It’s been a life long dream to own my own hunting/timber land. I’m at a point in my life I can finally seriously consider it. I can hunt on the land I live on but it’s mostly pasture and not a lot of deer. For me to pull the trigger I have to see value in the purchase it has to be an investment. How much appreciation can I expect to see in recreational property? Can I expect timber values to increase in the coming years? Is timber even a viable investment anymore? I have to be able to at least break even if I or my family ever have to sell. What say all the Aldeer experts?

They aren't making any more land. Buy all you can at a reasonable price.

Reasonable price in N bama can be tough right now

If you have to borrow the money, especially if you have to borrow it on the land I cant see it as a money maker.

This

We bought 152 acres of planted pine near Dozier, Al about seven years ago. It was a foreclosure so we got a great deal. We are about two years away from our first cut. The deer hunting has been great and the turkey hunting is decent. We have really enjoyed the property.

Good deals can be had just make sure what your buying is one ...you'll hardly ever make anything paying premium unless u get lucky.. patience is the key just cuz u can afford it now don't be to quick to pull trigger unless you done research surrounding land purchases and its a steal
Now if it's something not considered investment and u want it buy it while u can

If you’re not talking about areas near development, I haven’t seen any increase in land prices in 15 years. I know many will refute that, but I’ve closely followed it (in the areas I pay attention to).

In areas that could be turned into neighborhoods etc, this does not apply.

Stock market would’ve easily beaten most any land investment recently. But it’s not as fun.

My grandad bout 172 acres for 250k 4 years ago with farm house sold over 100k in timber still got the house n 172 acres for less than 150k house is worth 65k u do the math it's replanted in pines now but this is how he's accumulated his wealth he's 85 n still buying n cutting timber btw they wanted 400k for that and he offered 250 and they took it so always offer somethi mg ridiculously cheap

Dang jb he stole that....good for himThe first thing you need to do is decide how much use you will get and what the potential is on the property to meet your personal goals...If you totin the note....

Some land is on my eventual todo list but I won't be viewing it as an outright investment.
If I can cut some timber and offset the cost, cool but it will be viewed as recreational for me.

What difference does it make??? You pay cash your going to lose on the money you can make in the stock market. I prefer to borrow at say 5% and leave my money in the stock market making more like 8%.

I bought 2 tracts of timber/pasture land 5 years ago within a 25 minute drive of downtown Auburn. Had some decent dove shoots on both places....killed a few Deer...Turkey huntin' is excellent.....and the land is worth a good 25% more than when I bought it....plus the Cabin/Barn I built is worth twice what I built it for. But I was able to pay Cash for all of it....plus have had fun with it....

Nothing wrong in your thoughts as long as your income is stable

That's what Im talking about Festus....A success story....

Depends on what kind of timber , Pine or hardwood? Mature and ripe to cut or years away. Then there's always , location, location, location. It's stupid high up here in Hillbilly land, folks buying and paying big $ and flipping and making a handsome profit. No matter what you are in the market for, there's always bargains out there, however, they may be hard to find and recognize .

Trust me it will be more for recreation. I can make more money in the market.

The dow and Nasdaq could drop 50% tomorrow and not be back for ten years. Of you have the cash in the stock market a good realestate purchase can mitigate investment risk.

I am of the same thought process as you. I understand index funds/ETFs a lot better than I do land.
Not to mention stocks are way more liquid if want/need to sell.

I know many will say, "they ain't makin mo land" but there is land that is pretty well worthless today and will likely be pretty well worthless 20 years from now.

True but if it has deer and timber value it’s never worthless.