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PrintHunt the Lost Quail in Downtown Thomasville
While many are aware of Thomasville’s illustrious past as a “Grand Winter Resort,” some may be less aware of the critical role that a relatively tiny bird has played in making this so, back then and even today. During the post-Civil War Era, wealthy Northerners wintering in the area discovered that the rolling hills and vast pine forests were home to the quail, a game bird that would provide a favored pastime during their stay in southwest Georgia.
For well over a century now, the numerous quail hunting plantations of the area have continued this tradition, drawing sportsmen to Thomasville from across the country and around the world. Now through a concerted effort of conservation, focused on preserving our precious quail habitat, the Thomasville area will continue to thrive as a sportsman’s destination far into the future.
To celebrate and draw attention to the importance of the quail to our area’s heritage, locals and visitors can now hunt quail right in Downtown Thomasville! Not with guns, of course, but with their eyes.
Twelve bronze quail statues are hidden high and low, in plain sight, in twelve different locations in historic, downtown Thomasville.
Finding these fowl should be a fun and adventurous scavenger hunt for children and adults alike. The goal is to complete the hunt by locating all twelve quail. In the process, those who participate will gain a deeper appreciation of the natural and historic surroundings that Thomasville has to offer.
The Lost Quail Scavenger Hunt debuted, fittingly, on November 19th and 20th, 2011, the weekend of the annual Plantation Wildlife Arts Festival. Paul Rhymer, the sculptor of the twelve lost quail and leading wildlife artist, has been a part of the wildlife art show several times. Katie Chastain, owner of The Bookshelf at 126 S. Broad St., has authored a companion book to the downtown quail hunt titled, The Gracious Adventures of Colinus Virginianus, Robert White III. This delightful children’s story is an entertaining tale of the life of a Thomasville quail.
To begin your hunt for the lost quail in downtown Thomasville, stop by the Visitors Center at 144 East Jackson Street inside the Municipal Auditorium Building (or click the link below). There you can pick up a map for your hunt with handy hints that will direct you to specific areas of downtown where you are likely to spot a lost quail. You will also be able to purchase the children’s book along with a special “I Hunted Quail in Downtown Thomasville” T-shirt!
Click here for the Lost Quail Hunt Map & Hints Flyer (PDF)
We hope you enjoy Hunting the Lost Quail in Downtown Thomasville!
