Alicia Street
Booking Manager
I’d like to welcome you to our lodge! I will be happy to help you book your next hunt, corporate event, or retreat. Feel free to reach out to me anytime!
K-Raye Delgado
Lodge Manager
K-Raye Delgado, a Franklin Parish Native, joined the DB family in 2023 as our Hospitality Manager. She now serves as our Lodge Manager overseeing guest services, housekeeping, and other operational needs. She takes pride in being a perfectionist in everything she does & strives to provide the best experience for each & every guest. K-Raye’s priority is to ensure every guest experiences the true meaning of “Southern Hospitality” that DB is known for. In her free time K-Raye enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with her family.
Chef Charles Lawson Smelley
Charles Lawson Smelley has been presented with many opportunities both in and out of the kitchen with food being the fulcrum of his life’s purpose. Through experiences in the kitchen, he says he has found the joy of life. “It was during my first kitchen shift as a boy that I knew then I was hooked. Sure, food was a part of it, but for me, it was the people and always has been.” From working in his grandmother’s café to traveling across America, cooking led him to the higher-echelon restaurants of the New Orleans French Quarter. He was a part of the Dickie Brennan family of restaurants for 10 years, earning his title of sous chef at Tableau and the Bourbon House, which led to the achievement of becoming the Chef De Cuisine for Palace Café. Classically trained within the trenches of the French Quarter’s most zenith kitchens, Charles Smelley’s well-earned pedigree warrants him to be one of the most promising chefs in Louisiana.
Lee Street
Owner/Guide
Dogs: Tux & Boss
Hometown: Winnsboro, LA
Background: Lee started hunting as a young child with his grandparents on family land around Tensas River. After graduating college & obtaining his LA state insurance license, he has worked as a crop insurance agent in his family's independent insurance agency for 30+ years and is the President of Street Insurance Agency, Inc. in Winnsboro, LA.
Duck hunting has always been Lee's passion. He is the "mastermind" behind Dave's Bayou Lodge & Outfitters. It was his vision and design that brought it to life 7 years ago and he now dedicates most of his time tending to the hunting operation. Lee also enjoys spending time with his family & fishing any chance he gets.
Taylor Gilley
Head Guide
Dog: Benny
Hometown: Winnsboro, LA
Background: Taylor's passion for duck hunting began at the age of 5, tagging along with his grandpa in the Tensas Delta. As he grew older, he expanded his hunting adventures to every piece of public land within a 3-hour drive. In the off-season, Taylor works full-time for Daves Bayou and is also a Real Estate Land Professional, specializing in helping clients find their perfect piece of land. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time outdoors chasing turkeys, bowfishing, frog hunting, and engaging in any other activities that involve being on the water. Taylor's dedication to outdoor pursuits reflects his deep connection to nature and his commitment to preserving these experiences for future generations.
Coby Hill
Guide
Dog: Tyson
Hometown: Winnsboro, LA
Background: Coby grew up hunting North Louisiana/South Arkansas public land. With over 20 years of experience in waterfowl hunting, Coby has honed his skills and developed a deep passion for the sport. When not out in the fields or marshes, he dedicates his time to his land leveling business, where he uses his expertise to help landowners optimize their property. Coby also enjoys frog hunting and spending time with his family and friends.
Roland Cortez
Guide
Dog: Daisy
Hometown: Choctaw, LA
Background: For over 40 years, Roland has passionately pursued duck hunting in the diverse wetlands of South Louisiana. Navigating the region's marshes and bayous, he has become a master of the sport, adapting to changing environments and honing skills with each season. Witnessing shifts in duck populations and advancements in hunting techniques, Roland remains committed to sustainable practices and conservation. Whether braving early morning mists or sharing stories with fellow hunters, Roland treasures the rich traditions and experiences that come with duck hunting in South Louisiana. In the off season, he works for Brown & Root and enjoys bass fishing, roping, and duck calling contests.
Brandon Hudson
Guide
Dog: Ham
Hometown: Monroe, Louisiana
Background: Brandon started duck hunting and killed his first duck in 1978. He spent most of his childhood hunting Turkey Creek in Wisner, LA and Overflow National Wildlife Refuge in Ashley County, Arkansas where he began guiding in 1999 before hunting & guiding at Daves Bayou in 2013. Brandon is employed as a commercial airline pilot. During the off season, he enjoys fishing every chance he gets.
Gabe Hudson
Guide
Hometown: Monroe, LA
Background: Gabe started hunting with family and friends in the Northern Louisiana area over 35 years ago. He has now been hunting and guiding at Daves Bayou for the past 15 years. Gabe is employed as a commercial airline pilot. When he is not flying or hunting, you can find Gabe on the golf course or on a nearby lake bass fishing.
Landon Murphree
Guide
Dog: Ace
Hometown: Tensas, LA
Background: Landon grew up hunting and fishing at his family’s place in Tensas Parish, chasing ducks all over North Louisiana and South Arkansas’ public land. Landon works full-time as a licensed insurance agent for State Farm. When he is not hunting, Landon enjoys CrossFit, fishing, and turkey hunting.
Devin Singleton
Guide
Dog: Ripp
Hometown: Bernice, LA
Background: Devin has been an avid hunter for 30 years, honing skills and deepening his passion for the outdoors. With a particular love for duck hunting, Devin has developed an expertise in the field that is second to none. Devin has channeled this passion into crafting high-quality duck calls, Singleton Game Calls. Each duck call is a testament to his dedication, blending craftmanship with practical knowledge gained from decades in the field. He also enjoys turkey hunting in the Spring and spending time with his family.
Josh Beckham
Guide
Dogs: Smooth & Solo
Hometown: Ruston, LA
Background: From a very early age to now, the majority of Josh's time has revolved around hunting and the outdoors. Josh is a lifetime resident of Ruston, LA where he graduated from LA Tech University with a degree in Kinesiology & Health Sciences. Many changes have occurred for Josh in his life, but one thing that has remained the same is his strong passion for what life outdoors has to offer. Josh grew up in deer hunting country but was quickly introduced to waterfowl hunting in the late 90's. Waterfowl hunting has taken Josh to places he never imagined going. In 2017, he became the Territory Manager for Banded and Avery Outdoors, an outdoor gear and hunting equipment company where he currently services outdoor retail stores across Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and Oklahoma. With extensive knowledge of the hunting industry and hunting properties, Josh pursued the real estate industry in Louisiana, Arkansas & Mississippi as well. Josh is married to his wife, Emery, and they have two daughters, Rory & Olivia.
Andrew Nugent
Guide
Dogs: Deeke & Ridge
Hometown: West Monroe, LA
Background: Andrew started hunting around the age of 8 with his grandfather in Morehouse Parish. He hunted ducks on public land for years until he started guiding hunts in 2015 for another outfitter. Andrew will start his first season as a guide with DB for our 2024-25 season. Andrew works full-time as a police officer in Monroe, LA and during his time off, he enjoys time with his family, fishing and scuba diving.
Mason Travis
Guide
Dog: Ziva
Hometown: Greensburg, LA
Background: From the very young age of 4, Mason has been passionate about duck hunting. He has guided for other outfitters in the past until he joined the DB team in 2024. He grew up in a family business focused on building houses and he has gained extensive experiences in the construction industry. Outside of work, Mason enjoys turkey hunting and spending quality time with family and friends.
Cody Custer
Guide
Dog: Cash
Hometown: West Monroe, LA
Background: Cody is an avid outdoorsman growing up hunting and fishing in the rich, diverse environments of North Louisiana along the Ouachita River. For the past 17 years, Cody has dedicated his professional life to law enforcement, bringing commitment and integrity to his role. Outside of work, he cherishes time with his family, traveling around the southern states supporting and enjoying youth baseball with his wife and son.
