Kissaway Plantation

Description

Kissaway ranks among the highly revered Red Hills wild quail plantations. Located just south of Thomasville on the “Florida side,” this area is regarded as having some of the best wild quail populations in the South. Deer, duck and wild turkey populations are also exceptional. For over a half century this land has been groomed and managed by a “who’s who” of landowners, each of which has added to and improved this unique property.

Located in Jefferson County, Florida off US Highway 19, between Thomasville and Monticello, the plantation contains 1,190 +/- acres consisting of rolling mature longleaf with native ground cover, mature park-like hardwoods, numerous lakes and ponds, duck pond, horse pasture, and beautiful live oaks. It has been continuously burned and managed for the propagation of wild game for over half a century. Today, this property is at the forefront of modern wild game management, it has been highly capitalized and noted particularly for its wild quail, waterfowl, and wild turkey. The trophy whitetail population is exceptional but not of particular emphasis by current management.

The floodable duck pond here is quite notable. One of the region's largest at 60 acres it operates as two floodable duck ponds separated by a dam to control the rate of feed the ducks consume. Given the large number of ducks on the pond, this was a necessary investment made by the current owner. It can be quickly flooded by either opening a flow gate on the lake thereby utilizing it as a reservoir or via a dedicated well. The most common species are Ring-necked ducks, Wood Ducks, lots of Teal, and even the occasional Pintail. It is less than 5 miles from Lake Miccosukee, the number one waterfowl lake in North Florida, so the flyway is as good as it gets in the region.

The Kissaway Lake is truly exceptional. At over 85 acres it's one of the largest man-made and privately owned lakes in Florida. Being man-made it offers greater fishing opportunities and is home to truly some world-class bass and crappie fishing. The lake has been managed by Southeastern Pond Management and is estimated to be 22-25ft deep by the dam. One can consistently catch 4–8-pound bass, and some as large as 12 pounds have been caught. The lake has a concrete boat ramp. Boats are stored in the nearby equipment barn.

Well-managed quail woods are quintessential to the Red Hills—pristine, open, and expertly managed for hunting. There are three horseback quail courses. A strong feeding, trapping, and burn regimen is in place all following Tall Timbers science-based recommendations. The well-groomed quail woods are exceptional.

Wild Turkeys are overly abundant given the “lake drain” along the western property line which provides hardwood hammocks as roosting sites while the plantation provides exceptional spring nesting habitat which draws in hens and following gobblers.

Although current management does not emphasize whitetail deer, the population, age class, and antler size are quite impressive. In an afternoon one will see 8-12 on an average hunt. Deer reaching 130" B&C are not uncommon. With the lake drain, as with the wild turkeys, there’s a natural thoroughfare for the deer. There are also several places that could easily be planted for a dove field. With diverse, well-managed habitat in a great area, comes exceptional game flow, and Kissaway is no exception to this.

Contributing further to the game flow, Kissaway is bordered by and in a neighborhood of large like-minded landowners who all manage their land for the benefit of the wildlife. Meander Plantation is one such adjoining neighbor.

Kissaway features a 4-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom main lodge, a masterpiece of timeless Southern architecture. With its classic white façade and black shutters, the lodge exudes casual elegance. At the same time, the rich wood details, massive brick hearth fireplace, and abundant natural light create a warm and inviting interior.

There is also the “Pilot’s House” that is perched on a hill overlooking the lake; the 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers additional accommodations, perfect for family, friends, or guests, with sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.

Overlooking sweeping newly built fenced pastures, Kissaway features a state-of-the-art, 16-stall horse barn complete with two washrooms, 2 tack rooms, and a half bathroom.

The adjacent covered dog kennel features 64 runs, two whelping pens, feed rooms, a bathing station, and laundry facilities. There is also an additional 6-run outdoor kennel near the main lodge for convenience.

For outdoor gatherings, the cooking pavilion is a showstopper. It features a stone fireplace, brick floors, and high-end stainless-steel appliances, including a gas range, grill, and ice maker—all illuminated by an antler chandelier.

Kissaway is well-designed for maintenance and management. Additional facilities include a shop equipment shed and, a walk-in deer cooler. Equipment includes a feed buggy and a John Deere tractor along with other items.

Ideally located, Kissaway is only 13 minutes from restaurants in the quaint town of Monticello, Florida. It is only 40 minutes from Tallahassee, Florida, and 18 minutes from Thomasville, Georgia for shopping, nightlight, fine dining, entertainment, and private air travel. Tallahassee International Airport is only 47 miles away.

Although almost half of the Red Hills plantations are already protected by a conservation easement, one has not yet been placed here.

Directions: From Tallahassee > Continue onto US-90 E/Mahan Dr24.7 mi At the traffic circle, take the 3rd exit onto US-19 N/N Jefferson St5.2 mi Make a U-turn at Patchuk DrDestination will be on the right0.5 mi 4541 N Jefferson StMonticello, FL 32344