ABOUT MELLON CREEK OUTFITTERS

We believe in being straightforward about what we offer and how we run things. Our goal is simple—to provide real opportunities for those who love the hunt.

With most of our guests returning year after year, the season often feels like a gathering of friends. At Mellon Creek Outfitters, we don’t just raise the standards. We stick to what matters, and we leave the fences behind.

OUR HUNTING RANCH HISTORY

Hunting at Mellon Creek is more than just a trip—it’s about becoming part of something lasting. This land has been in our family for over 200 years and has long held its place in Texas history. In 2008, we opened it up to others who share our passion for the outdoors.

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What started as a personal pursuit became a way to welcome others into the landscape and traditions we’ve known our whole lives. Guided by a deep respect for wildlife and the land, we set out to offer something simple and honest—hunting the way it’s meant to be.

At Mellon Creek Outfitters, we offer an unrivaled experience across 110,000 acres of free-range country, perfectly situated at the meeting point of South Texas brush and the Texas Coastal Plains. It’s a habitat like no other, teeming with native game—Whitetail, turkey, bobcats, wild pigs, and more. The kind of abundance that’s hard to describe. You have to see it for yourself.

And when you do, you’ll be in good hands. Our team brings generations of knowledge to the field, along with well-trained dogs and a deep commitment to your safety and success.

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

A HUNTING RANCH LIKE NO OTHER

Tucked away in South Texas along the Gulf Coast, our lodge blends modern comfort with rustic charm. Meals are served daily by our in-house chef—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—giving guests a chance to relax and refuel between hunts.

You might spend the evening casting a line in the stocked pond, swapping stories at the skinning shed, or kicking back inside with all the essentials: high-speed internet, Smart HD TVs, daily room cleaning, and laundry facilities. Transportation to and from Corpus Christi International Airport is also available to keep things simple.

At Mellon Creek, the lodge is more than a place to sleep—it’s part of the experience.

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.