Land Management:
This is one of the most efficiently operated hunting plantations in Florida. As a result of the intense capital improvements that have already been invested at Deep Creek, the annual operating costs to manage these 2,144 acres are a fraction of the cost of other intensively managed high quality hunting properties. Another added benefit is that there is a wealth of both planted and natural timber resources that are managed for aesthetics as well as income. The plantation is eight years into a very comprehensive management plan making this one of the most manicured and modern shooting plantations in the region. Prior to the current owner, the plantation was managed for a generation as a private hunting plantation for executives of several of the country's largest private and institutional landholdings. There is an elaborate system of wildlife food sources; from hard-to-establish, high quality perennial peanut hay to successionally-managed browse. The management program includes an easy to operate and comprehensive herbicide program, 105 acres of food plots, a free-take feeder every 165 acres, and is burned annually, among a host of other duties. There are 35 miles of roads that you'll find to be immaculate, with many planted in Bahaia and limed! In addition, there is a very productive six-acre manicured fishing pond.
Native Whitetails and Wildlife:
This is one of the Florida's best examples of the genetic potential of its native whitetails. The deer at Deep Creek are 100% native stock. The main plantation is high fenced on every side except along the Suwannee River, itself, and a small portion across Cansa Road. As would be expected, the high fence is of superior detail and quality. Not only is it galvanized, but every 7th post is set in concrete. This is one of the most impressive high fences that we have seen... if you even notice it. There is enough wire included to complete the fencing of the 4.4 miles of river frontage should the buyer choose to. It is the opinion of the owner, wildlife biologist, and staff that Deep Creek Plantation actually gains deer from adjoining conservation lands due in large part to the quality of the food sources and the loss of trophy bucks is minimal.
Eighty different bucks have been photographed and cataloged in 2008 alone. Based on the photos, bucks estimated to be in the 140-150+ gross range have been identified. The fact that Florida bucks are being raised to reach this size is very remarkable and further testament of the productive habitat and management at Deep Creek. In fact, the seller is very private about this accomplishment and has requested that pictures of the plantation's largest bucks only be disclosed to qualified buyers. We do have that available and it is very impressive. It should be noted that although three sides are fenced that this is not a pen type environment. Deer are fed at various feeding stations but not more than many highly managed free range properties. However, the results of the fence on the age class of the whitetails, privacy, and sense of well being is very rewarding.
Wildlife:
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Of course, all types of native wild game flourish here. As one would expect with more than 6 miles of various creeks (in addition to the river frontage), there is an enormous wild turkey population. Hunting them at Deep Creek is very fun, with a myriad of strutting plots and a small fleet of golf carts to get you there quietly. Between the large number of flowing creeks, the 39 food plots, and the high fence to keep anyone from calling a gobbler off the property, you can rest assured that the turkey hunting here does not get any better. There is a good population of wild quail. The plantation could fairly easily be managed as a wild quail property. Ted Baker's famous Chinquapin Plantation is just south of Deep Creek below Lake City. This area, when managed for wild quail, has proven to be prolific and similar in nature and management to the Albany Plantation Belt.