The Oaks - A Kansas Haven

THE CONCEPT -

With the inception of more prolific wildlife and habitat management over the last few decades, the process of purchasing, managing, and effectively hunting land has greatly evolved in recent times. Over that period, many educated and thoughtful managers or researchers have developed new strategies and concepts in how to best grow and control your wildlife populations. The goal is to create a self-sustaining system that produces results of healthy and relaxed wildlife consistently over long periods of time. Giving back to the land and the wildlife on a consistent basis has proven to be the key ingredient for many places, but especially here at “The Oaks.”

BUILDING A HAVEN -

In most cases, the building and maintaining of a wildlife herd seems difficult and many times fall short because, as we all know, Mother Nature has its ways of correcting itself and being unpredictable, so there are always hurdles. When the plan all comes together, it can be beautiful. In the case of “The Oaks,” it has all come together. The culmination of research, steady implementation, strict evaluations, and simply a lot of time has yielded strong results. It all started with the acquisition of a property with a much larger than average timber habitat mass, and that was not by accident. As viewed from an aerial perspective, this property is a sizeable portion of what is likely the largest block of timber in the county and certainly in the immediate area. Taking that habitat and then structuring the management plan around what the land provides, all the while learning through implementation and adjustments, has been no small undertaking for the current owners. It has been years worth of studying the deer and their habits, where they are traveling and why, how they are using the land, and then laying the management plan over the top of that landscape. There are 17 regenerative no-till food plots here. A number of those plots are large and are utilized as sanctuary feeder plots, some are used for observation, and some are used for hunting. The largest and most centrally located food plots are never hunted; they are simply left for the deer and other wildlife to forage undisturbed. In addition, there are also 14 mini plots or constructed openings that are utilized for staging activity sites which have been thoughtfully placed and lay on the outskirts of the feeder plots or along travel corridors. To accommodate access to these areas while trying to leave the wildlife comfortably undisturbed, the approximate 14 miles of trails include main trails but also entry and exit sneak routes for the best possible undisturbed access to hunt locations. And the list of detailed hunting and management improvements goes on and on, from hand planted fruit and nut orchards in most all food plots, to major predator control, to population study analysis. Upon scrolling through the specific bullet points contained within this profile below, you will see more details of the additional practices that have been religiously maintained here.

EXTENSIVE INVENTORY -

There are many good hunting properties, but there are very few strong producers. The research and development are obviously the key additions on top of the right mix of Mother Nature. To track the benefits over time takes a tenacious commitment to learn your deer and follow them as they grow. Through the extensive trail camera history at “The Oaks,” it is easy to see that many of the deer that current ownership has grown on the property were harvested here. But considering the location just off of the major river bottoms of the Verdigris River and the exceptional habitat along Sandy Creek, this property also is prolific in the travel and migrating deer realm. Extensive numbers of mature bucks per year venture onto and through this property as crop harvest and fall pressure prove to be a major benefit in helping moved deer find sanctuary here. Through intricate trail camera surveying, it has been realized that the goals of growing, attracting, and sustaining a large number of mature bucks have been realized year over year. The number of bucks here, both mature and younger age brackets, is the number one key feature. It is common to have multiple deer, multiple bucks, and a wide array of wildlife on every sit. The long-term goal and strategy in the management plan here were to establish maximum wildlife growth and replacement. That is what is here now, with quality age structure, high deer density, herd health, and an everyday sanctuary locale. Not by just one simple step but lots of steps over time has this occurred, steps like fruit and nut orchards at every turn, by ample food, by entrance and exit trails, by strong predator control, by inventory of animals, and by maintaining sanctuary level operations. This property is simply a smooth running wildlife machine.

COMFORT FOR EVERYONE -

Not only has “The Oaks” been built for complete comfort for the wildlife, it has also been built for the steward’s comfort right in along with them, literally cohabiting. It is a daily event to have the turkeys and large numbers of deer or other wildlife standing right outside the lodge windows in full viewing pleasure. The deer have become accustomed to the relaxed atmosphere that is found throughout the property, and although the lodge and structures within the homestead area are large, the animals seem to pay them no attention. The construction of this timber frame style lodge was no small undertaking, and it took several months of driveway and pad preparation to even accommodate and access the building site, which just happens to be one of the highest points in the entire county. There is approximately ¾ of a mile of 12’ wide rocked driveway and rural water lines that were buried over 1¾ mile to supply the lodge with rural water and numerous other dedicated features. The design of the lodge was developed with the idea of not having to go in and out of the homestead area very often since it is a reasonable distance from the nearest town and the drive to local establishments is venturesome. The seclusion of the lodge headquarters was built to have privacy and everything you might need right there. This custom built one of a kind lodge boasts enough fine details and upscale amenities that it is difficult to list them here. Through the pictures and feature highlights below, you can just start to get a feel for the work that has gone into this property and lodge setting. From the complex water system to the convenient fuel storage, from the expansive kitchen to the theatre room popcorn maker, from the roomy bedrooms to the sky-high ceilings, this lodge was made for staying comfortable, and that comfort is side by side with the wildlife.

HISTORICAL VALUE -

This area of Kansas has long been the focus of stories related to the past and the famous people that made those stories. Jesse James is just one, but the stories of Jesse James and the relation to this particular area are likely related to the unique habitats and expansive timbered hills that have always drawn people to this place. This property is littered with early 1900s historical carvings and rock outcroppings that tell parts of those stories. Native American artifacts that have been found here would certainly predate that activity. There is a cave on the property that bears proof that people stayed there and used it for anything from a home to a hideout. It is easy to see why throughout the past, people have found solace in this property and the surrounding area. It simply stands out when you view it on a map, and when you stand over rocks where people of the past have told their stories, it stands out in person as well.

FAMILY FUN -

Managing deer and wildlife is serious business, but that should always take a back seat to a good family adventure. Even though the policies and procedures of this highly productive property have been followed to the highest degree, the goal has still always been enjoyment. The time is sometimes right to walk down to the pond that was specifically constructed for fishing and let the kids be kids. Even though the entire fall hunting season is dedicated to using only electric UTVs for minimal disturbance, sometimes it's okay to take a ride down to the creek and look for arrowheads. And even as the evening deer families pour into the yard, they will certainly welcome you to use your porch to enjoy the sunset. This property is not only the middle of the wagon wheel for the wildlife, it is also a world-class memory maker. It is not only a primetime setup for the serious deer manager, it is also perfect for a recreational family estate. It will accommodate corporate outings or team building at its best. With approximately 14 miles of trails, it is easy to get lost in the beauty and the personality of this property, that is for certain.

BEHIND THE GATES -

All perimeters fenced, rolling elevation changes, springs, creeks, strictly managed wildlife, premier accommodations, privacy, seclusion, virtually no road frontage, trail system, and the list just goes on and on…all behind the locked gates. For those who have searched for the one property that can fulfill the recreational dreams, “The Oaks” has been being prepared for almost a decade to meet those expectations. It is a personal and private wildlife estate. Co-broking agents are welcome, but listing agent must be present at all showings. Buyer credentials and financials will be required.

LOCATION -

• Located just 17 miles SW of Yates Center, KS

• 127 miles SW of Overland Park, KS

• 155 miles S of KC International Airport

• 90 miles ENE of Wichita, KS

• 243 miles NNE of Oklahoma City, OK

• 380 miles N of Dallas, TX

MAIN HIGHLIGHTS -

• 5,067 +/- square foot “Timber Frame” style upscale lodge

• Approximately 4,668 sq ft of finished living space

• 960 square feet of porch area surrounding much of the lodge

• 960 square foot attached garage

• 3,200 square foot “Timber Frame” style barn

• 1,920 square feet of overhang style lean-to on barn

• 2X6 exterior walls construction

• 68 “Pella” Windows

• Spray foam Insulation all exterior walls and roofing

• All interior walls soundproofed

• Building made of Douglas Fur hand cut and delivered from Oregon

• On-Demand water heater

• 2 “Train” heat pump furnaces with A/C. Five zones for independent temperature control

• 4 full bathrooms, one per each main bedroom with custom tile showers and flooring. Each includes custom knotty alder cabinets, mirror and stone sink. Showers all have 12-inch rain heads with extender arms

• 1 full guest bathroom with custom tile shower and flooring. Custom knotty alder cabinets and mirror with stone sink

• 6 bedrooms upstairs includes the cabin in a cabin guest rooms

• Library 2nd level

• Office 2nd level

• Dedicated 2nd level full laundry room

• 1 half bath down stairs

• Propane powered “generac” backup generator

• Beautiful custom-built knotty alder grand staircase

• (3) 50 Inch 4K flat screens with cable access and “Bose” sound bars

• (1) 65 Inch 4K flat screen in primary bedroom, “Bose” sound bar with cable access

• Adjustable ceiling fans in each bedroom

• Full walking-in closet in each main bedroom

• Wi-Fi throughout entire building

• Wi-Fi booster

• Security system

• Connected to power grid

• Rural water

• 1000 gallon propane tank (rented)

• 3 500 gallon fuel tanks (gas, diesel, off-road diesel) (rented)

• 4 outdoor water spickets one per side of building

• Outdoor power all sides of the building

• “HEOS” sound system with ceiling speakers in most rooms including kitchen and great room (blue tooth accessible)

• Aviator ceiling fans in great room and library

• 6-inch seamless gutters

• Anaerobic lagoon

• Underground piping from roof to remove water runoff from roof

KITCHEN -

• Dedicated coffee / tea station

• 10 x 7 foot custom granite Brazilian counter top over knotty alder cabinet Island. Seating for custom 4 leather bar stools

• 48 Inch stainless steel “Capital Culinarian Series” professional range (flat top, grill, and 4 propane burners, two convection ovens with rotisserie attachments)

• State of the art custom built hood 1,400 CFM

• 2 hand pinged copper sinks from Mexico (self-healing) located in island and other on west wall

• 2 stainless steel microwaves

• “LG” side by side stainless steel refrigerator with water and ice on demand

• “Bosch” stainless steel quiet touch dishwasher

• “Kraftmaid” knotty alder cabinets with custom inlays

• Under counter ambiance LED lighting all counters and island

• Acacia wood floor

BREAKFAST NOOK -

• Custom knotty alder breakfast nook with booth seating and an open bench

DINING ROOM -

• Private dining room with wrap around windows and custom-built Amish kitchen table

GREAT ROOM -

• Acacia wood floor

• Free standing “Blaze King” wood burning stove

• Hand cut custom natural rock wall for wood burning stove

PANTRY ROOM -

• Full size room with shelving

• Floor level mop sink

MOVIE THEATER -

• State of the art 30 x 20 theater dedicated room

• Theater has a 7.1 top end professionally designed surround sound system

• 130-inch Screen, 4K “Sony projector”

• “Sony” 4k blu-ray player

• Custom knotty alder wet bar with granite counter tops and copper pinged sink

• Bar has a custom knotty alder 6’ x 4’ mirror with side shelving for glasses and your favorite beverage

• Reclining leather three level stadium seating, including (tray table, USB plug-ins) under chair led lighting

• Walls, floor and ceiling are triple layered sound proofed, with sound absorbing features in the room for maximum viewing pleasure

• Carpet is theater grade and floor located in back of theater is wood acacia flooring

• Windows are shielded by custom sliding wood barn door shutters for maximum sound refraction and light blocking capabilities

• Recessed lighting in ceiling with 4 accent dimmable sconce lights

• Knotty alder theater door with sound lock drop bar

MUDROOM -

• 4 custom full-size closets for hunting gear with lights and outlets

• 1 half closet

• Plenty of storage

• Full wall of coat hook hangers

• Pressurized for scent control

• Sink and counter top area

• Complete laundry station

• Additional cabinets for storage

GARAGE -

• 2 stall garage doors with electric openers

• Extra deep and wide bays

• Gradual sloped concrete with drains in floor

• Stainless steel double sink with full sprayer arm

• Storage racks and recessed ceiling lighting

• Two (2) dedicated utility rooms

BASEMENT -

• Full basement with dedicated E-5 rated storm safe room

• Made of steel I-beams and concrete

• Large storage area with shelving

LIGHTING -

• Track lighting throughout lodge with dimmable switches

• Recessed ceiling lighting in in all rooms with dimmable switches for easy control

• Highlight sconces in all rooms

• Pedestal lights above island and breakfast nook

• Chandelier above dining table

OUTSIDE AMENITIES -

• Full wrap around concrete sidewalk for easy mobility

• Large concrete porch area overlooking the valley out back

• 54 feet of three-sided wrap around concrete porch

• With 12-foot-wide overhangs

• Outside perimeter has three mounted flood lights

• Entire lodge has outside ascent lighting

BARN -

• 40 x 80 storage barn with 12-foot lean-to on both sides

• South lean-two is poured concrete with water and electric accommodations

• Two horse stalls with water and electric with poured concrete pad in middle

• Outside lighting including flood light for horse pasture lighting

• Underground drain system

• 6 inch seamless gutters

• Large loft inside for off ground storage and potential recreation room

• Roughed in bathroom

• Roughed in walk-in cooler

• Two oversized garage doors and one regular with openers and keypads

• Two interior floor drains

• 2 exterior water tap and 1 interior of barn

• 3 high bay LED Lights

• Fully wired for outlet access throughout inside and out

RED STEEL STORAGE SHED -

• 30 x 20 steel shed with graveled parking area in front

• Steel grain storage bin

LAND HIGHLIGHTS -

• Fully fenced perimeter

• Gated and locked access points

• Security cameras on road access points

• Full 12-foot-wide graveled ¾ mile long driveway with terrace for water flow management

• Circle drive in front of lodge

• Full graveled U drive approach to back of lodge

• Large work and turn around area graveled between lodge and barn fuel area

• Interior road and trail access system 14 +/- miles

• Outside implement storage area

• Walking and horseback riding trails

ORCHARDS -

• 208 fruit and nut trees * See orchard chart

LAND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -

• Controlled burns

• TSI application

• Established tree stands and blind locations

• Extensive trail camera history since 2014

• Major predator control though trapping and calling with increased population growth on fawn recruitment, turkey and quail populations

• Whitetail population study analysis

• Managed buck to doe ratios

• Established mature buck age class

• 11 species nutritional based food plot blend practices

• 11 established mineral stations

• 3 species screening cover

• Fertilization of persimmon patches oaks ridges flats

WATER -

• 8-year-round ponds with fish (bluegill, catfish, bass)

• Dozens of freshwater springs

• Multiple seasonal creek bottoms (10-11 months active water)

• Multiple freestanding water stations (85 gallon)

FISHING -

• 2.5 acres pond located in the center of property (Construction finished in 2021)

• Estimated 10 million gallons of fresh water

• Dam is 450 feet long

• With a maximum depth 19.5 feet and a average depth 12 feet

• Massive underwater rock formation structures including large rocks up to 20 feet long, rock piles, sunken logs, submerged tree stumps, rock reefs, underwater islands, drop shelf’s

• 3-1 slope inclines

• Four spawning areas

• 10-inch over flow seep pipe with 2-inch drain let out valve for maintenance and a 30-foot graded spillway

• Stocked in 2021 with 10,000 fathead minnows and let them reproduce for three months, then added three sunfish species and Florida strain largemouth bass fry

PONDS -

1 Red Barn

2 Heart Pond

3 Oasis

4 Duck Weed

5 Golden

6 Pit

7 Slip Rock

8 Shady

FOOD PLOTS -

40 +/- Food plot acres

17 Regenerative farmed no-till food plots

1 Lodge

2 Home field

3 Runway

4 Flats North and South

5 11 acres

6 Monument

7 Crossing

8 Rabbit

9 Triangle

10 Bottoms

11 Mary’s field

12 U-field

13 Yard

14 Meadow

15 The YARD

16 Foundation 1

16 Foundation 2

STAGING KILL SITE AREAS -

1 Mary’s place

2 Bobcat

3 Meadows staging area

4 Switch back off back road to meadows

5 Circle

6 Fence line

7 Clover crossing

8 Bottoms staging

9 Monument

10 Pipeline

11 Red Gate

12 Hill Top

13 Long field

14 Big pond Look Out Point East side

FEEDERS -

• 4 Outback steel 3-ton feeders

HISTORICAL DATA -

• Workers stayed on property while building Lake Fagen (Woodson County State Fishing Lake) in the 1930’s

• Famous Overhang Cave where people stayed

• Rock outcrop gorge with many historical carvings on rocks from as early as late 1800’s

• Locals and local historians claim Jesse James stashed caches around the area

• Historical stacked rock fences throughout the property

• Several native artifacts have been found here

• Many early settlement rock house foundations on property