Sportsmen and conservationists have been attracted to the abundance of wildlife and clean air in the Thomasville-Thomas County area since the mid 1800s.
Today, for the outdoorsman, several hunting preserves in and around Thomas County offer a range of sport hunting including duck, deer, dove, turkey and the elusive, world-renowned bob-white quail. Southwest Georgia has long been noted for its great quantity and great variety of game birds. With eagle eyes and canine companions, hunters take to the fields and forests in the fall from Albany to the Florida line. Most recently, a Barron’s columnist, Steven M. Sears (a.k.a. the Gun Whisperer) proclaimed Thomasville as “America’s quail-hunting capital.” The bobwhite’s presence in the area has been the basis of Thomasville’s plantation economy for over 100 years. However, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Georgia’s bob-white quail population has declined by more than half since the mid-1960s. Because of this, local landowners are now taking the initiative to increase the quail population through habitat restoration.
The following is a list of excellent resources to help you plan your hunting excursion in the Thomasville area:
Myrtlewood Plantation
Campbell Street / Lower Cairo Road in Thomasville
In addition to lodging, fishing and sporting clays, Myrtlewood Plantation offers quail and deer hunting. For quail hunting, contact Ann Delaney at 229-228-6232. For deer hunting, contact Bo Jones at 229-226-2541.
River Creek: Rolf and Alexandra Kauka Wildlife Management Area
Directions from Thomasville: Take US Hwy. 84 west approx. 4 miles. WMA entrance is on left approx. 0.9 miles after crossing the Ochlockonee River Bridge.
River Creek is a 2,437 acre State of Georgia Wildlife Management Area open to hunting deer, waterfowl, quail, dove, rabbit, squirrel, and turkey with primitive weapons, firearms, and archery. Fox squirrel hunting is prohibited. Camping, hiking, and fishing is also available at River Creek. Click here to view a map of the River Creek WMA. Contact the GADNR Region 5 Office at 229-430-4254.
Kevin’s of Thomasville
111 South Broad Street
The owner's and staff of this fine sporting outfitter can provide expert direction in planning and outfitting the perfect hunt.Contact Kevin's at 229-226-7766.
State of Georgia Hunting and Fishing Information
For information on licenses, game seasons and quotas and other regulations, call the GaDNR Region 5 Office at 229-430-4254.
Click to Return to the Top of the Page
