Mellon Creek Outfitters » About

About Us

We Strive to Be Upfront and Clear about the Services We Provide. We Want to Provide an Opportunity to the Hunting World.

With a 90% repeat clientele, our hunting seasons feel more like family reunions. Experience the best hunting in Texas at Mellon Creek Outfitters, where we raise the standards, not fences.

Complete Outfitting Experience

When You Hunt with Mellon Creek Outfitters, You’re Not Just Another Hunter—You’re Part of the Family.

Mellon Creek Outfitters is built on a legacy spanning over 200 years. The ranch has been a cherished part of Texas history, but it wasn’t until 2008 that we began offering our passion for hunting to others. Drawing from our deep-rooted love for the outdoors and a commitment to ethical hunting, we set out to redefine the outfitting adventure in Texas.

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At Mellon Creek Outfitters, we offer an unrivaled hunting experience on our 110,000-acre ranch, perfectly positioned at the crossroads of South Texas brush country and the Texas Coastal Plains. This unique location provides a habitat that’s second to none for all native wildlife. The sheer abundance of hunting is something that words can’t fully capture—it’s best experienced firsthand as you explore the ranch. Our skilled team, along with their well-trained dogs, will make sure you stay safe.

Binoculars and a detailed map placed on a rustic wooden table, symbolizing preparation for a journey or outdoor activity

A Hunting Lodge Like No Other

Our lodge settled in South Texas on the Gulf Coast, offers modern comforts with a rustic charm. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in-house with our chef. Enjoy fishing in our stocked pond, relax in the evening with fellow hunters at the skinning shed, or unwind in the lodge with all the necessary amenities—from high-speed internet to Smart HD televisions. Daily room cleaning, laundry facilities, and transportation to and from Corpus Cristi International Airport ensure your stay is as simple as your hunt. Your stay at Mellon Creek Outfitters is sure to be as exceptional as the hunting itself.

A man in camouflage clothing kneels on rocky terrain, holding the large curved horns of a mountain goat lying in front of him. A rifle with a scope is placed on the ground beside him. The background features a vast, arid landscape with cliffs and a partly cloudy sky.

A hunter in camouflage clothing and rubber boots stands next to a turkey he has caught and hung on a fence post. The scene is set outdoors with green vegetation, a dirt path, and a clear blue sky in the background.

In a lush field of purple flowers, a woman relaxes beside a turkey, surrounded by the beauty of nature

A group of wild turkeys is seen in a lush, green field with scattered yellow wildflowers. The turkeys are spread out, with some foraging and others standing upright. The background features dense, leafless trees under a clear sky.

A group of dogs surrounds a wild bobcat in a forested area with green grass and trees. The bobcat, standing on the ground, appears to be cornered by the dogs, some of which have their tongues out. One dog's head is close to the camera, partially out of frame.

Two people stand in a grassy area at night holding a hunted coyote. Both wear hoodies and boots. The person on the left smiles while the person on the right holds the animal by its hind legs. The background features leafless trees and a red light.

Our Hunts

A deer with large antlers stands in a grassy area with a forest backdrop, looking towards the camera. The antlers have some vegetation tangled in them, and the deer’s coat is speckled with white spots. The scene appears calm and natural.

Whitetail Deer Hunting

Pursue trophy whitetail deer on our managed ranch, spotting bucks and experiencing world-class hunting.

In a wooded area, a man displays a large Aoudad, showcasing his catch amidst the serene forest backdrop.

Aoudad Hunting

Challenge yourself with aoudad hunting in rugged terrain, targeting mature rams with long-range shooting.

A person wearing camouflage waders and holding a shotgun stands knee-deep in water, surrounded by decoy ducks. A row of ducks can be seen in the distance. The overcast sky casts a muted light over the scene, creating a serene and focused atmosphere.

Waterfowl Hunting

Enjoy diverse waterfowl hunting with an array of ducks in prime Texas coastal habitats.

A man in camouflage clothing and a cap is holding two wild turkeys by their tails in an outdoor setting with grass, trees, and a body of water in the background. The man appears to be sitting on a rusty yellow metal beam while smiling at the camera.

Spring Turkey Hunting

Experience action-packed spring turkey hunts with abundant birds and exciting encounters in the field.

A bobcat stands alert in a natural, grassy habitat. The animal has a light brown coat with distinct dark spots and tufts of hair on its ears. The background is slightly blurred, emphasizing the bobcat's focus and detail.

Bobcat Hunting

Track elusive bobcats with expert guides and specially bred hounds in South Texas brush country.

South Dove Hunting

Delve into thrilling dove hunting in Texas, with plenty of opportunities for fast-paced shooting and a great time.

A wild boar stands in a forest, its dark, coarse fur blending with the surrounding trees. The ground is covered with leaves and twigs, and the forest is dimly lit, giving a sense of serenity and natural wilderness. The boar's gaze is focused and alert.

Hog Hunting

Hunt wild hogs in diverse Texas landscapes, enjoying a challenging and rewarding hunting journey.

A close-up of a bison grazing in a lush, green forest. The animal is centered, facing the camera, with trees and foliage in the background. The scene is serene and dimly lit, highlighting the bison's fur and the texture of the grass.

Predator Hunting

Engage in exciting predator hunting, targeting coyotes and other predators with professional guidance and expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Meet Our Team

A smiling man wearing a black baseball cap and dark blue button-up shirt stands outdoors with trees in the background.

Dan Braman

Born and raised in Refugio, Texas, he is a Texan through and through. AKA the “Secret Boss’’, clients would never know he owns the whole operation. Don’t let all his jokes fool you, he is serious about knowledge and has a strong drive to become a better version of himself each day. Striving to be the strongest advocate of the hunting and fishing industry, along with upholding America’s second amendment rights, he is a true outdoorsman.

A man with a beard, wearing a cap and a green uniform, holds binoculars while looking intently into the distance. He also has a camouflage-patterned pouch strapped to his chest. The background shows a hazy outdoor setting with trees.

Hagen Watkins

Born and raised in Uvalde, Texas, he holds a degree in range and wildlife management. He was able to put that degree to good use after meeting Dan at a random Thanksgiving dinner. Eight years later he is managing Mellon Creek Outfitters as well as guiding hunters. He loves the fact there is no typical day-to-day routine, and looks forward to things getting even bigger and better as seasons pass.

A man with a beard and mustache stands with his arms crossed, wearing a beige shirt with various embroidered logos and a cap with sunglasses perched on top. In the background, there is a green wall with a metallic latch.

Pat Harney

Born and raised in Glocester, Rhode Island, he has been working his way into the hunting industry after deciding a career in finance was not the right path for him. With a motto that “life’s too short to be negative,” he found himself right at home on the Mellon. After being welcomed by the team two years ago, Pat has been successful at filling his clients tags trip after trip.

A man wearing glasses, a cap, and outdoor gear is kneeling and smiling while holding the antlers of a deer he has hunted. He is surrounded by dry vegetation and leafless trees in the background.

Derek Woods

Raised in Fort Worth, Texas, he is determined to be successful in whatever life brings him. With a passion for hunting as strong as his love for doughnuts, Derek has decided he’s ready to be a guide. After a successful career as a camera operator for the TV series “Wildlifers,” he’s gained the knowledge and experience it takes to try his hand as a guide.

A man with short hair and a beard is wearing a camouflage-patterned shirt with an embroidered name, sitting outdoors in a field. His arms are crossed, and the background features greenery and a cloudy sky.

Wade Koehn

Born in San Antonio Texas and raised in Orange Grove Texas, Wade also known as “Wally”knows that hunting and helping others pursue they’re dreams is his true calling. After working different blue collar jobs here and there he never quite felt in place until he found Mellon Creek Outfitters, Now everyday he strives to make the each day better than the last as he pursues his passion for hunting, He always puts his heart into everything he does especially when it comes to helping his clients achieve their goals, It isn’t a successful trip unless his clients are happy and their tags are full.

A smiling blonde woman with long hair stands in a dimly-lit room, wearing a black top. She is leaning against a counter, confidently looking at the camera. The background is slightly blurred with shelves and a bright window visible.

Chelsey Hardin

Chef Chelsey is born and raised in Texas. She attended The Culinary Institute of America in San Antonio, graduated in 2019 and went on to work with many talented local Chef’s creating products found in H-E-B and the local farmers market located at the Pearl in San Antonio. Her passion of homestyle cooking makes you feel right at home, from breakfast to dinner. We look forward to serving you the meal of a lifetime!

“Find something you are passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.” -Julia Child.

A man stands smiling in front of a white pickup truck parked in an outdoor setting. In the truck bed is a large buck deer with antlers. The man is wearing a dark green jacket and jeans, with his hands in his pockets. The background features a yellow and orange sunset.

Jack Darrah

Born and raised in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, Jack certainly lives up to the name by showing daily he truly is a Jack of all trades. His love for people and the outdoors has landed him jobs across North America, hunting, fishing and filming. Living everyday as his favorite quote from lonesome dove goes, “cheerful in all weathers, never shirked a task”. Jack’s favorite thing about MCO is the teamwork involved and required to create success for the clients and each other.

A person wearing camouflage clothing and a cap is standing in a dry, grassy area, proudly holding up a large rattlesnake by its tail. The background includes a wire fence and some vegetation.

Kord Etbauer

Kord wears several different hats for Mellon creek. In addition to guiding hunts for the last 11 years, Kord is also responsible for the action filmed from behind the camera for some of the most successful hunting shows in the industry. Growing up in Cashion Oklahoma he’s had a passion for the outdoors since a young age that led to his pursuit of a career in guiding and videography all over the world.