As we come to the close of our 2025–2026 hunting season, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to each and every one of our clients, supporters, and friends. Your loyalty, encouragement, and shared passion for the outdoors are what make Almost Heaven Plantation truly special.
This past year brought both challenges and growth. The loss of our founder, Mr. Warren Hylton, was deeply felt across our entire community. His vision built the foundation we stand on today, and we firmly believe his presence continues to guide us—opening doors, creating opportunities, and shaping what has become one of our most memorable seasons to date.
Together, we accomplished a great deal:
- Opened our new Pro Shop: creating a welcoming space for our members and guests to gather, gear up, and further enhance their experience at the plantation
- Set new records across our quail hunting program
- Successfully launched our Continental Pheasant Shoots
- Reestablished our Duck Club with renewed energy and purpose
- Hosted a strong and successful dove season
In addition, we were honored to receive two prestigious recognitions—being named a Federal Select Lodge and a Shoot Sportsman Endorsed Lodge. We also proudly partnered with Quail Forever to support the restoration of wild quail populations both on our property and throughout the Lowcountry.
Behind the scenes, we have continued investing in the future of Almost Heaven by expanding our team. With the addition of a new marketing team, general manager, and enhanced grounds crew, we are positioning ourselves to deliver an even more refined and exceptional experience in the seasons ahead.
Looking Ahead
Prescribed Burns with Quail Forever
Last year, we had the privilege of welcoming the South Carolina Quail Forever team to Almost Heaven Plantation to develop a comprehensive habitat management plan tailored specifically to our property. During their visit, we also hosted a Quail Forever Landowners Meeting, bringing together 65 landowners and representing nearly 100,000 acres for an afternoon centered around education, conservation, and shared stewardship of the land.
More recently, the Quail Forever team returned to begin implementing key elements of that plan. It was incredibly rewarding to see their expertise come to life—transforming detailed maps and recommendations into meaningful, on-the-ground progress. Together, we successfully completed approximately 200 acres of prescribed burns, along with additional acreage managed by our internal team.
Prescribed fire plays a vital role in our long-term habitat strategy. These burns help restore native ground cover, encouraging the growth of beneficial forbs that support critical “bugging” habitat—an essential summer food source for bobwhite quail, turkey, and a variety of songbirds. Beyond wildlife nutrition, this work also serves as a powerful conservation tool, helping to control invasive species that threaten native plant communities and disrupt the natural balance of the ecosystem.
At Almost Heaven, we believe that a healthy forest creates the foundation for thriving wildlife. While nature is resilient, it often requires thoughtful management to reach its full potential—and prescribed burning is one of the most effective tools we have to support that process.
If you are interested in learning more about how Quail Forever can support habitat improvement on your own property, we encourage you to visit their website here: https://quailforever.org/
Dove & Duck Field Preparations
As we move into the spring and summer months, our focus shifts toward preparing the fields and wetlands that will define another exceptional dove and waterfowl season at Almost Heaven Plantation. Thoughtful planning and precise execution during this time of year are essential to delivering the quality hunting experiences our members and guests have come to expect.
Our team is currently underway with field preparations for dove season, including soil work, strategic planting, and habitat management designed to produce strong, consistent bird movement throughout the season. Each field is approached with careful consideration to ensure proper timing, food availability, and overall field health.
In tandem, we are continuing the development and refinement of our duck habitats. Building on the momentum from the reestablishment of our Duck Club, we are implementing targeted planting strategies and water management practices to create ideal conditions for waterfowl throughout the migratory season.
These efforts reflect our broader commitment to land stewardship—balancing productivity with sustainability to ensure the longevity and success of our programs for years to come.
We will be sharing additional details soon regarding Dove and Duck Club opportunities, including any available openings for the upcoming season. As always, availability will be limited, and we encourage those interested to keep an eye out for the upcoming announcement.
Orvis Endorsed Partners Meeting
This year, we had the pleasure of attending the Orvis Endorsed Partners Meeting held in Denver, Colorado—an opportunity to connect, learn, and collaborate with some of the finest wingshooting and fly fishing lodges across the country.
During our time there, we were honored to meet with the leadership of Orvis, including current President Simon Perkins, along with his father, Perk, and uncle, Dave. As a family-owned and operated company since 1856, Orvis shares many of the same values that define Almost Heaven Plantation—a deep-rooted commitment to tradition, quality, and the outdoor experience.
In a recent statement, Simon Perkins shared, “We’re stepping into an exciting new chapter—one focused on our core passions of fly fishing and wingshooting. This return to our roots is a renewed dedication to innovation, a commitment to our angling and upland communities, and to the wild places we love.” This message strongly resonated with us, reinforcing the importance of staying grounded in the traditions and values that shape our industry.
Our Orvis endorsement represents far more than a designation—it is a commitment to excellence. It ensures that every aspect of our operation, from our staff and guides to the stewardship of our land, meets the highest standards of professionalism, hospitality, and conservation.
The bi-annual meeting also served as a valuable reminder of the strength found in partnership. Through breakout sessions and shared discussions, we had the opportunity to exchange ideas with fellow lodge owners, all navigating many of the same opportunities and challenges. From marketing and retail strategies to land stewardship and guest experience, the collaboration and camaraderie among partners continues to be invaluable.
We were especially encouraged by Orvis’ renewed focus on a “Back to Our Roots” philosophy—an intentional shift toward the core of what has defined the brand for generations: quality products, meaningful outdoor experiences, and inspiring the next generation of sportsmen and women. This direction not only strengthens the Orvis network but also reinforces the values we live by every day at Almost Heaven.
One sentiment that stood out throughout the meeting, shared by Reid Bryant, was this: “Even those who only hunt one weekend a year are still hunters 365 days a year.” It is a powerful reminder of the identity and passion that connect all of us in this community.
Together with Orvis and our fellow partners, we remain committed to setting a lifelong example of stewardship, conservation, and the traditions that define the sporting way of life.
As we transition into the off-season, our focus remains on stewardship, preparation, and continual improvement. We are committed to honoring our traditions while elevating every aspect of the experience we provide.
Thank you again for being part of the Almost Heaven family. We look forward to welcoming you back soon.,
– The Almost Heaven Plantation Team
