The Scoop

The Future of Forest-Recreation Lands in Wisconsin

Editor’s Note: Joel Braun of Princeton, Wisconsin, one of the newest members of the Mossy Oak Properties’ network, hopes to open 15 offices in Wisconsin during the next 5 years as he continues to notice a growing demand for forest-recreation property in his home state. Question: Joel, what’s the future of forest-recreation lands in Wisconsin? Braun: Even in what’s been described as a depressed real-estate market, investors are looking for prime forest-recreation lands in Wisconsin and purchasing as soon as it comes to the market. With the way land in Wisconsin has appreciated over the last 5 years, investors have proven that this type of property can provide a good return on their investments – whether they buy and sell it or buy and hold it. They also have the advantage of not having to worry about having places to hunt with their families. Also, with the price of corn increasing, even if they don’t want to hunt on the lands, the properties either can be farmed or leased for hunting. We have plenty of game here in Wisconsin. If you bowhunt, our bow season starts the second week in September and runs until January 3. We have an Earn-a-Buck program for our bow season, which means you have to shoot a doe to earn the right to harvest a buck. You either have to take a doe the year before or the same year you get your sticker for shooting a buck. You also can buy bonus tags for does. Read more...