950 Elmodel Hwy, Leary, GA 39862 - Baker County

Brookfair, a 2,102-acre legacy wild quail plantation, is located in the famed Albany Plantation belt in Baker County, Georgia, in a Whos Who neighborhood of other top whitetail and wild bird properties.  It has been managed for wild quail for generations, resulting in consistently good wild quail numbers alongside a thriving population of trophy whitetail deer and turkey. This SWGA property is a classic example of a well-run, well-capitalized, high-quality recreational property with all the bells and whistles that one would expect.

The property has an exceptional management history going back over a century of stewardship by prominent landowners.  Historically, the property was heavily focused exclusively on bobwhite quail, but over time, like a lot of places today, trophy whitetail deer began to increase on a more equal footing. Because of the habitat diversity found here and consistently good management, the property excels at both.  They are able to consistently harvest bucks that have a gross score in the 140 to 150s B&C while continuing to hunt four horseback quail courses. There is also an exceptional wild turkey population.

"Brookfair Plantation is a historic hunting property situated in Baker County, located in the southwest region of Georgia. It is a property with historical significance and enduring value, passed down through generations." - Walter Hatchett.

Famed wildlife artist David Lanier perfectly captures the thrill of hunting in the Red Hills in his painting, Deep South Pointers.

The highest count I've had is 22 coveys in a half-day hunt. That's certainly not the norm, but it's my personal record. The birds are here. The issue to me is how many am I going to find per hunt and conditions. - John Melvin, Brookfair Manager

We currently run 55 live traps, the heavy-duty ones, in addition to outside trappers coming in seasonally. We feed as Tall Timbers prescribes. We are on a two-year burn rotation. We could probably take some extra timber off, but that's up to the next owner. - John Melvin, Manager

There is a year-round feeding program for deer and quail. The habitat is a balance of wiregrass and longleaf and old field ground and loblolly. There are exceptional ecotones here, with cypress ponds strategically spaced throughout. Over 100 acres are in food plots.

One of the things I like about Brookfair is the ecotones that give increased habitat diversity. The scattered cypress ponds throughout provide exceptional habitat for deer and turkey that they wouldn't otherwise have, thus increasing both the amount of use and time they spend on the property. - Jon Kohler

We really co-manage this place today for both trophy deer and wild quail. Both are going to have enough feed. That's not questionable. Quail are fed year-round via a 3,500-bushel grain bin dedicated just to them and the deer with another of equal size. Furthermore, in the spring, the deer have 40-50 acres in spring/summer planning and slightly less for dedicated winter feed plantings. In the summer, they also go through about two pallets of 4S premium protein a week! - John Melvin, Brookfair manager

The landscape features gently rolling topography, great soils, and a diverse, productive understory. A well-established road system, complete with picturesque live oak allees, ensures seamless access throughout the property. There are planted fruit trees and live oaks throughout.

I have to admit that when I first toured Brookfair, I was so impressed with the fruit and wildlife trees planted throughout that I got on the phone with my manager, and we ordered even more to plant at my place. - Jon Kohler

The property has a 13+ acre lake with a gazebo and feeders. There are three (3) wells at the lake one (1) 6 inch and two (2) 4 inch. There is also a 3-4 acre floodable duck pond with a 4-inch dedicated well. In addition to that, there are two wells at the lodge and one at the mobile home.

The lodge has been recently expanded, offering a blend of historic charm and modern convenience. The original main lodge (4BR/2.5BA) includes a fully equipped kitchen and dining area, with a newly added wing designed for guests with privacy and flexibility (8 Br, 8 Ba). The accommodations consist of private rooms with private doorways opening to the outdoors, thoughtfully designed to allow guests to come and go without disturbing others. There are 12 bedrooms, so room for extended family and guests is not an issue. This design enhances the experience and privacy for larger gatherings, whether guests prefer to turn in early for a morning hunt or stay up late to enjoy the camaraderie of the sporting lifestyle. A spacious game room and entertainment pavilion serve as the central feature gathering space, overlooking the scenic 13-acre lake.

It's not surprising to see the recent need to expand the lodging to 10 bedrooms. What we are seeing is that with diverse properties like Brookfair, that have multiple hunting, fishing and recreational activities is that it appeals to multi-generational guests across the spectrum. - Jon Kohler

The property has a 16-run kennel as well as a 5-stall horse barn. There is a manager's office and bathroom near the kennel facilities. There is also a shooting range, equipment Barn and shop, a mobile home, and two 3,500 bushel grain bins. Equipment included in the sale (equipment list available upon request). A new survey is to be completed soon.

The habitat here is as good as it gets. The icing on the cake is great improvements, places where friends and family can come together to enjoy God's great outdoors with each other. Brookfair certainly has that, as well. In fact, the new addition to the lodge makes it even more inviting for multi-generational guests, something that is becoming increasingly important. - Jon Kohler

In addition to the incredible wing shooting, this region is noted for producing exceptional whitetail genetics. But it wasn't always that way.  In 1927, a north Georgia Forest Ranger, Aurthur Woody, with his own money, began releasing deer in what would later expand into a formal statewide restocking program funded by the Pittman Robertson Act. In 1962, things ramped up, and 10 deer from Babcock, Wisconsin, were released, which founded the basis for much of today's great Georgia genetics.

As fate would have it, they picked Wood County, Wisconsin, as the basis for the new genetics. The #1 Boone & Crockett county in America today is just one county west of where much of this part of Georgia's foundation stock came from. - Jon Kohler

Sixty-three years ago, when they paid only $35 per head for these genetically improved deer, they had no idea it would lead to the enormous financial benefits that these deer would add to the land today. - Jon Kohler

I can't say enough about the quality of the trophy deer hunting here as well. Few people realize the premium properties are bringing that consistently produce large whitetails. It's no longer just wild quail properties that bring top dollar, but trophy whitetail places are getting equal, if not more, billing.  We recently closed 1,300 acres on the Flint River north of Albany for $8,100 per acre because of the B&C caliber deer. We know of other landowners who have turned down $9,000 per acre. There is a reason we say that while the bobwhite quail may be the prince of gamebirds, it's the trophy whitetail deer that reigns king. - Jon Kohler

It should be noted that the Social Storm Properties score here is outstanding. This additional benefit makes this a great investment in both good times and bad.

It has 1.13 miles of frontage on Hwy 37 and is located just 33 miles to Albany, 37 miles to Bainbridge, and 55 miles to Thomasville, Georgia.

Brookfair Plantation represents a rare opportunity to own a historic and well-capitalized property in one of the most coveted quail hunting regions in the country. With its exceptional habitat, top-tier facilities, and rich sporting tradition, it stands as a turnkey legacy plantation, ready to provide world-class hunting and recreation for generations to come.