We purchased this property in May of 2011. That particular month saw record flooding throughout much of the Mississippi River Valley, and our property was no different. Much of the property was completely submerged by as much as 5 feet of water throughout April, May and June. Finally, a crest of the Mighty Mississippi on May 25 and a slow fall began to drain 3F Farms and all surrounding properties. Even so, an exploring trip on June 4, 2011 saw much of the property still under water. While hunting on the property in the Fall/Winter of 2011 the many oak trees planted on the 300 acres left the signature of the record setting flood with watermarks near head high.
Once the property completely dried out, work began on the designated 10 acre homesite in preparation of building an elevated mound, suitable for nesting a home capable of escaping the annual flood waters. The homesite is located in the far SW corner of the property. The 10 acres also serves as the host to our dove field and lies snuggly between a 3 acre duck hole, known as the "#1 Duck Hole", and a stretch of big timber known as the "Willow Break." Upon purchase, the homesite was a jungle of 3-4 foot tall weeds and vines. It was obvious no maintenence had taken place for some time. A few pictures below from the initial work taking place in July of 2011. This was after many gallons of roundup, bushogging, and discing to get the 10 acres workable. Also below are a few pictures of the road work that took place in those first few months.
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