Di-Lane Plantation Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is considered a premier quail hunting destination. When you visit the 8,100 acre wildlife management area in Waynesboro, you’ll notice something a bit macabre about the property. It’s hard to miss with the iron bird dog standing watch. The atmosphere is mostly the same of any other cemetery. Live oaks draped in Spanish moss provide a picturesque scene over headstones engraved with the names of loved ones. But these aren’t just ordinary loved ones. The names belong to the beloved pets and faithful bird dogs of former owner, Henry Berol.
Iron bird dog stands watch over Di-Lane pet cemetary. Photo credit: Georgia DNR
All of Berol’s former companions are entombed here. The headstones belong to horses, cocker spaniels, mules, a cat, and 122 bird dogs. Every headstone is engraved with epitaph in remembrance of the animal’s character: Brownie of Berol was a “Great Pal, Greater Hunter, and Greater Sire.” Berol Lodge Drummer Boy was “a clown” and lived a long life of almost 13 years.
Headstones engraved with the names of Berol’s bird dogs. Photo credit: Georgia DNR.
This may all seem bizarre until you remember that Waynesboro is in fact, “The Bird Dog Capital of the World.”
Henry Berol was the heir to the Eagle Pencil Company in New York. He purchased the Davis-Kilpatrick Plantations in the 1950’s and later renamed it Di-Lane after his daughters Diane and Elaine. His dream was to develop it as a bird dog training area and run first class field trials that would test the talent and training of bird dogs. He was successful, and yearly field trials were held at the plantation until 1978. Ten years later, the trials returned and continue to be held every year.
Di-Lane Plantation WMA is now part of a cooperative research project between Georgia DNR and the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at The University of Georgia. Researchers and biologists are currently studying how rabbit hunting at Di-Lane impacts the behavior and population of northern bobwhite quail. The study will wrap-up within the next year and will provide results after it concludes. One observation is obvious though. The research pays homage to the bird dogs and the sport that founded the roots of Di-Lane Plantation.
Sign showing the history of Di-Lane Plantation. Photo credit: Georgia DNR
Want to visit?
Just buy a hunting or fishing license and come out and see this property for yourself! Di-Lane isn’t just for hunters either. There’s plenty of things to do from primitive camping to equestrian trails. Or grab a pair of binoculars and enjoy watching wildlife.
Important Dates of Di-Lane Events
Quota Hunts:
| Game | Quota Application Deadline | Dates |
| Dove | August 15 | Youth: Sept. 1
General Sept. 1 |
| Deer | September 1 | Oct. 11-13 and Oct. 25-27 |
| Quail | October 15 | Youth: Feb. 2
General: Dec. 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 29 and Feb. 6 |
| Turkey | February 15 | Youth: Mar. 23-29
General: Mar. 30-Apr.5 and Apr. 6-12 |
A general rabbit season is held from November 17 to February 28.
Bird Dog Trials
The Georgia Derby Championship trials will begin on January 2, 2019 and is followed by the Georgia Quail Championship. The Georgia Field Trial Association also host the Georgia Open Shooting Dog Championship and the Georgia Derby Classic. For date information on these events, please reach out to the Georgia Field Trial Association.
Ed McDowell
Excellent article with a good history.
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
Thanks, Ed!
Bill Baab
I covered the Georgia Field Trials at Di-Lane from 1965 to 1999 as outdoor editor of The Augusta Chronicle. Henry Berol was the perfect host.
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
What a special opportunity that must have been, Bill. Thanks for sharing with us.
Don Keddy
I traveled from Canada to hunt DiLane two years ago. I spent over two hours just sitting in that grave yard, thinking – of all the dogs, all the hunts, all the wonderful thigns that must have happened over all those years. And I read every single grave marker. It still seems unbelievable to me that this man thought so highly of every one of those animals. Highly enough in fact to be buried along side them (to his family’s objections – and that’s just another story involving this property). I photographed every head stone and still look at them all from time to time – some happy and some terribly sad.
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
It truly is a beautiful memorial to the dogs he loved so much. I’m glad you had the opportunity to experience it. Hopefully your hunt was one to remember and you’ll be visiting Georgia again soon!
Don Keddy
I most certainly will. I purchased one of my Llewellin Setters from the area and will return with her in 2019.
Elaine Berol Taylor
We NEVER objected to my father being buried at Di-Lane. It was his whole life here. In fact he was buried here but was moved when the property was sold not knowing what the fate of Di-Lane would be at the time. I can assure you he will always be there in spirit. He created Di-Lane and loved every inch of it.
Elaine Berol Taylor
I know all the dogs, horses and one cat who are memorialized here. Henry Berol was my father and loved and remembered every one of them. Very well written article. Thank you, Elaine Berol Taylor
Georgia DNR, Wildlife Resources Division
It’s an honor to know you approve of the article, Elaine. Di-Lane Plantation is such a special place and wouldn’t be what it is today without your father’s love of it.
Hannah Woodard
Mrs. Elaine,
My name is Hannah Bearden Woodard. I grew up on Di-Lane plantation. My father works for the DNR- we lived there for 25 years. He still oversees Di-Lane. It was my most cherished childhood memory. I am so thankful for your father’s love of this land.
Sincerely,
Hannah