calls is a huge step towards dominance in the turkey woods. This comprehensive guide covers multiple pro tips for better turkey calling to elevate your hunt success.

A successful hunt!
A successful hunt!


The Versatile Turkey Mouth Call

Long revered as one of the most effective turkey calling tools, the mouth call is a must-have for any hunter looking to improve turkey calling skills. The primary benefits are its hands-free operation, allowing you to keep your gun at the ready, and its ability to produce a wide range of vocalizations with subtle mouth inflections.

Mouth Call Tips:

- Take the longest mouth call reed and place it against the roof of your mouth, using your tongue to control vibration and raspy sounds.

- Don't just rely on your throat to make sounds - project air from your diaphragm muscles for louder, more carrying turkey yelps and cuts. Watch your abdomen move as you call.

- Master the natural inflections by nailing the high-pitched start to a yelp, transitioning into a raspier, deeper-toned ending. This replicates a real hen's physiology.

- Incorporate realistic intermittent calling elements like clucks, purrs, cackles, and pauses to avoid sounding robotically repetitive. Vary tempos too.

As you gain experience with mouth calls, you can incorporate advanced techniques to kick realism into overdrive:

- Use one side of your tongue to make more advanced turkey sounds like kee-kees, crisp yelp-cuttts, and smooth yelp-cutt transitions to mimic an extremely fired up hen.

- Project your yelps louder at specifically timed intervals to "shock" a gobbler into gobbling, raising their fight-or-flight instinct to breed.

- Try "throwing" your calling right or left as needed to steer an approaching gobbler towards your decoy setup.


Friction Calls: The Other Essential

While mouth calls are the most versatile turkey call, having a reliable pot/box call is essential for mixing up your calling approaches. Friction calls are able to achieve a volume that is difficult to replicate with a mouth call. If you are trying to locate a gobbler or reach one that is far away, a box call or loud pot call is a must-have. Also, using a friction call along with a mouth call allows you to convincingly play the role of multiple hens in your hunting scenario which can be the difference maker if you have a wary gobbler or one that already has hens with him.

Friction Call Tips:

- Use longer striker strokes against the outer edges and keep the soundholes fully open to produce incredibly loud, high-volume yelping and cutting.

- Go softer by partially obstructing the soundholes and using gentle, short motions. It is better to be good at calling quietly than loudly.

- Always ensure the striker motion goes from the glued/crimp area out towards the bevel edges to replicate the natural tone and inflection changes of a realistic yelp.


Sequencing: The Calling Game Within the Game

More than just knowing how to call turkeys, the most consistently successful hunters have mastered the art of sequencing their vocalizations properly over the course of a hunt. Turkey calling is a conversational game - mixing and matching the right vocalizations at key moments based on gobbler behavior and positioning is a massive advantage.

Here are some proven calling sequence strategies:

- Start with simplistic soft tree yelps at first light to mimic birds preparing to fly down, switching up to louder mouth calling and cutting when feet hit the ground.

- Flip intermittently between mouth calling and striking a pot call, keeping sounds unpredictably dynamic to pin a gobbler's interest.

- If a gobbler starts drifting one way or another or hanging up, get aggressive with loud cutting and yelping to trigger either a fight or breeding response to recharge his approach.

- Conversely, go silent for periods to eliminate the possibility of over-calling or allow a gobbler to relax and slowly close distance.

World-class callers intimately understand the nuances of wild turkey behavior and can orchestrate calling sequences specifically designed to trigger hard-wired reactions every step of the way. There's no substitute for time spent actually calling turkeys in the field to improve and ingrain skills. Take advantage of every opportunity to call - you'll gain invaluable experience in reading turkey language and reactions. The most accomplished hunters remain students of the game by constantly tweaking mouth and friction call methods, developing a conversational catalog of call sequences for any scenario. With a commitment to improving turkey calling prowess, each spring will bring more welcomed thunderous gobbles and fill more tags.

]]> <![CDATA[Serve Wild Game at your Super Bowl Party!]]>

The Super Bowl is here! For the 4th time in 5 years ?, the Kansas City Chiefs are in the Super Bowl! Go Chiefs!

Whether you like football, the commercials, or you're just here for Taylor Swift, everybody loves the food and drinks at a Super Bowl party.

What better time to share our love for the outdoors, hunting, and cooking wild game than during one of America's greatest sporting events?

Here are some of our favorite wild game recipes that also would be great for a Super Bowl party.

Dove Kebabs

Dove seasons is one of the most fun and social hunting experiences; but if you are like us, you are probably sick of eating Dove Jalapeño Poppers.

Anthony Pozzi helps us expand our recipe book with a delicious and easy way to cook dove breast - Grilled Dove Breast Veggie Kebabs.

These are a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy your wild game harvest and are sure to be a hit at your Super Bowl party!

Venison Sliders

Who doesn't love a burger? Especially while watching football!

TPA Broker/Partner Jason Cleveland shows us how to make delicious and incredibly easy-to-make venison sliders!

This easy preparation will save you cooking time and freezer space - and can be done with any ground wild game or ground beef.

Venison Tacos

Anyone can cook ground venison, put it on a tortilla, and call it a taco... and don't get us wrong, we will eat it! But this recipe takes it up a couple of notches. We're sure this will not only become the hit of your party, but a regular staple in your wild game recipe book.

Goose Breast That Tastes Just Like Roast Beef

"Good things come to those that can wait" - Us making this goose recipe

Bust out the Sous Vide and blow your guests' minds with this Goose Breast recipe. The end result is on par with any roast beef that we've ever had. Anthony likes this recipe so much that he made it for his wedding!

Venison Backstrap

If you're feeling generous enough to share one of the backstraps you have in the freezer and if you want to class the joint up a little bit and make your guests feel fancy, this is the recipe that will impress!

This is the recipe we serve to any of our friends and family who say they "don't like wild game." This will change their minds.

Have fun and enjoy!


Let us know if you have any other recipe ideas that we should try out or make a video of next!


CONTACT US

]]> <![CDATA[2024 Duck Season - Highlight Reel Recap]]>

Some of the Trophy Properties and Auction team went down to New Madrid, MO for a few days of duck hunting in the Bootheel!

We were lucky enough to hunt with some of the members of the Banded Waterfowl team, as well as Kent Cullum, a 9x World Champion Duck Caller and the owner of Hobo Duck Calls.

A successful few days in the blind!
A successful few days in the blind!

Be sure to keep an eye on our YouTube channel later this year!

https://www.youtube.com/channe...

We sat down with Kent Cullum and recorded a 1+ hour duck calling masterclass video. He covers everything from how to hold a duck call, all the way to how to make sure you are able to get those ducks to finish. Kent is literally a world-class duck caller and you do not want to miss this video when it comes out.

If you want to buy one of Kent's calls, check out Hobo Duck Calls - http://www.hoboduckcalls.com/

If you can't call 'em, call Kent Cullum!
If you can't call 'em, call Kent Cullum!

Broker/Owner Jason Cleveland brought his dog, Stella, and she is definitely a good girl. A well-trained dog can be the most important tool a hunter has in their arsenal. There is nothing better than watching a dog do what it was made to do.

Stella is a good girl
Stella is a good girl

We are sad that duck season is over, but we are happy to have made the memories and harvested the ducks we did!

Not happy with your 2023 duck hunting season?

Now is a great time to start thinking about where you are going to be hunting this fall, and if you should make any changes. If you are wanting to make a change, whether it be making improvements to your current property, or selling what you have to buy something better. Give us a call! We have multiple waterfowl experts on our team to help you maximize the value of your current property, or help you find a hidden-gem duck hunting property.

CLICK HERE TO CONTACT US TODAY!

]]> <![CDATA[How to Cook Venison Backstrap - Easy & Delicious!]]>


Backstrap is our favorite cut of meat from a deer and this recipe from Jason Cleveland is about as easy as it gets!

Easy and Delicious Venison Backstrap with just 3 ingredients!
Easy and Delicious Venison Backstrap with just 3 ingredients!


INGREDIENTS:

- Venison Backstrap

- Soy Sauce

- Butter

- Brown Sugar


NOTES

For this recipe, you will need a Sous Vide and a grill/some way to get a good sear on the backstrap. A Sous Vide, along with a vacuum sealer, is a kitchen tool that we recommend all outdoorsmen have in their kitchen appliance arsenal. It is the easiest and most consistent way to cook wild game in a way that will not overcook the meat that you've worked so hard to harvest. There are plenty of options, but here are a few we recommend:

- Overall Best - Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker - LINK TO AMAZON

- Budget Friendly Option - Instant Pot Accu Slim Sous Vide - LINK TO AMAZON

Don't forget to remove the silver skin first!
Don't forget to remove the silver skin first!


RECIPE

1. Prep your venison backstrap by trimming off the silver skin and any connective tissue you do not want to remain on the meat. Leaving these on the backstrap can cause it to taste "gamey".

2. Prep your marinade/glaze by mixing equal parts butter, brown sugar, and soy sauce in a small pot over low heat. This will be used to marinade the meat during the sous vide and as a glaze while searing the meat.

3. Prep the water and sous vide, target a temperature of 120-125 degrees.

4. Place the prepped backstrap in a plastic bag with the marinade, just enough to coat all the meat, vacuum seal if you want to but it is unnecessary.

5. Place the bag in the water and let it cook for 1± hour, if it is not vacuum sealed, use a chip clip to keep the top of the bag out of the water.

6. After 1± hour, remove the bag from the sous vide and place the backstrap in the fridge for a few minutes to bring the temperature down before searing. 20 minutes should bring the temperature down enough.

7. Prep your grill with high heat for the sear. Remove the backstraps from the cooking bags, douse them in the marinade, and place them on the grill.

8. Keep turning and adding glaze to the backstrap until you achieve a good sear and internal temperature of 125± degrees.

9. Remove from the grill, slice, plate, serve, and enjoy!

Medium Rare, Perfect!
Medium Rare, Perfect!


FREE DOWNLOAD OF THE RECIPE CARD

Download Here - Venison Backstrap RECIPE CARD

]]> <![CDATA[How to Cook Goose That Tastes Just Like Roast Beef! - Sous Vide!]]>

We are huge fans of wild game cooking around here, but we'll be the first ones to admit that goose breast isn't the easiest wild game meat to cook. Well with the help of the Sous Vide and this recipe by Anthony Pozzi, you can make goose breast that tastes almost exactly like roast beef! Slice it thin, serve it hot or cold (we like it cold), and top it the way you want! Enjoy!

]]> <![CDATA[How to cook Wild Game Lasagna! - Venison OR Turkey!]]>

Everyone loves Lasagna and we love cooking a dish that gives you some flexibility! Well Jason's mom stopped by with a wonderful recipe for cooking Lasagna with wild game. This Wild Game Lasagna dish can work with Venison OR Wild Turkey Breast and is easy to make!

]]> <![CDATA[How to Setup Your Trail Cameras on Scrapes!]]>

Trophy Agent, Joe Ogden, shows us how he sets up his Tactacam Reveal Cellular Trail Cameras in early October to get them moved onto scrapes!

Scrapes are the best way to get a good overview of the deer inventory you have on your property as the rut picks up and the weather cools off.

We are entering the best time of the year for deer hunting, so make sure to get your cameras moved to where they need to be! We recommend using a cellular trail camera like the Tactacam Reveal to minimize the pressure you put on the wildlife and the instant information that you need to know when you need to be in the field to try to harvest a deer and Feed the Family!

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SELLING OR BUYING YOUR OWN HUNTING PROPERTY, GIVE US A CALL!

(855) 573-5263

leads@trophypa.com

Trophy Properties and Auction practices #feedthefamily lifestyle through hunting and conservation.

]]> <![CDATA[TrophyCast Ep 16 - KANSAS AGENTS]]>

In this episode, we have a round-table discussion with some of our Kansas Agents about what they're seeing in the KS real estate market, deer hunting and the future of deer hunting tactics in KS, the economics of farming in Kansas, and their predictions for what is to come over the next few years. If you are interested in KS land and/or hunting, listen!

Featured Agents:

]]> <![CDATA[TrophyCast Ep 15 - Nick Mundt of Bone Collector!]]>

Nick Mundt (Bone Collector, Realtree Outdoors, Hunting Guide, etc...) joins TrophyCast to talk about his experience hunting with Trophy Agent Joe Ogden at his outfitter in Pike/Lincoln County, MO - Indian Hill. We are also joined by Zoe Phillips, the Social Media Manager of Tactacam and Reveal Trail Cameras!

This is a great discussion covering a wide array of topics and tips for your deer hunting this fall!

DEERFEST 2023!
Come join us at this family-friendly event on Sunday, November 12th!

We're bringing back the nostalgia of when hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and the community would gather on opening weekend in town or at the deer check-in station to share hunting stories and make memories.

We started Trophy DeerFest in 2019 and over the last four years, we've raised tens of thousands of dollars for local FFA Chapters while hosting a fun community event. We hope you'll join us for DeerFest 2023 to have more fun, see lots of great deer, and raise additional funds for the FFA.

Just the Details...

  • WHEN: Sunday, November 12th 3:00-7:30pm
  • WHERE: McDingerz Sports Bar & Grill, Hwy 61 at the Eolia Exit
  • COST: No ticket or entrance fee!
]]> <![CDATA[TrophyCast Ep 14 - How Planting Trees can Improve Your Hunting Property! Ft. Kim Hainsfurther of Forrest Keeling Nursery]]>

We all love food plots, but planting trees is an often overlooked option for year-round food production on your property!

We sat down with Kim Hainsfurther of Forrest Keeling Nursery to get her advice on how and why you should plant trees on your hunting property.

UPCOMING AUCTIONS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

]]> <![CDATA[The Ultimate Lake Building Guide! How to Build your Dream Lake - the Right Way!]]>

Building a lake is one of the best things that you can do on your property to increase its value and enjoy it year-round! If it isn't hunting season, it's fishing/swimming season. But how do you that the property that you are interested in or that you own can even hold water to build a lake?? You work with a Trophy Properties and Auction Land Specialist!

Our agents have the expertise and the connections to make sure that your property, or the property that you want to buy, will be able to have the lake of your dreams and save you a lot of headaches and money down the road.

It all starts with the real-estate contract...

Protect yourself from the start by working with a Land Specialist

A lot of real estate agents like to market that their land listing has a "Potential Lakesite" just based on the topographical map. Yes - looking at the surrounding slope and drainage is a good way to see if it topographically possible to build a lake, but a lot more goes into building a lake than just the property's topography.

As the buyer, it is on you and your agent to protect yourself and make sure that the "Potential Lakesite" is legit. You need to structure your offer in a way that gives you enough time to do your due diligence.

We recommend making your offer contingent on a "Lake Feasibility Study". This is the equivalent of hiring a home inspector for a residential real estate deal. The study will give you an accurate idea of what is there and enough information for you to make a decision if you want to move forward with the deal.

If the offer and contingency are accepted, you need to hire a geologist to come out to the property and conduct a soil sample to make sure that the property has the right type of soil and enough clay to hold the water. If the geologist gives their seal of approval and you are happy with the report, you can move forward with the deal.

Building the Lake

Once the deal has closed and you are the new owner of the property, it is time to start building the lake!

The geologist will work with a contractor and begin building the damn. This usually involves the use of large earth movers and scrapers to dig out the lake and move the dug-out soil to be a part of the damn. When the footprint of the lake is complete, it becomes a waiting game as the lake is filled with the natural water runoff that the damn is capturing. The amount of time it will take for your lake to fill depends on the size of the lake and the amount of water runoff in your area.

How to Build a Lake on Your Property - The Right Way!


Stocking the Lake

If fishing is one of the reasons that you are building a lake, before you even break ground with the contractor, you should consult with a fishery. Different types of fish need different things - a trophy bass lake has different needs than a trophy crappie lake - and a fishery will be able to guide you through creating the best environment for what you want to catch and working with the contractor to devise a plan. They also will help you plan for things like structure for the fish, aerators, feeders, bait fish to support the predator fish, any chemicals needed to help limit algae, etc... The fishery is the one that creates, monitors, and adjusts this new ecosystem. They will be your long-term partners in making the lake what you want.


If you are looking to buy a property with a lake, or build your own dream lake, call us at Trophy Properties and Auction. We have the right partnerships in place to make your dream come true!


(855) 573-5263

leads@trophypa.com

]]> <![CDATA[Why We Hunt]]>

No matter your opinion on hunting, whether you like it or not, we have all descended from hunters. No one can argue this fact. Every person on this planet is alive today because their ancestors got their hands dirty and fed the family.

This past January (2023), I was standing in my kitchen cleaning about 20 ducks preparing to host some friends for their first-ever wild game dinner.

Duck Harvest
These ducks will soon be dinner...

Cleaning an animal gives you time to think. It's kind of like the "shower principle" - your hands and eyes are occupied, and your mind is focused enough to be on task but distracted enough to wander. While cleaning the ducks, I reminisced on the past few days and what it took to harvest them: a 2.5-hour drive down to the Missouri Bootheel, waking up at 4 am each morning, bundling up to beat the frigid temperatures, wading through waist-high icy water to reach our spot, sitting in a cold blind all day, the amount of money spent on all the gear it takes to have a successful duck hunt, the amount of time invested to get a property ready for duck season, etc... all in the hopes that we each harvest our limit of 6 ducks and maybe a few geese per day, and hopefully the next day, and the next day... Then a tired-eyed 2.5-hour drive back to St. Louis, followed by hours spent cleaning and cooking the ducks, all for this one meal with friends.

While cleaning these ducks, amid the feathers, blood, and guts, I thought about this and asked myself a question: Why do we do all this when I have a grocery store just blocks from my home?

Why do I hunt?

For me, there are 5 motivations to why I hunt: Food, Friendship, Conservation, Adventure, and Spiritual & Mental Health.


Food

Feed the Family. We say that a lot around here, it's one of the driving forces behind what we do. Food is hunting's greatest ambassador. I can spend hours trying to explain to a non-hunter why I hunt, or I can serve a perfectly cooked venison tenderloin with morel mushrooms. The plate speaks to the why much clearer than I can with words.

Grilled Duck Breast
Grilled Duck Breast... delicious! Click the photo for a cooking video!

Jake's Buck
Archery Buck from 2022

The meat that we harvest from hunting is incomparable to what you can purchase at a grocery store. You are getting free-range meat and every cut possible from the animal. For example, with a deer you are harvesting roasts, ribs, shoulders, shanks, flank steak, filets, chops, tenderloins, etc... A mature deer can provide you with 50+ pounds of meat! It would cost hundreds of dollars at a grocery store to get something comparable to what you can harvest from a deer.

For those who begin hunting as adults, meat is the number one draw. It is tangible, and acquiring it naturally makes sense to people. They look at the factory farm system we have and come to the realization that it is not normal. They want to know where their food comes from and that it lived a good life.

I have killed many animals in my life. I have seen their life force leave their body. It is a powerful thing to witness and not something that I take lightly. I believe that as hunters, we are responsible for taking care of and cooking the meat in the best way possible. We do not waste our harvest, we feed our families.


The plate speaks to the why much clearer than I can with words.


Friendship

Like most hunters, I got into hunting because my dad is a hunter. Hunting is a familial tradition for most, passed down from one generation to the next.

As a kid, I did not appreciate hunting the way I do now. I loved being outside and being on the farm, but I did not like sitting still in the cold for long periods of time. Even though I did not love it the way I do now, some of my favorite memories as a kid are on our farm and hunting with my dad. I am grateful for his patience and his passion.

Reflecting on hunting now as an adult, it has brought me even closer to my dad and it has introduced me to countless people that I now consider friends. Hunting creates a bond like few other things in our modern world can.

Nebraska Turkey Hunt
Gobblers down! Good friends and good hunting.

There has been a fear in the hunting world that we are a dying breed, that we are losing hunters. Fortunately, the numbers don't fully support this fear. According to the US Fish and Wildlife records for the year 2020, there were 15.2 million Hunting Licenses sold and 29.3 Million Fishing Licenses sold. Between 1960 and 2020, the actual number of hunters grew by 8.6 percent, but at the same time, the U.S. population increased by 83.4 percent, nearly ten times as fast. We have nearly as many hunters as ever, but per capita, we are a much smaller portion of the population.

Hunting has become a "small world." I'm always amazed how hunters seem to know the same people or know somebody through somebody. There is a kinship between hunters, an understanding. It seems easy to make friends with a fellow hunter. For many hunters, friendship is why they hunt. They love the togetherness and unity in a hunting camp. Many are content to not even be the one to make the kill, just being there and being a part of the environment is enough. They love sitting around the campfire and telling stories. They love helping clean any animals that were harvested that day. They love managing the land that is used for hunting. Our reasons for hunting can change over time, but our passion will never die.


There is a kinship between hunters, an understanding.


Conservation

Hunting is conservation.

The Confluence
The confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi river, a true natural wonder that we fight to protect from development.

For a lot of non-hunters, that sounds like an oxymoron. And technically it is, how can killing something help keep it alive? Well, the reality is this: "Conservation without money is just conversation." - Stirling Adams, Ducks Unlimited.

Conservation takes A LOT of money and is something that we as the American public (and the world) have to pony up for. But the general public doesn't, hunters do.

To understand the connection between conservation and hunting, you need to go back to the late 1800s, when American Wildlife was in a bad place. Market hunting, commercial fur-trapping, and America's rapid expansion westward pushed many species to the brink. Look no further than the American Bison. In less than 100 years, we took this majestic species from a population of 60± million in the late 18th century, to less than 100 animals in the wild by the end of the 1800s. Part of the American Mythos was that our land teemed with endless wildlife and resources for the taking, and we took too much.

The drastic state of wildlife got the attention of Theodore Roosevelt and George Bird Grinnell. Along with others, they established the American conservation movement around the idea that wildlife and other natural resources belong to the American Public and that we were its steward. This led to things like the establishment of our great National Parks System and the passage of The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, or as it is more commonly known, the Pittman-Robertson Act. This bill requires that states use their revenues from the sale of hunting licenses for wildlife management. It also took an existing 11 percent excise tax on guns and ammunition and directed that money to state wildlife agencies for wildlife restoration and protection. A similar act was later passed to tax angling equipment. Money generated from license fees and excise taxes on guns, ammunition, and angling equipment provides about 60 percent of the funding for state wildlife agencies, which manage most of the wildlife in the United States. Since the bill's passing, those contributions have invested over $25 billion into state conservation and recreation projects nationwide.

Stella
Stella says, "Donate to your local conservation group!"

But there's a catch to this bill, to access those federal funds, states must pony up their own matching money - 25 percent or more of the total they're looking to get back. No match, no money. And with fewer hunters per capita, it's becoming difficult for some state agencies to match those funds. Many states have increased license fees for out-of-state hunters to compensate for the decrease in license sales, but you can only raise fees so much before you start pricing people out. At the same time, inflation is raising the cost of doing business, and things like climate change and urban development are threatening more species and habitats. A panel on sustaining America's fish and wildlife resources recently warned "Without a change in the way we finance fish and wildlife conservation, we can expect the list of federally threatened and endangered species to grow from nearly 1,600 species today to perhaps thousands more in the future."

And while according to the Pew Research Center, 74 percent of Americans believe the country should "do whatever it takes to protect the environment," in most cases outside of hunting and fishing, there's no conversation money being generated. The National Wildlife Federation says that current funding levels for national wildlife conservation are "less than 5 percent of what is necessary."

We have to do better, and hunters can't carry this burden alone. Whether you like hunting or not, hunters are putting their money where their mouth is.


Whether you like hunting or not, hunters are putting their money where their mouth is.


Adventure

Most people today rarely step outside their comfort zones, or outside in general!

Cleveland Duck Hunt Portrait
Go outside, Get uncomfortable, Grow a beard like Jason.

We are living progressively sterile, temperature-controlled, overfed, under-challenged, screen-centric, sheltered lives. Hunting offers us the opportunity to get outside and experience nature in a way that nothing else does. When we hunt, we immerse ourselves in it in a way that wildlife watchers, hikers, and other non-consumptive users do not. Hunters morph into a predator and match wits with our prey. We must understand them, anticipate their moves, read the terrain, and move through it in a way that does not give up our location. It is the ultimate challenge. We get up early and immerse ourselves in the elements. We have to be focused, patient, silent, diligent... It is uncomfortable. That is what makes it so satisfying. The harder the hunt, the sweeter the victory. The process itself is the reward, but a successful hunt makes it even more rewarding.

Hunting also offers us something that has been lost in our modern society, a Rite of Passage.

A Rite of Passage, also known as a "call to adventure" or the "hero's journey" has three key elements.

1. Separation - The person leaves the society in which they belong and heads into the unknown, in this case, the wild.

2. Transition - The person faces challenges that push them beyond their comfort zone, where they battle with nature and their mind telling them to quit.

3. The Return - The person completes the challenge and returns to their normal life as an improved person.

Walking in Field

It's an exploration of the edge of a person's comfort zone. If they complete the challenge, successful or not, their comfort zone grows. It makes you a better person, which leads us to our final category...


The process itself is the reward, but a successful hunt makes it even more rewarding.


Spiritual and Mental Health

"Nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity; and that mountain parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers but as fountains of life." - John Muir.

He wrote that in 1901... I would say our world has become even more nerve-shaken and over-civilized.

Mountains
This is my "church"

Whatever your spiritual beliefs, it is undeniable that something happens to the human body, brain, and soul when we are outside.

Nature and the Body:

In the early 1980s, Japan was becoming a more urban and tech-focused country, they also noticed an increase in depression and other health issues.

In response, the country's forest agency created a nature-based wellness program, shinrin-yoku, which translates to "forest bathing." The program promoted sitting or walking in the woods and "taking in" nature. They even created parks across the country to do so. Follow-up studies found that people who spent 15± minutes sitting in/walking through nature experienced significant improvements in critical health markers. Blood pressure readings, heart rates, and stress hormone levels all went down. In another study, people with the highest levels of stress saw a significant reduction in anxiety, depression, and hostility after only two hours in the woods.

Japan
My Wife and I went to Japan on our Honeymoon, it was amazing... and stressful.

Here in America, I see a lot of commercials and advertisements for drugs that promise to fix those conditions mentioned above. They come with a lot of side effects and a hefty price tag. A walk in the woods is free.

Nature and the Brain:

Camping
Peace.

We were not created to be inside and stare at screens all day. This is something that I'm sure we all feel in our gut, but science is now backing this claim.

Rachel Hopman-Droste is a Ph.D. researcher focusing on how our brains are affected by technology and how nature can help us reclaim our focus. In 2016, she led a study that discovered only 20 minutes outside, three times a week, significantly dropped people's cortisol levels, also known as the stress hormone. The catch to that study, of course, was that the participants couldn't take their phones outside with them.

In nature, your brain enters a mode Hopman called "soft fascination." Brain scans show that soft fascination is similar to meditation. Time outside restores the resources we need to think, create, process information, and execute tasks. It's mindfulness without meditation.

But what happens when we go beyond that 20-minute dose? Hopman's supervisor, Dr. David L. Strayer found in a study in 2012 that our brains "reset" after three days in nature without technology to distract us. They call it the "Three Day Effect." On day one, our brains are emitting beta waves, these are the "go-go-go" waves of our modern world. By day three, our brains are emitting alpha and theta waves. These are the same waves found in experienced meditators. These rare brain waves reset your thinking, reduce stress, and just make you feel better. The more time in nature, the better.

Nature and the Soul:

We all have different beliefs, so I won't preach mine to you. However, I think there is one thing we can agree on... there is a reason why we escape to nature, why we are fascinated by the stars and inspired by the mountains, and why every major religion has a creation story.


We belong outside.


Conclusion

So back to the ducks that started this whole thing...

Duck Hunting Dog
Stella doing what she was made to do.

In our small St. Louis City home, my wife and I have about a dozen friends and family members packed in around our dining table. None of them have ever hunted before and I would say that most of them lean politically 'left'.

I stand up and thank them for coming. I explain that we are about to eat pan-seared duck breast with a demi-glace made from the leftover duck fat.

Pan Seared Duck with Duck Fat Demi-Glace
Pan Seared Duck with Duck Fat Demi-Glace... delicious. Click for the recipe!

I show them why we keep the skin on when skinning the duck. I tell them about the hunt and show them the photos we captured on that day. I warn them that, despite my best efforts, there might be some shotgun pellets in the breast and to be careful when chewing. I explain to them how a hunting license is the primary way that conservation dollars are raised and our involvement with groups like GRHA and Ducks Unlimited. I encourage them to ask questions and I tell them that I hope they like it.

We devoured those duck breasts.

This was nine months ago from the time of me writing this, they still talk about it.

When I show up to events and bring deer sausage, it doesn't last long.

I've now taken a few friends on their first deer hunt and it is a joy to witness someone have their first hunting experience and "get it".

We have to be evangelists for the lifestyle that we love.

This is Why I Hunt. What about you?

How the duck breasts were harvested


Let us know if you need help buying or selling your own Trophy Property!


CLICK HERE TO HAVE AN AGENT CONTACT YOU TODAY!



Written, Photographed, and Filmed by Jake Brown

Additional Photography & Videography by Anthony Pozzi

]]> <![CDATA[How to Cook DOVE BREAST Veggie Kebabs!]]>

Dove seasons is one of the most fun and social hunting experiences; but if you are like us, you are probably sick of eating Dove Jalapeño Poppers. Anthony Pozzi helps us expand our recipe book with a delicious and easy way to cook dove breast - Grilled Dove Breast Veggie Kebabs. These are a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy your wild game harvest and #FeedtheFamily!

----------------------------------------------------

0:00 - Intro

1:10 - Prep the wooden skewers

2:30 - Prepping the Dove Breast

4:55 - Prepping the Vegetables

9:45 - Tips for Shooting Dove

12:00 - Building the Kebabs

13:40 - Plans for Opening Day and Where to Hunt Dove

17:50 - Gun and Ammo recommendations for Dove Season

18:30 - Do we recommend using Decoys?

20:15 - Running Dogs while Hunting Dove

25:45 - Time for the Grill!

28:38 - Plate and Enjoy!

----------------------------------------------------

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SELLING OR BUYING YOUR OWN HUNTING PROPERTY, GIVE US A CALL!

(855) 573-5263

leads@trophypa.com

]]> <![CDATA[Trophycast Ep 13 - Real Estate, Hunting Media, and Outfitting feat. Joe Ogden]]>

Welcome back 2022's Number 1 agent and deer hunting master, Joe Ogden.

Trophy is looking to grow our roster of agents, we're really looking for people that have experience in the real estate industry or in the outdoors industry and some sort of sales experience. If you are interested, reach out to us! https://trophypa.com/about-us/careers

Upcoming Auctions

Please look at all the auctions we have coming on the website as these are just a few of the auctions we have coming up! CLICK HERE FOR ALL AUCTIONS


]]> <![CDATA[Ep 12 - All things Guns! ft. Jon Harting]]>

In this episode, we talk all things guns! We are joined by Jon Harting, Jon is an agent with us, but before he joined Trophy, he worked in the firearms industry as a wholesale distributor. We cover a broad range of topics in the firearms world, including:

  • Which caliber is best for hunting in the midwest?
  • If you could only buy one gun, which would you buy?
  • The business side of guns
  • How does politics affect gun sales?
  • Suppressors and Hunting - why are they do difficult to purchase?
  • With all this new technology, where do we draw the lines of fair chase?
  • The Black Rifle stigma...
  • And more!

OUR UPCOMING AUCTIONS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

CLICK THE AUCTION BELOW TO SEE MORE INFO

Thanks for listening!

]]> <![CDATA[How to Cook Chanterelle Mushrooms! - QUICK AND EASY RECIPE]]>

Summer might not be hunting season, but it is foraging season! This is a great time to find Chanterelle Mushrooms growing on your property, and they are one of our favorite things to eat! Foraging mushrooms is a great way to get started living the #feedthefamily lifestyle on your property!

Ingredients:

  • Chanterelle Mushrooms
  • Salted Butter
  • Soy Sauce

Instructions:

  1. Thoroughly clean the mushrooms
  2. Split the Chanterelles with your hands and lay them split-side down into the cast-iron pan
  3. Turn on the stove to high heat and add 1/4 stick of salted butter
  4. Cover the mushrooms with a lid or a plate to be able to steam the mushrooms
  5. Let the Chanterelles cook until the moisture has cooked out of them and steamed out of the pan
  6. YOU CAN STOP HERE AND VACCUM SEAL THE CHANTERELLES IF YOU WANT TO SAVE THEM FOR LATER
  7. If you want to eat them now, once the Chanterelles have browned, add soy sauce to the pan and flip the Chanterelles to brown the other side
  8. Remove once browned on both sides
  9. Enjoy!
]]> <![CDATA[TrophyCast Ep 11 - How to Build or Buy a Lake THE RIGHT WAY]]>

In this episode, we talk with Trophy Properties and Auction agent, Jason Kneib. In addition to being a great agent, Jason is a multi-time state champion archer and is also involved with Curryville Fisheries.

Jason is the "Lake and Pond Specialist" at Trophy Properties and Auction and you should give him a call if you are interested in building, buying, or selling a lake. He also gives us some archery tips as bow season will be here very soon!

Upcoming Auctions mentioned in this episode:
Celebration Hall - 0.4 Acres in Montgomery County, MO
100 Acres in Ralls County, MO
76± Acres in Texas County, MO
101.5 Acres in Madison County, MO
46.34 Acres in Chariton County, MO
31 Acres in Hickory County, MO
62 Acres in Boone County, MO

Thanks for listening!

]]> <![CDATA[Tractor vs. Skid Steer - What should you buy for Land Management?]]>

If you are a recreational property owner, you've probably asked yourself, should I buy a Tractor or a Skid Steer? We worked with the guys at Wildlife Farming to help answer this question, along with other questions about the differences between both power units.

00:00 - Intro

01:16 - Wildlife Farming Introduction

02:52 - Would you buy a Skid Steer or a Tractor first?

04:59 - What kind of property did you buy?

06:19 - Skid Steer - High Flow vs. Low Flow

09:44 - So which one should you buy?

10:39 - Habitat Improvement = Increases Property Value

Having the right equipment is a game changer when it comes to getting your property ready for hunting season, that is why Trophy Properties and Auctions is working with Wildlife Farming to help land owners formulate a plan to tackle their land management projects!

Oftentimes, the equipment available at your local tractor dealer is overkill for someone just managing land for harvesting wildlife. Wildlife Farming can help you find the right equipment to complete your project on time and within your budget. Check out Wildlife Farming here:

https://wildlifefarming.com/

----------------------------------------------------

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SELLING OR BUYING YOUR OWN HUNTING PROPERTY, GIVE US A CALL!

(855) 573-5263

leads@trophypa.com

Trophy Properties and Auction practices #feedthefamily lifestyle through hunting and conservation.

]]> <![CDATA[What Equipment Do I Need for Land Management? - Wildlife Farming]]>

Having the right equipment is a game changer when it comes to getting your property ready for hunting season, that is why Trophy Properties and Auctions is working with Wildlife Farming to help land owners formulate a plan to tackle their land management projects!

Oftentimes, the equipment available at your local tractor dealer is overkill for someone just managing land for harvesting wildlife. Wildlife Farming can help you find the right equipment to complete your project on time and within your budget. Check out Wildlife Farming here:

https://wildlifefarming.com/

]]> <![CDATA[AGENT SPOTLIGHT - Brooks & Young Team]]>

The Brooks and Young Team is a top-performing real estate team serving Eastern and Central Missouri, including Lake of the Ozarks.

Michelle Brooks and Ana Young joined forces in 2016 and over the last several years they have grown their business with the motto "Working Together for You!"

They joined Trophy Properties and Auction in 2021 and have been top agents since joining! Ana and Michelle are Residential Specialists, but they can help you with any of your real estate needs.

Michelle and Ana put their clients' interests first and use their decades of collective experience to make the buying and selling process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Click here to contact Michelle or Ana today to buy or sell your Trophy Property!

]]> <![CDATA[TrophyCast - Ep 10 - Why Shooting Sports Matter]]>
Why Shooting Sports Matter

Welcome to TrophyCast! This episode's special guest is Shawn Dulohery, a world-renowned shotgun sports athlete. We talk about the importance of shooting sports in the outdoors industry, how it is the fastest-growing youth sport in the US, how you can improve as a shooter, how you can introduce your kids to the world of shooting sports, and how it can maybe lead to a scholarship or career in the outdoors industry.

Shawn Dulohery - Team USA
The National Collegiate Shooting Sports Athletic Association - https://ncssaa.com/

OUR UPCOMING AUCTIONS - https://trophypa.com/auctions

Info on the EPA vs Sackett Case - America Rivers
Info on the Corner Crossing Case - MeatEater
Info on the USDA Investment - Quali Forever

Thanks for listening!

]]> <![CDATA[TrophyCast Ep 9 - Certified Auctioneers Institute]]>

There are only 675± CAI designees in the world, and two of them are on the leadership team here at Trophy Properties and Auction.

In April of 2023, Phil Brown (Broker/Partner) earned his CAI designation (Certified Auctioneers Institute). CAI is different from NAA's (National Auctioneers Association) other designations. It's a three-year program in which attendees spend a week each year onsite at Indiana University. It's an intensive program involving late nights working on proposals, in committees, fine-tuning business plans, and other projects that happen in the time between classes. Jason Wallingford, President of our Auction Division, is also a CAI designee.

In this episode, we chat about what it means to have a CAI designation and how we conduct our auctions compared to the competition.

Our Auction Process Explained: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...

Thanks for listening!

]]> <![CDATA[Talking Turkeys and Making Calls with Professional Caller, John Egolf]]>
VIDEO PODCAST: Talking Turkeys and Making Calls with Professional Caller, John Egolf. TrophyCast Ep. 8

VIDEO PODCAST: In this episode of TrophyCast, we recap the Missouri Turkey season with our friend and professional turkey caller/call maker - John Egolf. John has been competing as a pro turkey caller for almost 25 years and has a wealth of knowledge in both calling and hunting turkeys. He also makes the custom calls that Joe Ogden (TPA 2022 #1 Agent) and Jason Cleveland (TPA Broker/Partner) have been using for the last few years to great success. He was kind enough to show us how he builds these calls in this episode to help you improve your calling and maybe help you start building your own calls!

John is affiliated with Kluk Custom Calls: https://klukcustomcalls.com/

Thanks for listening!

]]> <![CDATA[TrophyCast Ep. 8 - Talking Turkeys and Making Calls with Professional Caller, John Egolf]]>

In this episode of TrophyCast, we recap our Missouri Turkey season with our friend and professional turkey caller/call maker - John Egolf. John has been competing as a pro turkey caller for almost 25 years and has a wealth of knowledge in both calling and hunting turkeys. He also makes the custom calls that Joe Ogden (TPA 2022 #1 Agent) and Jason Cleveland (TPA Broker/Partner) have been using for the last few years to great success. He was kind enough to show us how he builds these calls in this episode to help you improve your calling and maybe help you start building your own calls!

John is affiliated with Kluk Custom Calls: https://klukcustomcalls.com/

Thanks for listening!

]]> <![CDATA[Turkey Reaping in Northwest Missouri! - Another Successful Hunt!]]>
Turkey Reaping in Northwest Missouri! - Another Successful Hunt!

Broker/Partner Jason Cleveland has a quick hunt in Northwest Missouri with a reaper decoy! Whatever you want to call it, fanning, reaping, crawling, or scoot and shootin... IT WORKS! Put the HECS on and take the game to them!

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SELLING OR BUYING HUNTING PROPERTY, GIVE US A CALL! (855) 573-5263

Trophy Properties and Auction practices #feedthefamily lifestyle through hunting and conservation.

----------------------------------------------------

Check out more of our content and our properties for sale!

Website: https://trophypa.com/

Lifestyle Content: https://trophypa.com/lifestyle

]]> <![CDATA[Good DEER HABITAT with BILL WINKE - Why are Bush Honeysuckle and Other INVASIVE SPECIES BAD?]]>
Good DEER HABITAT with BILL WINKE - Why are Bush Honeysuckle and Other INVASIVE SPECIES BAD?

Bill Winke comes down to Pike County, MO to consult on Broker/Partner Jason Cleveland's farm. Bill gives his opinion on bush honeysuckle and other invasive species. We decided to do some hack and squirt and then a controlled burn on 100 acres of timber that has never been burned before.

0:00 Bill Winke on Bush Honeysuckle

0:17 Improving Habitat on a Hunting Property

2:19 How to Get Rid of Bush Honeysuckle

3:38 100 Acre Prescribed Timber Burn

Like and Subscribe for more Land Management, Hunting and Wild Game Cooking Videos!

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SELLING OR BUYING YOUR OWN HUNTING PROPERTY, GIVE US A CALL!

(855) 573-5263

leads@trophypa.com

Trophy Properties and Auction practices #feedthefamily lifestyle through hunting and conservation.

]]> <![CDATA[MISSOURI LONG BEARD DOWN! Pike County, MO Turkey Hunt]]>
MISSOURI LONG BEARD DOWN! Pike County, MO Turkey Hunt

Trophy Outdoors stays close to home in a successful turkey hunt in Pike County, MO. Broker/Partner Jason Cleveland and Friend/Client Andy Pettit were able to sweet talk a mature gobbler into shotgun range. Stay tuned for another great Missouri Turkey Hunt coming soon!

Wanting to learn how to call turkeys better? Check out our video with 3x NWTF Turkey Calling Champion Billy Yargus!

https://trophypa.com/lifestyle...

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SELLING OR BUYING YOUR OWN HUNTING PROPERTY, GIVE US A CALL! (855) 573-5263

Trophy Properties and Auction practices #feedthefamily lifestyle through hunting and conservation.

----------------------------------------------------

Check out more of our content and our properties for sale!

Website: https://trophypa.com/

Lifestyle Content: https://trophypa.com/lifestyle

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FOLLOW US!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Troph......

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]]> <![CDATA[TrophyCast Ep 7 - How to find the DNA of your Farm - Joe Ogden]]>

In this episode, we chat with Joe Ogden - Realtor at Trophy Properties and Auction.

Joe Ogden was the 2022 #1 Agent at Trophy Properties and Auction, congrats Joe!

We cover a wide range of topics - Joe's background in the Hunting TV show world, his experience as a Real Estate Agent, How to best setup a property to kill big bucks, Tips and Tricks for calling Turkeys, and a lot more.

Joe Ogden is an accomplished whitetail hunter and experienced Land Specialist. He can evaluate the ability of the property in question to produce and support BIG bucks.

He can also guide his clients on habitat management practices that will help produce quality deer for years to come.

He also is one of the founders and owners of Indian Hill, a Whitetail Outfitting Operation where they manage over 14,000 acres of land and help their clients kill some of the biggest bucks in Missouri.

In the last few years, Joe has handled several luxury home transactions and the sale of multiple commercial properties. Joe is the epitome of a professional Realtor with expertise in all areas of real estate.

Mentioned Turkey Videos:
Turkey Calling Tips with Billy Yargus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwO_3kLuUOU
Turkey Parmesan Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQusKYpnG5w

]]> <![CDATA[HOW TO CLEAN AND PREP A TURKEY BREAST]]>
How to Clean and Prep a Turkey Breast - Cooking with Wild Game

We love eating Turkey almost as much as we love hunting them. Here are some tips on the best way to clean a Turkey Breast!

TURKEY PARMESAN RECIPE: https://youtu.be/ZQusKYpnG5w

TURKEY CALLING TIPS FROM A 3X NWTF CHAMPION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...

----------------------------------------------------

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SELLING OR BUYING YOUR OWN HUNTING PROPERTY, GIVE US A CALL! (855) 573-5263

Trophy Properties and Auction practices #feedthefamily lifestyle through hunting and conservation.

----------------------------------------------------

Check out more of our content and our properties for sale!

Website: https://trophypa.com/

Lifestyle Content: https://trophypa.com/lifestyle

----------------------------------------------------

FOLLOW US!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Troph......

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trop......

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/compa......

]]> <![CDATA[Turkey Parmesan - Your New Favorite Turkey Recipe - Wild Game Cooking]]>
Cooking With Wild Game - Turkey Parmesan - Your New Favorite Turkey Recipe

Jason Cleveland (Broker/Partner) shares one of his favorite turkey recipes to make, and we're pretty sure it will be one of your favorites too.

TURKEY CALLING TIPS FROM A 3X NWTF CHAMPION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...

----------------------------------------------------

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SELLING OR BUYING YOUR OWN HUNTING PROPERTY, GIVE US A CALL! 855-573-LAND

Trophy Properties and Auction practices #feedthefamily lifestyle through hunting and conservation.

----------------------------------------------------

Check out more of our content and our properties for sale! Website: https://trophypa.com/

Lifestyle Content: https://trophypa.com/lifestyle



]]> <![CDATA[HOW TO CALL TURKEYS - Turkey Calling Tips from a 3X National Champion!]]>
Turkey Calling Tips From 3X National Champion Billy Yargus

We sat down with the legendary Billy Yargus of Woodhaven Custom Calls and asked him to give us some tips and tricks for calling Turkeys, both with a mouth call and with a friction call.

TIMESTAMPS

00:12 - Mouth Call Basics

02:15 - Having a Conversation with the Turkey

03:24 - Calling with Your Diaphragm

04:47 - Calling at First Light

08:11 - Mouth Call = Hands Free

08:54 - Using Your Hand to Control Sound

10:15 - How to Use a Friction Call

12:25 - Using the Striker

15:36 - Trigger a Shock Gobble

- Sorry there was an issue with the shock gobble audio. Here is that section when we had this series broken down into multiple videos.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?...

Billy's been turkey hunting for 32 years and says he still enjoys it as much today as he did when he was a young boy. He has had the privilege to hunt many states and to accomplish killing the coveted Grand Slam. He is a competitive turkey caller, he has won many championships including the N.W.T.F. Grand National title in 2008, Mid America Open 3 times, U.S. Open, the Missouri State championship 3 times, 2 World Championship titles in the Two Man Team Challenge, and many other titles since his first calling contest in 1996. He gives us some great tips to keep in mind for this coming season!

Hopefully, these tips help you call in a big Tom this coming season!

Billy Yargus:

https://woodhavencustomcalls.c...

https://www.flambeauoutdoors.c...

-------------------------------------------------

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SELLING OR BUYING YOUR OWN HUNTING PROPERTY, GIVE US A CALL! 855-573-LAND

leads@trophypa.com

Trophy Properties and Auction practices #feedthefamily lifestyle through hunting and conservation.

----------------------------------------------------

Check out more of our content and our properties for sale!

Website: https://trophypa.com/

Lifestyle Content: https://trophypa.com/lifestyle



]]> <![CDATA[How to get started MANAGING YOUR LAND - Landowner Assistance Programs]]>
Getting Started with Land Management and Landowner Assistance Programs

It can be hard to figure out where to start with your land projects. TPA Land & Wildlife Specialist Courtney Nicks tell us how to get starting with your land management projects. Her recommendation is to reach out to your local Private Land Conservationist. This is also a good opportunity to learn about cost share opportunities and grants that are out there for private land owners.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SELLING OR BUYING YOUR OWN HUNTING PROPERTY, GIVE US A CALL! 855-573-5263

Trophy Properties and Auction practices #feedthefamily lifestyle through hunting and conservation.

----------------------------------------------------

Check out more of our content and our properties for sale!

Website: https://trophypa.com/

Lifestyle Content: https://trophypa.com/lifestyle

----------------------------------------------------

FOLLOW US!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Troph......

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]]> <![CDATA[Why Are WILD TURKEY and QUAIL Populations DECLINING?]]>
Why Are WILD TURKEY and QUAIL Populations DECLINING?

Have you been seeing fewer turkeys and quail each year?

TPA Land & Wildlife Specialist Courtney Nicks gives us the top reasons why these birds are struggling and what we need to do to help them! Follow along on this series of Upland Bird Management!

Looking to learn more about Courtney? Visit https://trophypa.com/agents/co...

Want to work with Courtney? Call or Text (573) 694-5316

Check out more of our content and our properties for sale!

Website: https://trophypa.com/

Lifestyle Content: https://trophypa.com/lifestyle

]]> <![CDATA[Land Improvements for TURKEY and QUAIL Habitat]]>
Land Improvements for Turkey and Quail Habitat

Looking to attract and increase the number of turkeys, quail and other upland birds on your property? TPA Land and Wildlife Specialist Courtney Nicks tells us the THREE KEY ELEMENTS these birds need.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SELLING OR BUYING YOUR OWN HUNTING PROPERTY, GIVE US A CALL! (855) 573-5263

Contact Courtney Nicks 573-694-5316

Trophy Properties and Auction practices #feedthefamily lifestyle through hunting and conservation.

00:00 - Intro

00:18 - Nesting Cover

01:08 - Brood Rearing Cover

01:52 - Escape Cover

----------------------------------------------------

Check out more of our content and our properties for sale!

Website: https://trophypa.com/

Lifestyle Content: https://trophypa.com/lifestyle

----------------------------------------------------

FOLLOW US!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Troph......

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]]> <![CDATA[TrophyCast Ep 6 - Residential vs Land Real Estate - Brooks & Young Team]]>

Did you know we also have a residential division??

In this episode, we chat with Michelle Brooks and Ana Young of the Brooks & Young Team. They are Residential Specialists at Trophy Properties and Auction; but don't let that title fool you, they are also experts in Horse Properties, Lake of the Ozarks properties, New Construction, etc... They are top producers for a reason.

In this episode, we talk about the differences in selling Land and Residential Properties, what it means to be a "Hybrid Agent", why they choose to work at Trophy Properties and Auction, and a lot more. We hope you enjoy this chat with Ana and Michelle. If you would like to learn more about them or work with them, please visit: http://brooksandyoungteam.com/

]]> <![CDATA[DUCK HUNT - NEW MADRID, MO - JAN 2023]]>
DUCK HUNT - NEW MADRID, MO - JAN 2023

The Trophy Properties and Auction Team went down to New Madrid, MO to see some old friends and hunt some ducks. To say it was a success would be an understatement!

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SELLING OR BUYING YOUR OWN WATERFOWL PROPERTY, GIVE US A CALL! (855) 573-5263

Trophy Properties and Auction practices #feedthefamily lifestyle through hunting and conservation.

If you are interested in some great recipes for cooking the duck you harvest, check these out!

https://www.youtube.com/playli...

----------------------------------------------------

Check out more of our content and our properties for sale!

Website: https://trophypa.com/

Lifestyle Content: https://trophypa.com/lifestyle

]]> <![CDATA[Duck Liver Pâté - Wild Game Cooking]]>
Cooking with Wild Game - Duck Liver Pâté

Don't like eating duck? Well, maybe you're just not cooking it right! There is so much more to a duck than just a skinless duck breast. Watch as Jason Cleveland (Broker/Partner), learns how to make a delicious Duck Liver Pâté from our friend, Dr. Matt Lavalle.

Food is like hunting, it's an experience best shared with others. Trophy Properties and Auction practices #feedthefamily lifestyle through hunting and conservation.

Duck Hunting In the Bootheel: https://youtu.be/ptGRrG3VhhI

Check out more of our content and our properties for sale!

Website: https://trophypa.com/

Lifestyle Content: https://trophypa.com/lifestyle

]]> <![CDATA[TrophyCast Ep 5 - HISTORY OF THE BRAND - Trophy Properties and Auction]]>

There are literally thousands of real estate brokerages out there, so why was Trophy Properties and Auction started? And if you are a real estate agent, why should you consider working with us?

In this episode, we sit down with the founders/owners/brokers of Trophy Properties and Auction, Phil Brown and Jason Cleveland, to discuss the HOW and WHY behind the creation of our company. We like to think we do things a little differently around here, take a listen and find out how working with Trophy Properties and Auction can be a win-win!

Give us a call if you are interested in learning more about how to join our team!
Thanks for listening!

]]> <![CDATA[TrophyCast Ep. 4 - 2023 Resolution: Getting into Hunting and Buying Your First Recreational Property]]>

We've heard from multiple people that their New Year's Resolution for 2023 is to get into hunting and/or buy their first recreational property. In this episode, the Brokers and Partners of Trophy Properties and Auction - Phil Brown and Jason Cleveland - sit down to give their advice on how someone could start living a more outdoor lifestyle and the first steps you can take toward buying your first property.

]]>