Southern Illinois LandGuys land broker specializing in hunting land, habitat restoration, and conservation-focused property
Gage Shepard is a LandGuys land broker licensed in Illinois, serving landowners and buyers across Jackson County, Williamson County, Johnson County, and Union County in Southern Illinois. He specializes in hunting land, recreational property, timber ground, and rural acreage, helping clients evaluate property value, identify land potential, and navigate rural real estate decisions with confidence. With a background in wildlife biology and conservation, Gage brings a strong understanding of habitat, land management, and the factors that influence long-term land value.
Gage is known for his practical approach, strong land knowledge, and conservation mindset. He helps clients understand what makes a property hunt well today and what can be improved to increase both wildlife potential and market value.
Gage was born and raised in Central Illinois and developed a passion for the outdoors at a young age through hunting and fishing with his grandfather. That early exposure grew into a lifelong interest in wildlife, habitat, and land stewardship.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology and Conservation from Southern Illinois University. During his time in Southern Illinois, he gained a deep appreciation for the region’s terrain, habitat diversity, and strong hunting culture, including its well-known public land opportunities.
Gage has hunted across a wide range of landscapes on both public and private ground, with a strong focus on bowhunting whitetails. His education and field experience have also given him a practical understanding of habitat restoration, conservation planning, and how land improvements can increase a property’s value and usability.
Gage helps sellers evaluate land value by reviewing comparable sales and analyzing key property features such as timber, access, food sources, water, terrain, and any income potential from tillable acres or government programs. He also helps landowners identify improvements that may increase hunting quality and overall market appeal.
For buyers, Gage helps evaluate a property based on how it will actually function, including habitat layout, hunting access, travel corridors, and the ability to manage the land long-term. He understands how serious recreational buyers think and helps clients recognize both current value and future potential.
Licensed in Illinois
Serves Jackson County, Williamson County, Johnson County, and Union County in Southern Illinois
Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology and Conservation from Southern Illinois University
Specializes in hunting land, recreational property, timber ground, and rural acreage
Strong knowledge of habitat restoration and land improvement planning
Experience working with wetlands, prairie habitat, and diverse ecosystems
Familiar with government programs and conservation incentives for landowners
Active bowhunter with hands-on understanding of what makes a property hunt well
Network of biologists and conservation professionals to support landowner goals
Experienced evaluating access, trail systems, habitat quality, and timber value
Quality habitat is one of the biggest value drivers, along with food plots, trail systems, water sources, and merchantable timber. Access is also critical, because hunters want to be able to enter and exit a property without disturbing bedding areas. A history of big bucks can help a property stand out, especially if it can be documented with trail camera photos. I always encourage landowners to run trail cameras, even if they do not hunt, because it can be a strong marketing tool later. A well-maintained trail system is also a major advantage because it improves usability with relatively low long-term maintenance.
Land values in Southern Illinois depend heavily on location, access, tillable acres, soil productivity, timber value, and current market demand. The most accurate way to determine value is by comparing recent sales of similar properties in the area. I also like to walk the property with the landowner because aerial maps and tax data do not always tell the full story. Features like terrain, habitat layout, and internal access can change value significantly. Once those details are understood, pricing becomes much clearer.
CRP rates are set by the local USDA FSA office and are based largely on soil types and the specific practice being enrolled. In Southern Illinois, CRP payments often fall in the range of about $100 to $200 per acre per year, but the exact number can vary. Some programs also offer signing incentives and cost-share assistance to help cover establishment expenses. CRP can be a strong option for landowners looking for annual income while improving wildlife habitat. I help landowners understand what programs may apply and how they impact land value and future use.
Gage enjoys working with clients who care about hunting, land stewardship, and improving a property over time. As an aspiring landowner himself, he understands the importance of making smart decisions and evaluating both short-term use and long-term value. Gage takes pride in helping landowners build better habitat and helping buyers find ground they can enjoy and manage for years.
Member of Ducks Unlimited
Member of the National Deer Association
Member of the National Wild Turkey Federation
Licensed in Illinois (475.213071) | LandGuys, LLC of Illinois | Springfield, Illinois
