Hyde County, NC Hunting Property

Ranch Description

This 370 acre tract has it all. From big black bears, whitetail deer, wild turkeys, and waterfowl, to it's own 18 acre fish pond. There's not really, much more you could ask for. This property is located just a few miles north of Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge and even closer to the Alligator River, putting it in a great flyway for ducks, geese, and swans. The tract has also been managed for wildlife for approximately 18 years.

This property started out as a 185 acre farm, with a small impoundment on it. The new owner put several acres in CRP and other programs, planting several acres of pines, and various species of oaks, with some cypress trees, creating buffers and a good food source for wildlife. There were also, filter strips put in to add more habitat for quail and other small game species. A large pond was also, added to provide refuge and nesting areas for waterfowl. The pond was also stocked with largemouth bass, bream, and shellcrackers. The fishing for these species of freshwater fish, is outstanding. The next improvement was the conversion of approximately 45 acres of farmland, next to the pond, into three waterfowl impoundments. Over the next few years, with careful management, these proved to be some of the most productive duck ponds in the area. After all of these improvements and changes, there are still roughly 40 acres of tillable farmland that can be leased or planted for wildlife. As time went on, another 185+- acres of timberland was added, to really make this tract complete.

The fish pond's banks, to the south and west, are planted in sawtooth oaks, crab apple and pear trees, with a few persimmons. It's a beautiful sight in the spring when they are in full bloom, plus it offers a great food source for wildlife in the fall and winter. The pond has a small pier and boathouse and several wood duck boxes, set up for local nesting pairs. There is an eight inch well that is set up to maintain water levels in the pond and also furnish water for the impoundments. A septic permit has been issued, but needs to be renewed, since it has expired. There is a one inch well and electric panel in place for a cabin, or any other structure desired, on a beautiful building site overlooking the pond.

The three duck impoundments are approximately 15 acres each, and can be flooded separately. Each pond has it's own water control structure, and can be gravity fed from the fish pond. This unique design does away, with the need and cost of running pumps. Being able to flood in stages makes it possible for the food source to last, to the end of the season. The fish pond also holds ducks and geese as well, providing gunning in the early teal season, geese in the September season and the last two weeks in January. Managed properly, these ponds are as good as any, and better than most in the area.

Hyde County is known for big black bears and this property is no exception. With the agriculture crops, and the adjoining timber, the bears have plenty of food and cover. With the new baiting laws, there should not be a problem keeping as many bears around as you would want. There is also good deer hunting, in this area. There are several nice stands set up and ready to hunt. In the timber part of the property, there are several shooting lanes and food plots also ready to go. The wild turkey population continues to grow in this area as well. It's not uncommon to see several, while riding in, to go fishing or just to check on things. Several nice long beards have been taken in the past few years.

The CRP programs have expired, so there are no restrictions on the farmland. The woodland that was added, is in the WRP program and has some restrictions on drainage. Timber can be harvested, but under certain guidelines. There are approximately 16 acres of planted pine trees, that are 18 years old and could be harvested. There are about 35 farmable acres cleared. If the filter strips were removed and the pines and hardwoods taken out, there could possibly be around 125 acres of farmland including the impoundments.

This is a rare find and the possibilities are endless. This property has everything one could ask for, making this a true sportsman's paradise. Come take a look for yourself, and see what this Hyde County gem has to offer. I know you will be impressed.