The online home for the Dakota Decoy Field Staff and X-Treme Team Members

Rod Ferrada is 36 years old and lives in Montreal Quebec. He is a carpenter and a waterfowl freak and Co owner of Wingsdown Outfitters world class waterfowl hunts. He was introduced to Waterfowl hunting at fifteen years of age, he's been hooked ever since.  Growning up along the St. Lawrence River, he spent his hunting seasons after ducks and geese in the marshes, waterways, and farmers fields.

Rod spends most of his time blowing the goose call, trying to find those special notes that those honkers love - he takes his calling very seriously and appreciates all opportunties he gets to improve and learn new techniques - in particular, those chances to observe and listen to live birds to learn the actual sounds they make and immitate them.

Robert Ziegler got his start hunting at a young age with his father and never looked back. At forty-four years of age and with over thirty years of hunting experience under his belt Rob makes sure to get Outdoors at every chance he gets. Rob grew up on the St. Lawrence River, hunting duck and geese until he enlisted into the Canadian army at nineteen. While serving he was able to tour all over the country, hunting everything from waterfowl to caribou as he went. Rob retired from the service in '95 and moved to Moose Creek, Ontario with his wife and son. In '98 they were blessed with a little girl, who is eagerly following in her father?s footsteps. Ever since he moved back Rob's been guiding for geese with various other outfitters before starting MC Hunt Club in ?08. Between hunting turkey in the spring, waterfowl in the fall, and whitetails in the winter Rob's out in the fields easily over a hundred days out of the year. Not only does Rob guide goose hunts for clients, but also brings the next generation of hunters into the field with Delta Waterfowl's Youth Mentor hunt, teaching the kids the ropes and getting them into the sport. It's not just about shooting birds, he says, it's about giving people something they'll keep with them for the rest of their lives. And to help give the hunt of a lifetime Rob only uses the best in decoys and calls--the lifelike DAKOTA Full Body decoys in conjunction with true to sound of DAKOTA Decoy Goose Calls--to get the job done.

Born and raised in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Ryan began watefowling at the early age of seven. Ever since his first hunt, he’s been addicted capitalizing on every possible opportunity to toss out a spread of decoys in the field or water.

A 2005 graduate from Carlton Comprehensive High School in Prince Albert, Ryan’s guiding career was launched while he was still in school. At the age of 16 he secured his license and began guiding waterfowl, black bear, and whitetail deer hunters. With the writing on the wall, the inevitable would transpire as he purchased his first professional waterfowl outfitting/guiding area and established RJM Guiding while still in his final year of High School. Over the years, Ryan has successfully guided scores of hunters in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia on waterfowl, trophy black bear, and whitetail hunts.

Ryan is currently a Field Staffer for Dakota Decoy. He also holds a formal Pros-Staff position with Heavy Hauler Outdoor Gear.

Pete Lochner 36 lives in Jonesboro, Ar. with his wife of 14 years Kim, and his two children Robert 11, and Riley 8. Pete currently works as a security contractor overseas, and spends upward of six months deployed a year, minus hunting season.

Pete started duck hunting in Florida however moved to North East Arkansas four years ago. Pete hunted the L’Anguille Lounge Duck Club the first two years in Arkansas, primarily field hunting, but two years ago joined the Red Legs Duck club, where he primarily hunts green timber. Pete also went on his first Canadian goose hunt in September of last year in Ontario, Canada for early goose and is now hooked on field hunting honkers.

When Pete is not in the green timber you will find him perched in a tree stand hunting whitetail deer. When spring rolls around Pete enjoys fishing with his family, and doing family activities.

I was born in Yuba City, California and have lived here for most of my life. My father and my grandfather were both born and raised around the Yuba City area as were my two sons.

Waterfowl hunting, like rice farming, is an important aspect of life in the Yuba City area. My interest in duck hunting began at the age of 10. My first real duck hunt took place on the "Robert’s Rooster Club", a rice farm and hunting club owned by a friend's family. The club is located in the Sutter Basin just west of Yuba City. I continue to hunt ducks on this very same property today.

Over the years I’ve had the privilege of hunting ducks and geese all over California, South Dakota and Iowa For me, there is nothing more special than sitting in my own duck blind with a hot cup of coffee and good friends, early on a cold, misty, winter morning with the Sutter Buttes as a backdrop. This is something that I definitely don't take for granted.

The past two years I’ve been hunting over Dakota Decoys; both the Honker and Mallard decoys. In my opinion, they are the best quality decoy on the market today.  The durability of Dakota’s decoy paint is amazing and easily handles the rigors of a full waterfowl season without paint loss or degradation.  My duck club is located in Northern California where our seasons are long and the decoys stay out in our flooded rice fields for over 90 days.  During the season every kind of weather is thrown at the decoys and yet, the paint never fades like other decoys I have used. 

I’m an accomplished water fowler in every aspect of the sport with almost 40 years of waterfowl hunting. Duck hunting and duck calling are my passions but I was lured into the great sport of archery hunting by my oldest son and have found my way to Iowa and Nebraska chasing whitetail deer the last few falls. I’m proud to be a part of the Dakota Decoy team.

I was not born into the outdoors and hunting though it ran thick in my blood. My parents and grandparents had roots in Idaho, running cattle on a moderate ranch near the Snake River. My grandfather in particular was an adventurer, and left Oklahoma at the age of 14 to strike out on his own, eventually homesteading his land in Idaho.
Growing up, my mother shared stories of her childhood, riding horses from dawn to dusk, then collapsing into bed from exhaustion, shooing bats out of the cabin at the cow camp, my grandmother chasing off bears with a broom, and the family searching for missing cattle that were frequently rustled too. There were also stories about grouse, pheasant, and other fowl, as well as deer and elk that my grandfather and her brothers pursued.

Due to a turn of events in my parent’s life, I was never destined to lead a similar life. I was born and raised in Northern California in a city that was considered moderate in size at the time. Now it’s a large city. Maybe I didn’t know any better, but life seemed good, as a young boy doesn’t need much at that age. Then due to another turn of events, I was uprooted from everything I knew, and moved to the country. I am sure there were tears shed that day as I left my friends, and all else familiar behind.

What I didn’t know was that a new world was about to open before me, a world that I never knew I wanted. I made new friends in short order, and started to explore my surroundings. It wasn’t long before chasing rabbits with wrist rockets led to pellet guns, and then 22s. The first shotgun I ever shouldered was a Savage double barreled 20 gauge. Little did I know that shotgun was the beginning of a great adventure.

Our first duck hunt was a new experience for all three of us. We were all so green, that only one of us could legally drive. It was a magical and miserable experience at the same time. It was a hot, windless day, and of course we didn’t bring any food or water either. Somehow one my friends managed to kill a duck that morning. He was horrified and yelled out, “I killed a baby mallard.” We later learned at the check station, and to his relief, it was a hen green-winged teal, not a baby as he had thought.

We trudged on in our overheated waders, wandering aimlessly. In hindsight, we were probably the only ones on the refuge that afternoon. Later that day we stumbled onto a marsh that looked promising, though I have no idea how we decided this was “the spot.” But luck was with us, and some ducks were kind enough to play. Now we didn’t have any decoys or calls either, but we quickly figured out that if we mouth whistled, the ducks would start working, and when we stopped, they would fly away. After a few tries, we finally convinced probably the dumbest birds on the planet to take a closer look, and that’s how I killed my first bird (which the check station explained to us later that day were spoonies). I am sure I was grinning from ear to ear at that moment.

What I learned that day was the beginning of a long, painful process since we didn’t have much guidance about how to hunt on public refuges, but that initial experience taught me some fundamental basics of waterfowling that I still practice today - prepare, be patient, and think outside of the box.  

One of the reasons I was drawn to Dakota Decoy in the first place was due to Bill’s ability to think outside of the box too. It was clear Bill wanted to create something great from the beginning, and it showed with the detail and quality of his products, as well as how he managed his company. It was something I wanted to be a part of, and help grow, and I am pleased today to be a member of the growing Dakota Decoy Field Staff family.

Born and raised in northern california.Iam married with 2 daughters 17 and 10.  We own a Flooring Store here in Paradise CA. I started going hunting when I could walk.The first taste of goose hunting came when I was ten. We hunted Lower Klamath Refuge in the snow! I called in my first honker and got him! Boy was I hooked!From there I learned how to hunt honkers by just listening to them and watching them.Now at 35 I am still learning. My 10 year old daughter has already got the bug. We spend all season chasing ducks and geese up and down the Pacific Flyway and all off season chasing the softball up and down the driveway.

Luke was born in 1984 and raised on the Front Range of Colorado.  He was raised in the outdoors from fishing, hunting, and camping.  After graduating high school with the love of sports and the outdoors he then went to Western State College of Gunnison Colorado to attend school and play football for the Mountaineers.  Since the summer of 2005 he has gone to Alaska to work road construction for Alaska Road Builders based in Soldotna Ak.  If his not working in the summer you can find him on the rivers of Alaska fishing for Monster Rainbows or hunting for Monster King Salmon.  In the spring of 2008 he graduated college from WSC with a major in environmental science and a minor in business administration.  Being evolved with work with the Colorado Division of WildLife in studies and projects that has improved the habitat in which the wildlife he cares so much about live within.  Fishing and hunting from Alaska, Canada, and back down threw a lot of the lower 48 states has given him great knowledge of the outdoors.  From bear to elk and moose he enjoys all types of hunting but his true passion is waterfowl hunting, “FEET DOWN & WINGS CUPPED”.  Fishing and hunting is apart of whom he is and what he stands for.  He lives his life in the manner in which you must work hard and play even harder.  Being apartner and guide for Banded Hunts, and apart of Team Manic has made his pasion apart of his lively hood, and this is why he uses Dakota Decoys to guide over because they give him the uper hand in decoying birds in close day after day!  These decoys are the best on the market from their realism to their durablity, and thats important from hunting decoy shy birds and their tuffness since were in the field from September till March.  Being a Dakota Decoy Pro Staff member is such a great privilege because it is a product I believe in and most importantly puts birds in the kill hole. Premium Decoys For Demanding Hunters!!!              

My name is Sean Hinton. I have lived in Morrison Colorado. I began hunting ducks and geese in the Sacramento Valley at a young age. I spend most of my time hunting ducks and geese from October to the end of February in that time period, I spend 60 plus days in the field. I run a 18 foot duck boat with 10 dozen Extreme Mallards and 10 dozen Extreme Goose Floaters. Since the day I change over to Dakota Decoy Company Pro-Staff, I have the best decoys and the company that stands behind their products.  My other interests include archery hunting for deer and elk, tournament bass fishing and most recently gobblers in the spring.

My name is Cooper Olmstead and I was born and raised in central Iowa, where I currently still reside. I was first introduced to the addiction of waterfowling at the age of twelve after my fathers death by a close family friend. Even though everything that could have possibly went wrong did and it rained non-stop for half the morning, I was instantly hooked and have been ever since I fired that first shell and watched that first bird fall. The first few years of my hunting career were held to minimum hunting on the weekends only and staying confined to my local areas. Due to not being able to drive. Once I was able to drive I was opened up to a whole new world of hunting and also to field hunting geese. Each year to follow I kept broadening my horizons from hunting different areas to different states and then also to perusing different birds. Waterfowling is a major part of my life and something I hope will remain there till the end, because there’s nothing else like it and it cant be beat.

In the off season I find myself still surrounded with waterfowl related activities, as do we all I’m sure. I enjoy taking my dog out and working with him, even though he tends to do whatever he wants to do, males. I also find myself working on boats, changing blinds, cleaning decoys, etc. Also you can find me on the river or the lake fishing or on the golf course playing in the weekend tournament.

Nick James was born April 27, 1980 and lives in his hometown of Chariton, Iowa.  He attended the University of Northern Iowa where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Public Relations/Communications.  After college Nick obtained five insurance licenses as well as two securities licenses.  He has been an agent and office manager for his family owned insurance business ever since graduating. 
Nick started pheasant and turkey hunting occasionally with friends early on, but it wasn’t until he experienced flocks of geese and ducks decoying in the corn and bean fields that he realized water fowling was what he enjoyed most.  He is excited about every aspect of waterfowl, from scouting and setting decoy spreads to calling and reading birds.  One of Nick’s favorite ways to hunt is decoying birds right up to the standing corn during early season in the cut silage fields in Iowa. In addition to waterfowl, Nick also enjoys chasing spring gobblers, and is learning more about the art of predator hunting.  When not hunting, Nick enjoys spending time with family, friends, his hunting partner Max, and routing on the Iowa Hawkeyes. 

Nick is proud to be a member of the Banded Calls and Dakota Decoy team.   He enjoys learning new methods and ideas to increase his knowledge as well as helping youth and new hunters to be successful when water fowling. 

I was Born and raised in Northeast Iowa. I am happily married to my wife Bridget. My first experiences of duck and goose hunting started when I was 10 years old and from there I was hooked. . I have to give all the thanks to my dad and late uncle for getting me started in this very addicting sport! My hunting started off only in Iowa but through the years has taken me to a few states including, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Missouri. It seems to me the past ten years these birds have become a lot smarter than they were before. With that comes the need for a quality decoy. That is where the Dakota decoys come in!! When not waterfowl hunting I enjoy hunting turkeys, deer, and  varmits.

Bob (jstbob) Fabsits has been involved in the outdoors since he was 4 years old. He started with a single shot 410 at the age of 6. Started guiding upland hunts around 12 years old. The older guys used to laugh when this young kid would tell them how to kill birds. After hunting with Bob for some time the older crowd eventually learned to listen to him. When he was 18 years old Bob went on a goose hunt with a co worker after shooting a limit in about 20 min, Bob was fascinated with the sport. Not sure if it was the calling, blinds or the decoy placement. He was addicted; his next check went right to decoys and calls. After 12 years of serious waterfowl hunting, Bob is guiding waterfowl hunter’s fulltime. He is proud to be on a few staffs and always glad to talk about hunting 24 hours a day.  Have fun and safe hunting!!

I am from Central Illinois and moved to southern Illinois a few years ago.  I started waterfowl hunting at the age of 10 and have been addicted ever since.  3 years ago I opened my own hunting club – Ganders & Greenheads Hunting Club – in East Central Illinois.  I hunt every day of the waterfowl season and love every second of it.

Born and raised in a small town on the Illinois River, there wasn’t much to do besides hunt waterfowl.  I first set foot in a duck blind at the age of 5, and harvested my first duck at the age of 8.  Waterfowl hunting runs deep in my family, as my grandfather was a Conservation Officer, and Site Manager of a waterfowl area for the state of Illinois, and had taught my father the ropes of hunting waterfowl as well. In the late 70’s, my father, uncle, and grandfather got the opportunity to get into to a private blind, that some guys owned out of Chicago.  A couple of years later, they were managing a 2 acre pothole for that club.  That same two acre pothole, they developed into a 40+ tillable waterfowl sanctuary, and have been hunting it ever since.  They brought me on board with the club as soon as I was old enough to help out there. I started guiding at the age of 13, and currently I manage the neighboring club which is a full time job in itself.  The club offers many different hunting scenarios, such as open water, flooded timber, and flooded crop, so there is never a dull moment.  When I’m not at the club, I enjoy hunting big water for mallards, and field hunting for those wary Canada’s in Northern Illinois.  There is no off season when managing a club, and there is no time for faulty products.  Dakota Decoy has delivered success, and proven results in the field, and on the water.

I live in Bartonville, IL right along the history rich Illinois River Valley with my lovely wife Tina, my son Hunter (7), my daughter Addyson (4) and my two labs “Meco” 7yr old chocolate female & “Blaze” 6 week old black female.

I just wrapped up my 11th waterfowl season. I have been hooked since the very first mallard splashed down in the decoys wondering if I even hit it? I spend as many days in the field during the season that my work allows. I love being in the outdoors and sharing my passion with others along with passing my experiences on to our youth. My favorite hunt of the year is a local youth hunt when I don’t even get to pull the trigger. When not in the field you might find me coaching my son’s baseball or football, dog training, fishing with family and friends, practicing on the calls, attending any waterfowl show within a few hundred miles, or playing slow pitch softball.

After my very first hunt using Dakota Decoys I knew they were the right fit for me. The durability and realism surpasses any decoy I have ever used. From a duck blind to a fresh picked field you will be sure to find me anxiously waiting on the first flock!

My name is Derek Craig.  I live outside of the small down of Ashley located in the northeast corner of Indiana.  I am 42 years old and own a successful engineering and construction company as well as an outdoor production business.  I have been happily married for 16 years and have two wonderful young daughters who are my favorite hunting partners.  My two favorite game animals to hunt are Canada geese and wild turkeys.  I often say it is a good thing that the seasons do not overlap because I am not sure which I would choose.  I also enjoy big game hunting using archery equipment, but once goose season opens I am all waterfowl.  I call myself a “dry land” waterfowl hunter, as 99% of my hunting is done in field settings.  This is where I feel most at home calling big Canada geese into a nice spread of Dakota goose decoys.  I have hunted over nearly every brand of decoy but I have never seen the consistency of putting birds in the decoys as I have running Dakota Decoys.  I am proud to be a part of the Dakota Team.  In addition to waterfowl hunting, I am very involved in Delta Waterfowl and promoting youth hunting opportunities.

My name is Dwight McElroy. I was born and raised in the Neodesha, Kansas where I still reside today. I was first introduced to waterfowl by a family friend when invited to go on a goose hunt. The moment I helped set up the decoys and started to see the birds come off the roost I knew this was going to be a long time passion. After that hunt I hunted off and on for a couple years. Then I decided it was time to get serious. Once I reached the age of sixteen I finally got my license and it was like I was let out of the gate and could chase waterfowl whenever I wanted. After that year I started to spend most of my time in the field with friends and family hunting a lot of waterfowl. The hunting I tend to enjoy most is chasing puddle ducks through public marshes to work those well educated ducks, and having to competition of other hunters around. But nothing can beat a nice flock of 25 to 30 honkers cupped and coming in on the landing strip.

I grew up on a farm in North Central Kansas.  I was introduced to waterfowl hunting at the age of 11. On my first hunt I bagged a Greater Canada Goose that weighed 15 plus pounds with my youth model 20 gauge 870. It was one of the most exhilarating feelings I have ever had, even though the walk back to the house was long and muddy with a heavy goose over your shoulder. From that moment on I was hooked on waterfowl hunting. My passion for wildlife, the outdoors, and hunting is so great that I am currently working on a Wildlife and Outdoor Enterprise Management degree from Kansas State University. I hope to one day run my own guiding service.

I'm Justin Reamer, I reside in Auburn, KS and hunt all over NorthEast KS along the Kansas river bottom. I've been hunting waterfowl since I was 8 years old with my father. When it comes to hunting I have a bad obsession, If I'm not hunting I'm thinking about hunting in someway or another, I'm either out scouting or thinking of tomorrows hunt. I love sitting down after my hunts and disecting them, figuring out why the birds did this or why they did that, I have tons of journals of all my hunts and what I think went wrong or what went right. I am very hard on my gear throughout the season, I rarely bag my decoys, just toss them in the trailer and go. After years of hunting I finally found a decoy that could withstand my punishment without giving up realism, I no longer have to worry about my decoys falling apart during the season, from the X-treme Mallards to the XFD Lessers I can just toss these bad boys around 90 plus days a season and not worry about paint chipping off or bases or heads breaking off. Dakota Decoy has the toughest, most realistic decoys on the market hands down! I will never own another brand of decoys for as long as I hunt.

I’m Nick Peckman, I am 19 and I have lived and grown up in Paola, KS my entire life, Paola is about 30 minutes south of Kansas City. I work on our family farm and that is the ground I hunt also.  Any free time I get it is usually spent doing something with hunting, mainly goose hunting, I always love how it feels when you got a big group of honkers coming in to land right on at your feet. Most of the ground I have to hunt is just fields so I am a pretty big field hunter, will tend to hunt a few ponds and marshes every now and then but then it is back to the fields.  When I am not Goose hunting, I’m either deer, or predator hunting in the winter or chasing turkey’s in the spring. It always fun to get ready for the next hunting season and get your gear ready, I always have something to do and look forward too.

My name is Drew Palmer. I currently play baseball at Cowley County CC in Arkansas City, Kansas. I spend over 60 days a year hunting waterfowl and trophy Kansas whitetails. I started hunting at a very young age with my family. I do most all of my hunting in Kansas however i usually make 2-3 trips out of state hunting every year, however my favorite time of year has to be late season on the Arkansas River. With the extreme terrain and unpredictable weather conditions that Kansas provides, having a decoy that is realistic and durable is a must. As a serious waterfowler i put gear and decoys through sand, wind, mud, and ice on a daily basis. Dakota Decoys will perform at their best everytime!

Matt Lane was first introduced to hunting at the age of 5 by his grandfather who took him squirrel hunting and taught him to love and respect the outdoors. It was 11 years later when his first duck hunt took place on Thanksgiving morning that changed the way he looked at hunting for the rest of his life.

Matt lives in Cadiz, Kentucky.  Cadiz is in the western portion of the state which is an absolute mecca for wildlife enthusiasts. When he is not working at his “day job” as a lineman for the local electric company, he is spending his time hunting deer, turkey, and waterfowl with his friends and family.

HI, my name is Clint Blazejak, I am 26 years old, and have been hunting since childhood but it wasn’t until I was about 14 years old, before I started hunting waterfowl.  Where I live on the Eastern Shore of Maryland waterfowl hunting has a long rich history.  At age fifteen I started working at Pintail Point and by the time I was 16 years old I was guiding hunts.  I have guided upland, waterfowl and deer hunters and have had the opportunity to work for other outfitters as well and have gained valuable experience along the way.  All though I still guide for Pintail Point I have chased my passion of hunting waterfowl throughout Maryland and Delaware.

Waterfowl hunting has given me opportunity to meet a lot of very interesting people. As a guide people ask me all the time what type of products I use or prefer and there are definitely some that stand above the rest.  Dakota Decoys is definitely one of those products.  The market is full of products, but when it comes to realistic appearance and durability Dakota Decoys is hands down the best! I demand that my equipment look good and be able to handle the hard conditions of waterfowl hunting. 

I currently have a Chesapeake pup named “DONZI” who is my hunting buddy. I am also a NSCA level 2 Shooting Instructor and a Maryland Police Training Commission Firearms Instructor.  

I am honored to be part of the Dakota Decoy field staff.

I was born in Lapeer MI on February 3, 1987. I have Been part of the Dakota Decoy Staff for 2 years... And this is my Waterfowl Life Story

I was introduced into waterfowl hunting back in 2003 by my Uncle Mark and long time family friend Tim Barden. It was a draw hunt at the Fish Point waterfowl reserve in November. It came and went with no ducks or geese to speak of. It wasn’t till the next season that I would get my first taste of good waterfowl hunting. But none the less I was hooked.
 
It was the 2004 regular waterfowl season, I had just finished up my Junior year football season and it was cold. The temperature dropped over night and my Uncle Mark called me on the home phone to see if I would be interested in going out on the bay to do some duck hunting. I was all for it. I spent the night and the next day was a blast we shot close to a four man limit of divers. That hunt would be like a deadly virus entering my blood stream once it infected me it could never be vaccinated. It is a lifestyle that I didn’t choose…. It chose me.
 
Since that day I have been working on gaining all of the knowledge that I can about calling, decoying, and scouting that I can. I spend hours every week working on my calling and reading to keep my skills up to date. When I’m not working on those two I am working on things for my team and my bussiness. My companies name is Bring Em' Close Outfitters and the Elite guide and calling team I run is called S.W.A.T. (Strategic Waterfowl Assault Team).
 
Knowing how this passion was growing in me, I wanted to find a group of guys my age who shared the same passion as myself. After looking for three months I had found this group I had started out to find. I brought them on to my team and into my company.  They are the most promising individuals that I could find. Each have a certain quality that can be utilized in S.W.A.T.’s growth and to help "Bring Em' Close".

 I grew up on the family wheat and cattle ranch in south eastern Washington State. The family ranch, witch is bordered by the lower Snake River, provides great waterfowl hunting. I started hunting at 14 years of age, going out with family and friends. When nobody could be found to go hunting I took Grandpa’s old paper mache’ decoys, cardboard silhouettes, and two dozen plastic half shells. I spent my days perfecting my skills and learning about waterfowl and their habits.

 I now run the day to day operations on the family ranch, where I live with my wife and three children. After guiding five years for a local waterfowl outfitter, I started my own waterfowl guide business (Fishhook Ranch Outfitters LLC.) I have enjoyed including my family in this venture. My children love to come along with me to scout and hunt. I believe that my family and families like mine are imperative to this sport.   I spend 100+ days in the field, hunting, scouting, and working on habitat development.

 Volunteering time to organizations like, “Ducks Unlimited”, ”Camp Patriot” (a organization for disabled veterans), and “Washington State Hunter Education Program”. I am also on the Men’s Ministries leadership team for our local church, where I help organize our wild game dinner. This is my way of giving back to a sport that I enjoy so much.

A fourth generation farmer/rancher/livestock broker in the wheat belt of central Oklahoma, Mike has 45 years of experience in the outdoor sports. His parents gave him a single shot .410 at the age of 10 which created his addiction for waterfowl, “Pond Hopping” for ducks while feeding cattle with his dad. Sue, his wife of 31 years, has helped raise and train many Labs, and German Shorthairs over the years into fine gun and family dogs.

Mike also has 35 years of turkey hunting, calling and guiding to his credit. Quaker Boy Pro-Staff and Calling Team, 3 time Oklahoma State turkey calling champion, NWTF Grand Nationals contestant, past Oklahoma NWTF Chapter President and being on the H.S. Strut Field Staff are some past accomplishments.

He also spends spare time thru the off season shooting sporting clays with Class B National FITASC Champion and Class B Reserve World Champion wins. Mikes son Matt, also a avid water fowler , NSCA World Champion Junior and past Team USA Sporting Clays member, takes credit for coaching and fine tuning his dads shooting skills and is patiently helping with Mikes goose calling.

Wildlife habitat improvement and planting 20 plus acres to upland food plots and mud flats to millet, milo and wheat are also a yearly father/son activity. 

Becoming a better goose and duck hunter, caller and guide is the next goal on Mike’s agenda. Applying past waterfowl experiences with a little turkey hunting savvy is paying off with putting birds on the X. This far south in the flyway, Mike knows that great decoys and location are a major part of being successful along with calling, camo and blending blinds to the terrain. Dakotas flocked heads, hand painting and motion system along with being ”Oklahoma wind resistant”, is making that goal reachable.

I was born in Colorado in 1982 I started hunting with my dad when I was 6 following him out in the fields hunting pheasants. I won my first shot gun when I was 9 at a Ducks Unlimited banquet and have hunted ever since. I now am a firefighter in garden city Kansas, when I'm not workin I am out in a field chasing roosters,  hunting ducks and geese, or scouting and taking pictures.

Waterfowl hunting is my passion there is nothing like having hundreds of birds coming in cupped and commited and hearing the words "take em" when they are right in your face. I hunt from August to April and in the off season I'm scouting, practicing my calling,and helping with youth events and 4-H shooting. I am really happy to be apart of Dakota decoys and look forward to many successful days hunting over Dakota decoys.

Nick Roehl

I was born and raised in SE North Dakota and still live there to this day. There is one main reason for this and it's the amazing hunting and fishing North Dakota offers.

My father started me hunting on wild ring-necked pheasants as soon as I could hold a gun. Soon after he had me with him hunting big white-tailed bucks and in the boat fishing for monster walleyes and pike. I just couldn't get enough and expanded my hunting and fishing to everything possible within our state.

As I grew up hunting there wasn't anyone close to me that hunted ducks or geese. So I started out the hard way by myself learning along the way. I believe it was this very reason that made me the waterfowler I am today. I studied every book, magazine, video tape and of course spent endless hours in the field all year around. I taught myself how to call, what decoys spreads worked well and why. I learned the birds habits, why they do what they do, and that has made all the difference.

Hunting is in my blood. I live, eat, breathe and sleep hunting especially waterfowl hunting. There's just something about a crisp November morning, 3am alarms going off, my dog shaking from excitement, cold fingers, and of course ducks and geese locked up and committed to my calls and decoys. At times it's an unexplainable feeling and one that I cannot live without.
These days my main motivation is just getting my black lab Nelli out on some birds and sharing memories in the field with my close friends and family. 

A Central Flyway native, Tiffany Mitchell was raised in a small town in north-central Kansas. She grew up fishing small ponds, chasing pheasant, and helping her father around the farm. Over the years Tiffany has transitioned into a big game archer and waterfowl hunter. Tiffany also enjoys backcountry hiking, fly fishing, trap shooting, pheasant and dove hunting. But watch out… her hobby of choice is showing up the boys in the duck blind.

Caleb Mitchell grew up fishing and chasing deer and pheasant throughout northeastern and southern Nebraska. Throughout the years Caleb has familiarized himself with many facets of an outdoor lifestyle. Caleb has a degree in Wildlife Ecology, and loves to fish, trap, and hunt. He spends his summer months conducting wildlife research, backpacking, rock climbing, and fly fishing. But anybody that knows Caleb knows one sure thing... he is passionate about wetlands conservation, and utterly obsessed with waterfowl hunting.
 
Caleb and Tiffany met in college, and married in 2010. They currently reside in Bozeman, Montana. Both prostaff for Dakota Decoys as well as Rig'Em Right Waterfowl and Buck Gardner Calls. Prostaffing has allowed Caleb and Tiffany to travel many places throughout the Central flyway, working at shows and meeting many new people and friends throughout the industry.

I grew up in a small Colorado country town about an hour north of Denver called Eaton, where I won a 3A state championship in basketball.  My passion for waterfowl came at a later age but it has totally consumed me. I was able to learn quickly and will continue to learn more about this obsession of running down those honkers and snapping off those greenheads.  I’ am currently enrolled at the University of Northern Colorado where I will graduate in one year with a degree in criminal justice and a minor in psychology. I spend my summers on the links, fishing, and readying my gear for the upcoming season. Since I was introduced to Dakota Decoy two years ago I have been hooked. The quality of the products as well as the people working for the company made me want to be a part of a family who is at the top of the decoy companies.  I personally want to thank Bill for taking a chance on me and giving me this opportunity. I look forward to being a part of this family and working with such a great company!

Tim Williams

As a kid, I grew up treading through the swamps and marshes of the Florida Everglades. To this day, I hunt as often as I can in those familiar waters. I hunt from Florida, up to Canada then to the plains of the Dakota's on then to Arkansas then the bays of the Chesapeake.

Throughout the years, I've seen duck and goose callers and killers, treaded my way around cotton mouths, stepped on alligators and battled freezing rain so intense that ice sickles hung from my hat and weighted down my dog's coat. Waterfowl hunting is my passion, a passion that runs deep within me. I've come close to drowning on the Tennessee River the day my boat capsized in a storm just to hunt ducks. That same passion drove me back to the marsh the day after I put my dad - mentor, hunting buddy and best friend - in the ground. It was the only place that was ours and ours alone, a place were he was waiting for me to return, a place were I hope my son will go one day to be with me after I’ve gone to hunt on the other side.

Nick Mostek

My name is Nick I am 32 years old. I was born and raised in Wisconsin. I have been married to my wife Erin for 10 years and we have 2 children, Caleb 7 and Della 6. I started hunting at 15 yrs old. My dad didn't hunt so I was introduced to it by my uncle. I started out deer hunting and waterfowling a little. Over the years though, my passion has shifted. Now it's all about the birds. I love field hunting because it's easier to involve the family. My kids love coming along and that's what it's all about for me. My older lab Kodi is retired now and we have a new addition to the family. Leo is a 5 month old Drahthaar and we are all very excited to get him out this fall and for years to come.I have been a firefighter for 11 years now and love my job. We work long shifts but it gives me the time off to do the things I love.

 I am very glad to be a small part of a team that is so passionate about making the best product they can make and a team that stands behind it.

My name is Ryan Warden and I live in Haven, KS a small town about fifteen minutes Northwest of Wichita, KS.  I am happily married with two beautiful daughters both under the age of five.  The youngest cannot speak but can quack and point out the window when we are scouting geese.  If I don’t acknowledge her she just gets louder until I say I see them.  I too have been hunting since I was old enough to walk to my father’s truck.  I grew up hunting in Western Kansas and the waterfowl numbers were slim to none until about my freshman year of high school.  I killed 13 geese that year with a dozen shells, burlap bags, one shovel, and an old wooden short reed.  I loved watching the birds work and could not get enough of it. 

I have hunted over almost every decoy on the market and have had a hard time finding the right one.  It needed to have quality when it came to design and looks.  It need to have durability when it came to being backed over, kicked, or shot in the field because that is what happens.  It needed it to be easy to get in and out of the field and ride well in a trailer.  And the last thing I needed but one of the most important was motion.  A thousand decoys with no motion you can hunt over. For myself I would rather be hunting over thirty-six decoys that are all moving.  I have been an Outfitter now for 8 years and I am in the fields on an average of 4-6 days a week throughout most of the season.  Our decoys get shot, ran over, kicked, hit by falling geese, and pitched into a trailer by guys that think it is a distance throwing contest.  These reasons are the core reasons why I choose to hunt with Dakota Decoys!  When you are a full time Outfitter you have to do your homework people expect it and some demand it.  At the end of the day you have to be confident in what you have for an answer.  My crew and me found not only the answer but also the solution.  Thanks Dakota Decoy Company!

Patrick Geraghty started his adventures on a small hog farm in northeastern Ohio.  At a young age he found himself drawn to the nearby woods where he spent countless hours fishing, trapping and hunting anything that was in season.  Upon graduating from high school in Jefferson, Ohio he served his country in the United States Marine Corps being deployed to Iraq in 2004.  After his service Patrick obtained a Bachelors of Science Degree in Biology concentrating on wetland ecology.

Patrick now lives in Cody, Wyoming and loves it.  Cody has provided several opportunities in his hunting career.  He has been able to hunt waterfowl and big game.  Patrick is the owner of Mountain Mallards and is co-owner/biologist for Colter Environmental LLC. 

Born and raised in the Mississippi flyway in the great state of Minnesota, hunting has always been in my blood.  Growing up I was introduced to waterfowl hunting at an early age and was fortunate enough to be born into a duck hunting family, with whom I would spend the cool fall dusks and dawns hunting up in Ontario, Canada as part of the North Rainy Lake Coot Merganser Assn. Inc.  This allowed me to hunt side by side with some of the greatest hunters that I have ever meet and they guided me to pursue a path that has been ruled by the hunt.  I’m currently studying wildlife biology at the University of Minnesota Duluth; with this major I have been able to study waterfowl day in and day out.  Through these studies I have completed several field research papers on waterfowl behavior with the latest being on the effects that local variability in atmospheric conditions have on mallard migration.  I am a firm believer that in order to become a better hunter you not only have to ask other hunters for advice but you have to study the waterfowl that you are hunting in order to be successful.  Outside of the classroom at UMD, waterfowl hunting still envelops me; I am the president of the Rod and Gun Club and reside on the committee board for the UMD Ducks Unlimited charter.   I currently work for the MN DNR as part of the ecological resources division.  Here I am involved with aquatic invasive species research and education.  During the goose and duck season I can be found in the blind every chance I have, hunting next to my ol’ duck dog Cauder.  Whether it be in the field or swamp, river or lake I can’t get enough and the Dakota Decoy Company has never let me down.  They lock-up the geese and bring the mallards in from miles.  My grandfather use to tell me that “the hunters of ducks are a crazy breed” and I am glad to be apart of the Dakota Decoy family that shares that same crazed passion for the hunt.

Jason Schlesinger

My name is Jason Schlesinger I was born and raised in Freeburg Illinois but now reside in Coulterville Illinois.  I have two children one boy Justice age 13 and a girl Piper age3.  I have a wonderful women at home, Starr Mcpherson, who lets me do what I love hunt with full support and isn’t scared to strap some camo on and go along.  I first got in the field at age 10 and started waterfowling around age 12 and have been hooked ever since.  Come duck and goose season you will find me in the field everyday. On my time away from hunting you will find me training my Boykin Molly for the up coming season. I am apart of  Retrievers Unlimited HRC and I am also on Field Staff for Buck Gardner calls and am proud to now be apart of Dakota Decoys Company’s family.   A large goal I have is to introduce as many as I can to the sport of waterfowl hunting and get the children out in the field as well. I will never turned down a chance to talk hunting. If you have a question or need a partner for a hunt let me know. Dakota Decoys are the best decoy I have used that is on the market today. 

Joshua Lett

My name is Joshua Lett, I am 31 years old and live in Odessa Missouri. Odessa is forty miles east of Kansas City. I live on a small farm with my wife and two daughters ages 4 and 5 ½. They enjoy hunting as well. My primary job is making cabinets. I am also co-owner of Goose and Duck Smackers Guide service. Hunting has been a way of life for me for as long as I can remember. I am a third generation water fowler. I hunt water fowl in seven different states. I hunt anything from farm ponds to marshes along with the mighty MO.  In the fall you can find me smacking duck and geese all over the Mississippi flyway. My passion is spring snow goose season. From the start of the conservation order all I do is eat, sleep and dream about hunting snow geese.

 I am an avid outdoors man when not hunting waterfowl I archery hunt for deer and turkey. I also do guided turkey hunts in Missouri. When not hunting I enjoy spending time with my family. I also enjoy working with my young dog to keep her in shape and in tune for the up coming season.

I was born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan, but I live in Schoolcraft. I work long hours in the summer, so that in the fall and winter I can be chasin' waterfowl.

The outdoors has grown to be a big part of my life. Whether it is fishing or hunting I am doing something outside all year long. I was introduced to hunting by my step-dad, Jerry, at the age of nine. I have fond memories of tagging along while he was guiding for waterfowl. That early introduction made a profound impact on my life. Now from September until February you will find me in the field with a group of buddies trying to bag our limit.

When I was young my step-dad had a chocolate lab, Tesla, who was quite the bird dog. I purchased Gunner, a yellow lab from a long line of master hunters. Watching him excel in the sport is very rewarding

Will Ayers

My name is Will Ayers i am 27 years old and i live in Sheffield Alabama, with my wife angie of 4 years and my 7 month old son sawyer who im already getting  ready for waterfowl hunting and how to blow a call. i live by the tennessee river and do alot of my hunting there and on some private ponds and timber spots. My dad and one of his childhood friends got me into duck hunting about five years ago and i havent done anything since, i am addicted to it and it consumes me everyday all year long. i am a devoted christian,father,and husband. I am the chairman for the Elk River Delta waterfowl chapter here in my area that i started a year ago, and i am on the field staff with Duck Junkies and Blitzkrieg Calls. I love getting the youth of today involved in this sport and teach them all that i know and how to give back to this great sport as well. Dakota Decoys make the finest decoys on the market hands down, they work and get the job done. And i am blessed and honored to be a part of this staff.

Thad McVeigh

I grew up in central Missouri surrounded by crops, hardwoods and wetlands.  I have been hunting deer, turkey, and waterfowl since I was about 8 years old.  It started with me just tagging along with my dad and his hunting buddies, but it wasn’t long until it they began tagging along with me. Starting in September of each year, waterfowl hunting is my life.  It begins with early goose and teal season and runs until the last day in January chasing the late wary migrating honkers on frozen lakes or snow covered corn fields.  I love calling. Much of the time, I find myself going out simply to work birds into the dekes with their wings locked and feet down.
I’ve done most of my duck hunt’n on public conservation areas in Missouri such as Eagle Bluff, Grand Pass, and Ted Shanks hunting flooded corn fields.  If I’m not there you will find me on local private farms and lakes working honkers into a spread.  I’m currently a student at Hannibal La Grange University and I’m looking forward to graduating with a degree in Criminal Justice.  Becoming a Dakota Decoy Pro Staffer is a BIG blessing!! I absolutely love the Dakota decoy’s realism, and the durability they provide. I’m thrilled to be part of this family and will work hard to be a contributing member of the team!!!

Chad Gillespie lives in Statham, Georgia with his wife of 5 years Alison, and his two children Sara 3 and Evan 2. Chad is a High School Baseball coach and a Special Education teachr. He has a BS degree from the University of West Georgia. He also holds a Masters degree in Education from Liberty University. Chad is a Field Staffer for Buck Gardner Calls and is a Competition duck caller. Chad is a member of Ducks Unlimited.

Chad started duck hunting in Georgia when he was 16 years old. In Georgia he would jump from Pond to swamp chasing Wood ducks and geese. As he grew in age he ventured to the duck rich farm land and timber of Arkansas. In Arkansas is where the passion of duck hunting truly grew. Chad later started 2 duck hunting clubs, One in Wiener, Ar., and the other near Corning, Ar. Both clubs consisted of Rice and bean fields. In 2009 Chad ventured to the duck capital of the world, Stuttgart, Ar., where he joined the Prairie Palace Duck club in Stuttgart. As a member of the Prairie Palace Duck Club, you can find Chad hunting geese and ducks in crop fields, and Timber. You can also find him on the famous Bayou Meto chasing ducks.

Andrew Dath

Is 24 Years of age and have been hunting waterfowl for the past 9, guiding for the past 5 throughout central Ontario and Southern Alberta. In my spare time I am occasionally scene also hunting turkeys, antelope and the occasional White Tail or Mulley when I can find the time. Bird hunting is however my passion, I have hunted them all over North America in such other locations as California, Georgia, Nova Scotia.
    
I have placed in many different calling competitions, in the 2010 summer I placed 2nd in the Western Canadian Pairs and Single Goose Calling Championships.

Logan Peed

I was born in Southern Maryland and have been lucky enough to be raised here my entire life. An area surrounded by water, I am blessed with the opportunity to be surrounded by ducks and geese every Fall and Winter. Only 21 years old, I have not spent as much time in the field as a veteran hunter, but I hunt harder and have a dedication to hunting more than anyone I know. Waterfowl hunting has become my passion within the past five years and I spend as much time possible in the field, marsh, or on the river chasing birds. Currently, I spend most of my time hunting here in Southern Maryland and on the famous Eastern Shore of Maryland, but have had opportunities to hunt in Virginia and Pennsylvania too. I enjoy spending time learning from experienced hunters and teaching new hunters in the field. Waterfowl hunting is a great sport that I believe should be shared with everyone.

Currently, I am also a staffer for Get-Em-Locked Up Calls, and on the Migration Team for WeAreDuckHunters.com. I would like to thank Bill from Get-Em-Locked Up, Brandon from WeAreDuckHunters, and Bill from Dakota Decoy for presenting me with an opportunity to help represent their companies and fine products!

Mike McIsaac

Born and raised in Brownstown, Michigan, which is where the Detroit River meets Lake Erie. The area is has a long history of providing excellent waterfowling opportunities. Michigan has a early youth season that kids, like myself could hunt at age 12-16 and I have been hooked ever since then. I am 21 now and If you are looking for me during any of the seasons you can find me in the marshes and fields in the area, with my Dakota decoys waiting on the commitment of the fowl. In the off season you can find me working with my lab, Gunner, perfecting my calling and introducing youth into the sport. I would like to thank Bill for this opportunity and look forward to representing the company

Matthew Harris

I am from State College Pa, and am married to my wife Chris we have a total of children. I was introduced to waterfowl hunting at the age of 12 by my father and every since that first morning I have been hooked. Waterfowl hunting is not only my passion but my way of life! When the season is in I try to hunt as many days I can; often spending 82

days in the field and traveling to several states to hunt. When not chasing birds, during the off season I like to spend time training my lab, reading up on the newest equipement and better ways to hunt, blowing my calls, scouting new areas to hunt, and spending time with my family. Once I retire from the military my goal is to purchase and

run a waterfowl outfitter bussiness some where in Canada. It is an honor to be part of the team with Dakota Decoys that not only has the best decoys for ducks and geese but as well as the best family in the waterfowl bussiness.

Brad VanBennekom

My name is Brad Vanbennekom aka "Billbuster" I live in Grand Rapids, Michigan i started hunting when I was old enough to sit on the stand with my dad and first time I went duck hunting when I was about 10 years old and from then on i was hooked and here i am chasing ducks geese deer and fish all over Michigan. I still to this day love enjoying time spent afield with my dad and friends and introducing new hunters to the sport. I also blow in competitions all around michigan for Quacker Attacker Championship calls which is right close to home there a big help to me in my calling. i am very honored to be part of the Dakota Decoy family and rep the name by using their extremely high quality decoys big thanks to the guys at Dakota Decoy! 

Darren Lau

I live in Hartford, Wisconsin and have been waterfowl hunting since I was 10 years old.  My love for the sport turned into an obsession when I met my soon to be brother-in-law from southern Illinois for the first time.  Since that day waterfowl hunting especially Canada geese is an addiction that I will have forever.  I also enjoy turkey and deer hunting, along with some fishing during the summer but there is no comparison to the fall waterfowl hunting season addiction.  

I enjoy introducing new people to the sport of waterfowl hunting, and show them why I get up before the crack of dawn to do this every chance I get.  I have had some really good days hunting and some bad but who hasn't, but regardless Dakota Decoys make every hunt the very best.  From there unmatched detail and tough as nails durability to the easiest set up and take down decoys on the market.  I look forward to spread the word to other hunters why Dakota Decoy is the leader in high quality waterfowl decoys and products.

 Born and raised in South Louisiana "The Sportsmans Paradise", the hunting opportunities were never limited. I grew up hunting with my father and stepfather. From a young age I knew i was addicted to the sound of flapping of wings and the sight of landing feet. Not a day goes by that I don't think about past hunts and future hunts I hope to enjoy with friends I could never forget about. 

As a Contest caller, I enjoy traveling around the country and competing in Main street Duck contests. The people I have met and places I have visited have opened up a new world of water fowling for me. I enjoy blowing my calls and teaching others how to compete and call birds. 

My name is Paul Krott. I grew up and live in northwest Pennsylvania in Erie County.  I graduated college with a BSW. At a young age I quickly became obsessed with the outdoors. Hunting deer, turkey and pheasant were my main passions until my first goose hunt in a layout blind when I was 16 years old.  From that day on, waterfowling has taken over my life.  I love to hunt pressured birds, utilizing calling and decoy placement is the best part of the game. I spend every free moment I have hunting geese and ducks.  I also enjoy competition calling, fly fishing and archery.

I have hunted over every decoy on the market and need something that looks good and will hold up over being hunted day after day.  I truly believe Dakota Decoys are the only decoy on the market that will hold up to being thrown around year after year and still look great.  The texture, paint schemes and durability of Dakotas are top notch and that is why I run them in the spread.  

Matt Gildehaus

My name is Matt Gildehaus and I live in Washington, MO.  I have a very patient wife and two awesome kids.  I work in St. Louis as a Mechanical Engineer.  I am very blessed that my family owns a farm along the Missouri River.  I have been hunting all my life and archery hunting deer was my main passion, until I got introduced to goose hunting.  Balancing work, family and hunting is an extremely tough thing to do.  I am extremely grateful to my family, especially my wife, for their understanding.

I, along with my dad, am a self-educated waterfowler.  We started this sport together on the same hunt and learn something new every time we go out.  Early last year, we bought our first dozen Dakota Decoy Honkers and fell in love.  The ease of use, durability and realism are second to none.  This spring (2011) we converted the entire spread over to Dakota and now I have the great opportunity to join Dakota Decoy, what a privilege. 

When I am not lying in layout blind, I am either in a deer stand, chasing my kids or driving my wife nuts working on the calls.  In the spring, you can find us in the turkey blind.  All I can say is “Bring on the Dakota Turkey Decoy”, lookout!

Benjamin Busboom

I grew up in Nebraska and have been hunting since I could walk. Some of my first memories are walking through fields of CRP alongside my family carrying a pop-gun, wearing a coon skin cap, and firing imaginary shots at flushing birds.

Since then I’ve moved to Kansas where I work as a scientist helping to restore and protect wetlands and waterfowl habitat throughout the Midwest. Some of my past work has included; studying water quality and fisheries populations in rural Alaska, restoring shallow water habitat along the Missouri River, and studying urban pollutants that impact water quality and wetland production in and around eastern Kansas.  I am also currently pursuing a degree in Natural Resource law and hope to someday become a major influence in wetland policy, conservation, and public hunting policy on a national scale.

My unique background gives me an edge when it comes to pursuing waterfowl. I spend nearly every day in and around wetlands and water and therefore have developed a unique understanding of the relationships between habitat and bird movement and if there’s one thing I've learned over the last 20 years it’s that you better have the best gear available if you expect to succeed during late season or in out competing others on public land. This is where Dakota Decoys provide the edge.

Josh Pladies

My name is Josh Pladies, I am 18 and live in Silver Lake, KS. I was introduced to the outdoors at a very young age, and do anything it takes to make sure that I am always doing something involving either hunting or fishing. Although I enjoy hunting anything I can; my passion thrives in waterfowl. I love waking up going out into the field and watching the birds pile into the decoys. I live for the days that I can connect with the birds and lure them into my trap. In the off season I am always preparing for next season by figuring out new decoy spreads, scouting out new hunting grounds, or working on my calling. It is not uncommon for me to spend hours a day working on calling. It is safe to say that I would rather be doing nothing else but waterfowling. If I am lucky enough someday I’d like to make a living out of chasing and studding these birds.

Hi! My name is Liz Hommes and im 23 years old. I grew up in Elk River, MN and moved to Becker, MN 3 years ago. I first started getting involved into hunting when i was real little, my dad would bring me along with him on his hunting adventures out to the stand. Then as soon as I could hunt at the age of 12 I picked up my first bow and began to archery hunt for deer and turkey, all the way up till my senior year in high school. It still grows in me even today.

It wasnt long after I met my boyfriend, Andrew, who got me started into waterfowl hunting a few years ago and ever since then I have had the most desire and passion to hunt ducks, Canada geese, and even snow geese. I dont know whats more fun setting decoys and getting dirty or shooting the birds, either way it all an awarding experience in the end.

 On my free time I practice my duck and goose calls, I make every day count on trying to become a better hunter. I also enjoy training and spending time with my dog, Molly, without her waterfowl hunting wouldnt be a success. I support my Ducks Unlimited chapter here in Becker, MN, and in the near future i would like to be working in the hunting industry.

There is not a day that goes by to where im not thinking hunting and the outdoors, but am thankfule for the person I grew up to be. Im proud to be able to represent Dakota Decoys in my journey to becoming and expert in the field.

Tara Lynch

Tara Lynch grew up fishing and hunting small farm ponds in the Piedmont of North Carolina. Her love of the outdoors grew stronger with time and has turned into what many of her friends and family call an obsession.
Having owned and managed a cluster of waterfowl impoundments on the North side of Lake Mattamuskeet, Tara now likes to travel and find new places to chase waterfowl.  “When the weather cooperates, hunting the Pamlico Sound for divers will always hold a special place in my heart.” At home or while traveling, she never leaves her Black Labrador Retriever behind. “‘Gauge’ is the best hunting partner I have ever had. He always shows up on time and he’s ready to go!”
Tara graduated from Salem College in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and is a licensed real estate broker and general contractor. She also enjoys many other types of hunting and is an accomplished fisherman. Chasing and harvesting wild boar with a .44 and landing 100 lb. tarpon on fly are just a couple of her achievements. In the next few years, she hopes to achieve a Grand Slam hunting turkeys. 

Tara is also Pro Staff for Rig ‘Em Right Decoys and Moose Knuckle Lanyards.

Since then, I have been an avid waterfowler, having hunted ducks and geese for over 19 years averaging 60 plus days in the field each year.  The addiction grew so strong I decided to make it a living and am now the owner/operator of Feathered Fowl Outfitters, Inc. specializing in waterfowl hunts in Saskatchewan, Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska.

Tyler Felgey

My name is Tyler Felgey I'm from Millerstown, Pa.  I have been hunting from a very young age and began gunning at age 12. I started out hunting deer, turkeys, Phesants, and grouse. I was introduced to waterfowl hunting at age 14 and got hooked like every other waterfowl hunter. From there it was all about buying the best gear, blinds, calls, and most important decoys. Thats why I use Dakota Decoys, Dakota decoys are Realistic, Durable, and easy to pick up. I hunt every weekend and everyday I dont have school and Dakota has never let me down. Thats why I am honored to be a member of Dakota Decoy Field Staff, I know I am part of the team that puts out the best decoys on the market. I look forward to advertising for Dakota Decoys and getting the name out to every waterfowler out there. And yet again I am honored to represent Dakota Decoy Company!!!

Matthew Vetter

Born and raised in Big Rapids, MI, I grew up hunting waterfowl in the marshes of Northern Michigan with my brother. As a kid I learned the ins and outs of hunting and conservation from my father. My passion for the outdoors has carried me across the country hunting everything from whitetail and turkey to predators and waterfowl. I recently graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in Aviation. I currently reside in Kalamazoo, MI where I helped to form an outdoor company called Team DOWNZ Outdoors. As part of the Mossy Oak Pro Staff, and Kicks IND Pro Staff I spend most of my time chasing down birds from Michigan marshes to the potholes of NODAK. My black lab Johnny the Dog in Black aka “Cash” will be ready for his first season this fall and I can’t wait to hit the fields this year and watch him work.  I have plans to move to Nebraska soon to pursue my passion of waterfowl in the central flyway.

My name is Dustin Thoms and I am from Lincoln Nebraska. I am a Steamfitter and also owner of Chasing Fowl Outfitters.  I am blessed with two wonderful children and a wife that understands all the hard work and dedication that goes into waterfowl hunting. I was fortunante growing up as my Dad would always let me tag along with him and my grandfather when they went hunting in western nebraska.  That passion and drive hasnt left as I still hunt as much as I can, learn as much as I can, and scout as much as I can   I hunt all over the state and am hard on equipment pulling decoys in and out of the trailer. I was always looking for a decoy that would handle the punishment I put on my gear. I believe that Dakota Decoy has made that product as I havent had an issue with anything I have purchased and more than pleased with the with the decoys I put in the field

Matt Goodrich

My name is Matt Goodrich and I am 24 years old, I was born in Ft. Worth Texas, but grew up in a Small town called Lorena, TX.

I first began hunting at the age of 10 with my grandfather and my father out at our family ranch. I consider myself first and foremost a bird hunter. Ever since I took my first mallard I have been addicted to hunting throughout Texas.  My everyday hunting is mostly focused on puddle ducks and snows at my ranch in Central Texas. Hunting is a big part of my life, and I enjoy spending as much time outdoors as possible.

 When I am not duck hunting I spend time hog hunting in South Texas, as well as predator hunting. I am also an avid fisherman who enjoys the quite mornings out on the lake or ranch. I spend my free time with my wife, Heather, and two dogs, Guss and Clark. Training dogs and watching them develop to a mature hunting companion is a passion of mine.

I also truly enjoy helping people. Whether it is decoys tips, dog training, or help with life, I always have an open ear for someone. I am a supporter of my local Ducks Unlimited, here in Dallas and Waco Texas. I am very excited to represent such a prestigious company as Dakota. From the owner to the staff, I respect their high standards that make their company great. Dakota Decoys are the most realistic decoys on the market, and they always put birds in the hole. Their superior durability and realism give them a consistent edge over competitors.

I graduated from Baylor University in August of 2010 with a BBA in Management Information Systems. I currently work in Dallas in the IT field. In the next few years, I am planning on going to graduate school to receive my MBA.

I am also a Field staff member with Rig ‘em Right, and Pro staff with McCustom Lanyards.

Josh Wagner

I was born and raised in White Pigeon, Michigan. began chasing waterfowl around the age of 15 and have been hooked since. I have worked on the family farm my entire life which is currently around 3,500 acres of seed corn and soy beans, which always allows for a good hunt. My passion for waterfowl hunting has allowed me to travel the states to hunt and also help out during the outdoor events with fellow Xtreme team members. During the off time I enjoy to continue to get better on my calling techniques and enjoy the outdoors. This Obsession has given me some awesome opportunities to learn so much in the waterfowl industry and i wouldn't change a thing. I Love to Hunt!

Jarrett Melton

I am 21 years old and have spent my entire life hunting around Northeastern Oklahoma. I am from the Tulsa, but I travel all over Oklahoma to hunt waterfowl. I began hunting at a very young age and would go along with my dad just to pick up the ducks and carry them back to the truck. Ever since then I haven’t been able to get enough. I hunt every second I get the chance and love every second of it.

I am currently in college studying wildlife biology and would like to eventually be a biologist and specialize in wetlands habitat if I get the chance.  My greatest passion in hunting is probably calling. No matter what time of the year I almost always have my duck and goose calls with me. After I graduated highschool I began guiding for Gordie’s Wildlife in Claremore, Oklahoma and still continue to do so today. I couldn’t ask for a better job.

I also love to train labs on my free time and have two of my own, and I love to bow hunt and fish when its not duck season.

My name is Brent Stark; I live in Swartz Creek, MI w/ my wife Beth and 2 young kids Madeline 7 and Mason 6!  I started waterfowl hunting w/ family when I was very young.  I was in charge making sure the decoys were clean; all anchors were rigged properly, and was from time to time the retriever of downed birds if there were too many for the dog to handle!  I learned from those early hunts that it takes many different key ingredients to all work together to get the birds to commit.  From good calling, to good camo, to great looking decoys, and ultimately to being where the birds don’t mind going.

I am very blessed that I had a family that shared waterfowl hunting w/ me and I have encouraged my kids to choose their own path’s in life, but certainly hope that waterfowl hunting is something that they choose.  I try to share many adventures and knowledge w/ them whenever I can, whether it’s a simple walk in the woods to identify tree or bird species to an actual hunt…I cannot wait for the next adventure w/ them!  

I am very honored and proud to be a part of a great American company like Dakota Decoys and would like to thank Mr. Willroth for the opportunity to represent Dakota Decoys!

Thanks and good hunting!