Welcome to Red Hand
Red Hand is located in the northwest corner of scenic Otsego County, NY. It is surrounded by some of the most picturesque farmland in all of America. Situated on the southern border of the Mohawk River valley, it is part of the historic Leatherstocking region of New York.
Consisting of 166 acres of mixed farmland, pastures, wetlands and hardwood forest, the "ranch" is the fulfillment of a life long dream. Under the stewardship of the O'Neill family, the ranch will strive to embrace the values and qualities exemplified by the moniker "Red Hand" and the history and philosophy of the Leatherstocking heritage promulgated by America's first great author, James Fenimore Cooper.
While the land itself has been dormant from a farming perspective, it has been very productive as a hunting compound. We hope to revive a little of the farming while enhancing the natural habitat for wild turkey and deer. This will be accomplished in a few different ways. We'll concentrate on utilizing the natural mast trees already on the property through selective pruning and fertilization. Future plantings of perenial and annual food plots will further improve access to quality nutrition for both the deer and turkey population. This will expand the carrying capacity of the farm as well as improve individual growth and health for existing game animals.
With the on going building of the land's infrastructure (bridges, drainage culverts and ultimately a new pole barn) and the future acquisition of a tractor and farm implements, we'll continue to harvest hay and prepare for the eventual seasonal plantings of corn, soybean and winter peas.
We are also looking into developing a small grove of Dunston chestnut trees. This is a hybrid varietal extremely resistant to the bark fungus that decimated the American chestnut decades ago. The trees would provide excellent mast for deer, turkey, bear and other wild game species. The nuts are prized for human consumption as well. They are large in size, sweet to the taste and are an excellent source of protein and micronutrients. Their rich supply of nutrition would come just in time for preparation of the harsh winter months ahead. Many deer and turkey cannot survive the winter due to lack of quality food sources once the farms have been harvested. A well established orchard of chestnut trees will greatly improve their chances of making it to the spring "green-up".
Consisting of 166 acres of mixed farmland, pastures, wetlands and hardwood forest, the "ranch" is the fulfillment of a life long dream. Under the stewardship of the O'Neill family, the ranch will strive to embrace the values and qualities exemplified by the moniker "Red Hand" and the history and philosophy of the Leatherstocking heritage promulgated by America's first great author, James Fenimore Cooper.
While the land itself has been dormant from a farming perspective, it has been very productive as a hunting compound. We hope to revive a little of the farming while enhancing the natural habitat for wild turkey and deer. This will be accomplished in a few different ways. We'll concentrate on utilizing the natural mast trees already on the property through selective pruning and fertilization. Future plantings of perenial and annual food plots will further improve access to quality nutrition for both the deer and turkey population. This will expand the carrying capacity of the farm as well as improve individual growth and health for existing game animals.
With the on going building of the land's infrastructure (bridges, drainage culverts and ultimately a new pole barn) and the future acquisition of a tractor and farm implements, we'll continue to harvest hay and prepare for the eventual seasonal plantings of corn, soybean and winter peas.
We are also looking into developing a small grove of Dunston chestnut trees. This is a hybrid varietal extremely resistant to the bark fungus that decimated the American chestnut decades ago. The trees would provide excellent mast for deer, turkey, bear and other wild game species. The nuts are prized for human consumption as well. They are large in size, sweet to the taste and are an excellent source of protein and micronutrients. Their rich supply of nutrition would come just in time for preparation of the harsh winter months ahead. Many deer and turkey cannot survive the winter due to lack of quality food sources once the farms have been harvested. A well established orchard of chestnut trees will greatly improve their chances of making it to the spring "green-up".
The Old Farm House
The original house was built sometime in the early 1920's. In traditional fashion it was kept small to maximize heating efficiency. There is a none working fireplace with a built in wall heatolator in the community/family room. An oil heat system was added at a later date to better warm the home. A modest kitchen leads into a small but functional dining area. There is a nice deck outside the dining room affording panoramic views of the ranch and neighboring farm. A single full bath completes the first floor. A narrow stairway heading upstairs opens into a large sitting room with access to three small bedrooms. Off the kitchen, another stairwell leads down to the earthen floored cellar. Taking advantage of the walkout exterior door, we will continue the established practice of utilizing it as a mud room and storage area for hunting gear. We are currently undergoing a renovation careful to retain the charm of the original structure. A future addition should add the comforts of more modern and spacious living areas.
There is one out building and it's an opposing wall, dual overhead doors, tractor garage. Cement floor, fully open (no center support beams) just perfect for pulling in one way and out the other. We are working with Matt from Canadarago Electric in Richfield Springs, to supply underground power to juice up the voltage for ample electric service. This will allow us to set up for power tools and a repair shop. A comprehensive work station is more than a luxury, it's down right mandatory to maintain the field equipment and buildings.
There is one out building and it's an opposing wall, dual overhead doors, tractor garage. Cement floor, fully open (no center support beams) just perfect for pulling in one way and out the other. We are working with Matt from Canadarago Electric in Richfield Springs, to supply underground power to juice up the voltage for ample electric service. This will allow us to set up for power tools and a repair shop. A comprehensive work station is more than a luxury, it's down right mandatory to maintain the field equipment and buildings.
