Ask Robert Eason
Whiting Plantation
Whiting plantation is a 1,359-acre farm and lodge located just northwest of Marks in Quitman County, Mississippi. This property boasts over 9,000 square feet of lodging, 628± acres of precision-graded farmland, a 233-acre oxbow lake, and 240 acres of flooded timber and duck habitat. Whiting Lake is an absolute sportsman's paradise.
Lodging
The main lodge features seven large private bedrooms, each with its own full bathroom. These bedrooms are situated along a covered porch that overlooks Whiting Lake, allowing easy access from the main lodge to the individual rooms. Adjacent to the bedrooms is a spacious mudroom designed for hanging waders and hunting gear, with benches to provide a comfortable transition before and after hunts. The great room is truly impressive, featuring a large rock fireplace and expansive picture windows that offer stunning views of Whiting Lake. This room leads to two additional gathering areas, including the famous Sutler Saloon Bar, which was reclaimed from the original Sutler Saloon in Nashville, TN. The bar area is a lively spot after a successful day of hunting. The lodge also includes a large commercial kitchen with a pantry, commercial appliances, and a formal dining area that also overlooks Whiting Lake. Additionally, there is an 800-square-foot private cottage with a large bedroom and full bath. At the end of the lodge site, a 1,300± square-foot guide's cabin/bunkhouse provides five bedrooms, a kitchenette, and two bathrooms, one of which includes multiple showers and toilets. A 1,500-square-foot shop on the property is perfect for storing equipment and decoys. Near the flooded timber, there is another structure, known as the duck shack, which was formerly used as the lodge. It is still occasionally used and offers additional space when needed.
Farmland
The Whiting Plantation includes 628 acres of irrigated and precision-graded farmland. The farm has five irrigation wells with risers for easy water access. Most fields are equipped with flash board risers, facilitating easy flooding during duck season. Several acres of tillable land are maintained as waterfowl food plots and are planted with rice and millet annually. The farmland consists mostly of silty clay and silty loam soils, producing excellent crops each year. The farm was planted with soybeans and rice, both of which yielded very good crops. The tenant currently pays a cash rent of $100,000 per year.
Flooded Timber and Duck Hunting
The flooded timber on the east side of the farm covers 240± acres and includes a mixture of bottomland species such as oak, tupelo, and cypress. Most of this timber is managed with levees and water control structures. There are three large hunting holes within this block, along with numerous roads and areas suitable for hunting. Whiting Lake itself provides excellent waterfowl hunting with eight blinds strategically placed among the tupelo and cypress trees to account for wind and duck flight patterns. Six additional blinds are located along the fields and food plot areas, offering a diverse hunting experience. The club maintains an impressive duck harvest logbook at the lodge.
Deer Hunting and Wildlife
Mississippi's bottomlands are renowned for producing some of the largest whitetail deer in the country, and Whiting Plantaion is no exception. The rich soils and abundant food sources in the Delta region create ideal conditions for deer to grow to impressive sizes. This area of the Delta is a prime location for hunting trophy bucks, with a mix of dense forests, open fields, and waterways providing diverse habitats that support healthy deer populations. The property is carefully managed to enhance deer hunting opportunities, with several designated areas for hunting. Owners and guests can expect to encounter large whitetail bucks, benefiting from the meticulous habitat management and sustainable hunting practices in place.
Fishing at Whiting Lake
Whiting Lake is a haven for fishing enthusiasts, offering a variety of species and year-round fishing opportunities. The 233-acre oxbow lake, with its serene setting amidst tupelo and cypress trees, is home to an abundant population of bass, crappie, and catfish. Anglers can enjoy the thrill of catching trophy largemouth bass, which thrive in the nutrient-rich waters of the lake. Crappie fishing is particularly popular in the spring and fall, when these fish are most active. The lake's structure, including submerged timber and aquatic vegetation, provides excellent habitat for crappie, making it easier for anglers to locate and catch them. Catfish are another prized catch in Whiting Lake, with both channel and blue catfish present in good numbers. Whether you prefer fishing from the shore, a dock, or a boat, the lake offers diverse fishing environments to suit all preferences. In addition to traditional fishing, Whiting Lake's oxbow shape and natural beauty provide a picturesque backdrop for fly fishing, adding an extra layer of challenge and enjoyment for those who favor this method. The calm waters and abundant fish populations make it an ideal spot for both novice and experienced anglers. With its diverse fishing opportunities, Whiting Lake is not only a prime location for hunting but also a year-round destination for those who love to fish. The combination of excellent fishing, hunting, and luxurious accommodations ensures that Whiting Plantation provides an unparalleled outdoor experience.