Illinois Land Specialist | Top-Producing Broker | LandGuys, LLC
Illinois LandGuys broker specializing in recreational land, hunting properties, fishing properties, timber tracts, tillable acreage, vacant land, and country homes on large acreage.
Serving landowners and buyers in Adams, Brown, Hancock, McDonough, and Schuyler counties.
Toby Stay has over 18 years of experience as a full-time land broker with LandGuys, LLC, and has established himself as one of the most trusted and high-performing land professionals in Illinois. Recognized as a Top Illinois Agent by Land Agent Magazine (2023) and LandGuys’ top-producing broker for 17 consecutive years, Toby has built a reputation for delivering consistent results while setting the benchmark for excellence in rural real estate.
Local Ground. Wherever You're Looking
Specializing in recreational land, hunting properties, fishing properties, timber tracts, tillable acreage, vacant land, and country homes on large acreage, Toby is not just participating in the market, he is helping define it. The volume of land he represents and sells positions him as a key influence in establishing property values throughout west-central Illinois.
Toby primarily serves clients in Adams, Brown, Hancock, McDonough, and Schuyler counties, where he is widely recognized as a go-to land expert. However, his reach extends far beyond, occasionally assisting buyers from across the state. No matter where the opportunity exists, Toby is committed to representing his clients’ best interests and will go wherever their goals take them.
Expertise Rooted in the Land
Before his real estate career, Toby spent more than two decades as a professional hunting guide and is an accomplished bowhunter with a lifetime of experience pursuing trophy whitetails. This background gives him a distinct advantage in evaluating land, understanding wildlife habitat, and identifying the features that truly drive value in recreational and investment-grade properties. As a landowner and investor, himself, Toby brings real-world perspective to every transaction, helping clients make confident, informed decisions.
Backed by the full capabilities of LandGuys, LLC, Toby leverages cutting-edge technology and innovative marketing strategies, including aerial drone photography, high-end media production, and targeted exposure across leading platforms such as Land.com and LandWatch.com. At the same time, his extensive network of qualified buyers, built over nearly two decades, often allows him to match properties efficiently without unnecessary expense. This flexibility enables him to offer a strategic and competitive approach tailored to each individual property and client goal, whether that means a fast, efficient sale or maximizing value through a more comprehensive marketing plan.
Built on Trust. Backed by Experience
What truly sets Toby apart is his unwavering commitment to relationships. Many of his clients begin with the purchase of their first 20-acre tract and return years later as their needs evolve, buying, selling, and investing multiple times over. Toby strives to be his clients’ exclusive land advisor, earning their trust to the point that they seek his guidance even on properties listed by other brokers. For him, success is not defined by a single transaction, but by a lifetime of partnership. Many clients from nearly two decades ago still work exclusively with him today and are part of what he considers his inner circle. His leadership in both the land and whitetail industries has also allowed him to build a strong network of trusted professionals beyond Illinois. Toby frequently connects clients with vetted brokers in states such as Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, and Ohio, ensuring they receive expert representation while he remains actively involved in evaluating opportunities and guiding decisions from start to finish. Over the years Toby has consulted for and completed land managments projects for: The Whitetail Group, music artist Bobby Kendall, Jarred Kelenic of the MLB, and Lee Lakosky of Crush with Lee & Tiffany.
Toby operates with a high level of integrity and a clear understanding that land transactions are about far more than buying and selling. He recognizes that each decision impacts his clients’ future, how they invest, how they spend time with family and friends, and the legacy they hope to build. Whether guiding a first-time buyer or advising a long-time landowner, he approaches every relationship with honesty, insight, and a commitment to helping clients succeed on their terms.
Land is more than a place on a map. It is history, hope, and a future. It’s where memories are made, families grow, and dreams take root.
This is not just real estate. It is real life, rooted in values, passed through hands, and told through land. When land becomes more than dirt, it becomes your story. Your land is my passion.
EVERY PROPERTY TELLS A STORY™ — Let me help you tell yours.
Common questions Toby gets from landowners and buyers
What should you look for when buying hunting recreational land in West Central Illinois?
The most important factor when purchasing hunting or recreational land in West Central Illinois is working with a local land broker who specializes in the specific county or region you’re targeting.
An experienced West Central Illinois land broker understands critical factors that directly impact the property's value and usability, including:
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Wildlife habitat quality (deer, turkey, and other game populations)
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Soil types and terrain that affect both farming income and hunting success
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Access points and road frontage for usability and resale value
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Nearby hunting pressure and land use patterns
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Income potential from row crop, CRP programs, or leasing
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Local regulations, zoning, and property taxes
Because land characteristics can vary significantly between Adams, Brown, Hancock, McDonough, and Schuyler Counties, a knowledgeable local expert can help you avoid costly mistakes and identify properties with the best long-term investment and hunting potential.
Why are Adams County, Brown County, Hancock County, McDonough County, and Schuyler County in Illinois one of the most sought-after trophy deer hunting locations in the United States?
Adams, Brown, Hancock, McDonough, and Schuyler County, Illinois are widely recognized as some of the top destinations for trophy whitetail deer hunting in the United States due to their ideal combination of habitat, land management, and nutrition. These counties feature rich, highly productive soils that support strong agricultural yields such as corn and soybeans. These nutrient-dense food sources play a critical role in helping whitetail deer grow larger bodies and bigger antlers, making these West Central areas especially attractive for hunters seeking trophy-class bucks.
In addition, a large percentage of landowners in West Central IL, Brown County specifically, practice Quality Deer Management (QDM). This approach focuses on balanced deer populations, improved habitat, and allowing bucks to reach full maturity. Because this strategy is widely adopted across the region, it creates a consistent environment for producing mature, high-scoring deer. As a result, Adams, Brown, Hancock, McDonough, and Schuyler County IL continue to produce a high number of trophy whitetail bucks each year, solidifying their reputation as a premier location for deer hunting farms and recreational land investment.
Is purchasing land in West Central Ilinois a good investment?
Yes, buying land in Adams County, Brown County, Hancock County, McDonough County, and Schuyler County has proven to be a strong long-term investment, particularly for recreational and agricultural buyers.
Over the past five years, recreational land values in Western Illinois have increased significantly, driven by growing demand for hunting property, farmland, and rural retreats. As land is a finite resource, limited supply continues to push values upward making it an attractive asset for both appreciation and personal use.
Many properties in these counties offer income-generating opportunities, including:
- Cash rent from tillable acreage
- Government programs like the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
- Potential leasing for hunting or recreation
Ultimately, the best investment is one that provides both financial return and personal enjoyment. If the property fits your lifestyle, whether for hunting, farming, or family use, you benefit from both ROI and long-term memories.
Affiliations
Member of the National Association of REALTORS®
License
Licensed in Illinois (475.136304): LandGuys, LLC of Illinois | Springfield, IL
