Five Things to Experience at Pine Hill Plantation

One of the most recognizable names in the bobwhite quail game is Pine Hill Plantation. It’s no exaggeration to say that the South Georgia lodge has become a veritable dream destination for quail hunters near and far. Sure, the hunting at Pine Hill is fantastic, but there’s more to the experience than just bagging birds. Here are five things to do on a Pine Hill trip that will elevate a visit to the next level.

Ride Like a Rockefeller

Pine Hill Plantation offers one of the most sought-after of all bucket-list trips: a mule-drawn-wagon quail hunt conducted in the traditional manner. We’ll skip the details of what “traditional” means and simply say that guests will experience a hunt that is almost identical to those enjoyed by the Rockefellers, Mellons and other notable folks 100 years ago. Riding in a wagon imparts an entirely different (and exceedingly agreeable) dimension to a quail hunt that everyone should experience at least once.

Savor Regional Delicacies

If you’re not indulging in a few extra calories at PHP, then you’re not doing it right. From breakfast tables laden with country ham, sausage gravy and homemade biscuits to evening dinners featuring quail, slow-cooked ribs and pecan pie, you’ll experience Southern cuisine at its finest. Our advice is to jump in with both feet (or forks). You can always just burn it off on the elliptical when you get home.

Soak Up a Sunset

Each of the three lodging structures at Pine Hill overlooks a beautiful lake. For a majority of the season the sunset conveniently occurs between cocktail hour and dinner, and the west-facing decks and patios are perfectly positioned for guests to catch the sun slipping toward the horizon. There’s never a better time to enjoy a fine cigar too.

Chat with Your ‘Mule Skinner’

For those not familiar with the vernacular, the “mule skinner” is the guy who drives the wagon. He’s likely very local, very good with mules and very entertaining. He’s also likely to be a treasure trove of interesting facts and stories about the South Georgia quail scene. If he seems quiet, it is only out of respect for your peace and privacy. Get him talking. It will enrich your time afield.

Enjoy the Open-Air Luncheons

South Georgia is known for its deliciously mild winter weather, and Pine Hill capitalizes on this by putting on lavish lunches for guests in the field. Hunting wagons convene in an area that the dining staff has prepared with neatly set tables, at which hunters partake in incredible hot picnic lunches. Iced tea, smoked pork chops, gourmet potato salad and freshly baked cookies are often part of the fare. In addition to fortifying guests for their afternoon hunts, these gatherings serve as the perfect venue for sharing stories of the morning’s adventures.

Pine Hill Plantation is a full-service Shooting Sportsman Endorsed Lodge. To learn more or to make a reservation, call 229-758-2464 or email chrisaldasimmons@pinehillplantation.com.

Photographs courtesy of Pine Hill Plantation.