Guides

Some of my most memorable times as a child that sticks with me as an adult are of enjoying the outdoors with family and friends. I remember the getting out of bed before daylight and dressing heavy for the cold that was to come. The big breakfast, packing a lunchbox and putting snacks into my pockets in my hunting coat! I remember the great respect I had for a gun as a I would take it from the gun-case and the feeling of being like one of the guys. I desire to pass on to my three young boys the same opportunities that were afforded to me. As land is being developed and our community grows, I realize the importance of natural resource conservation and advocacy so that agriculture and the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors can be passed on to future generations. I am proud to be a part of DB bar D Outfitters. We are committed to protecting, preserving, and promoting the outdoor experience.

As a Tennessee kid who got his first taste of freshly caught Alaskan salmon before he was 15, this avid outdoorsman knew he had to go far and wide if he wanted to truly master his craft. Jake started his career going through guide school, which would lead to his first guide position at Cutthroat Anglers out of Silverthorne, Colorado. After racking up his certification mileage navigating the mighty Colorado River; mentoring under some of the industry's best, Jake further developed his hands-on approach to guiding while working on the technical tailwaters of the South Platte. He'd tell you that this is where he truly became the guide that he is today. After the pandemic led him to bartending back home, Jake naturally gravitated towards the colder waters of east Tennessee and western North Carolina.  

Now residing in North Carolina, where he is raising his daughter with his beautiful partner Meaghan, Jake manages the Outfitter and its private water. However, you can still catch him occasionally guiding anglers/hunters to their next trout, musky, and bear.  

Another Tennessee native who got his start out west - Mark was out on the water fishing by age 2 with his grandpa in the East TN mountains. Throughout his childhood, his passion for fishing and hunting had him out in the woods or by a river just about any moment of free time he had. Mark became a fly fishing guide while living in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. He spent just over a decade in which his time was mostly consumed with snowboarding, chasing big trout, and teaching people the art of fly fishing. He now resides in Western North Carolina with his wife and 2 boys, where he guides wade trips and float trips for DB Bar D Outfitters. He gets immense joy from introducing folks to fly fishing and has never fished with a stranger.

Ryan grew up hunting and fishing with his family in the Red Hills region of South Georgia and North Florida. Chasing bass, redfish, tarpon, and all things turkey is where he cut his teeth in the woods as well as on the water. Ryan’s passion for the outdoors is rooted in his ability to introduce and teach others about the 2 things he loves most – turkey hunting and fly fishing. He’s also an extremely gifted fly tyer with a wealth of knowledge that he’s devoted to passing along!

Jon brings over 30 years of Western North Carolina fly fishing experience to the team. He got hooked on the fly in 1991, as a freshman at Appalachian State University, and he hasn’t looked back since. While spending much of his life chasing headwater brook trout and tailwater browns, Jon’s also been chasing his 3 kids and coaching them in all things sports. This gives him a unique perspective on patience and learning styles that suits his clients well on the river. He knows these mountain waters and their fish intimately, and he loves to share his knowledge. Whether it’s chasing trout or smallmouth, Jon will put his clients in the best possible position to find success and improve their skill sets on the stream.

Born in the Mills River Valley, Chris has been hunting and fishing this area his entire life.  After hunting as well as guiding hunts for Whitetail Deer here and several other states, he has the experience and knowledge that it takes to be a great steward for the outdoors.  Spending time in the woods with Chris will result in learning a lot about animal habits and habitat, Mills River history, and an amazing hunting experience.

Harrison is Jason's oldest son. Harrison has a big heart and is wanting to reach out to other youth who wish to learn more about hunting, the outdoors, and agriculture. Harrison is one of the most knowledgeable people on the farm. 

I am excited to be a founder of DB bar D Outfitters. My two younger brothers and I eat, sleep, and breathe farming, hunting, and fishing. We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful community that is rich with opportunity for growth, but still remaining true to its rural heritage. I am excited to grow up in this wonderful community and look forward to getting a great education and giving back the opportunities that have been given to me. I look forward to sharing my favorite hunting and fishing spots with you here at DB bar D Outfitters.