I have friends--the wife has been a friend for almost twenty years and the husband for much less--who came to my farm a couple of months ago to hunt and loved the area. They had been trying to buy land in Illinois for over a year but couldn't find anything suitable that was also affordable. They have spent two months looking and finally arrived at terms a few days ago and will close in February.
They purchased a hundred acres--85 timbered with 100 y/o oaks, hickories, etc. (mature timber) and an eight acre "food plot" field in the center, three ponds, a 40'X60' shed with a work shop and partial concrete floor, new roof, two houses--one built on a slab in 1988, nothing fancy, but sound and well kept, city water, a second "guest house" that is pretty shabby but 1200 sq. ft.
The place is loaded with deer and turkey, and of course, small game. Dunno about fish in the ponds or size of the ponds.
They are thrilled!