Meet The Team
Mad Duck Outfitters
Meet The Mad Duck Team
CHRIS PADDACK
OWNER
Chris Paddack, a starting pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, was born and raised in the heart of Texas. He is known not only for his flourishing baseball career, but also for his love of hunting and the great outdoors. Raised in a single-parent household alongside his mother and two older brothers, Paddack learned the value of hard work, mental strength, and dedication from an early age.
Beyond the world of baseball, most of Paddack’s time is spent creating memories with family. His commitment to keeping himself surrounded by loved ones is something he cherishes the most.
WILL TAYLOR
GUIDE
Born and raised in East Texas, I developed a deep-rooted passion for the outdoors from an early age. Hunting quickly became more than a hobby—it turned into a way of life, especially when I discovered my love for waterfowl. When I’m not in the field, I work as a lineman, bringing the same dedication and grit to the job as I do to every hunt. I value time with friends, good stories, and making memories in the blind. For me, it’s all about hard work, strong bonds, and chasing birds every chance I get.
SHANDON HERRERA
GUIDE
Born and raised in Odessa, Texas, I now call Lubbock home. My passion for waterfowl hunting runs deep, and there’s nowhere I’d rather be than in the wide-open landscapes of West Texas. Alongside my career as a professional baseball player, I’m grateful to live a life that allows me to fully dedicate myself to both the sport I love and the outdoors that ground me. Baseball gives me structure and drive, while hunting brings a sense of peace and purpose—both shaping who I am on and off the field.
JEFFERSON WEAVER
GUIDE
Raised in the fields of Northwest Kansas and now rooted in the Texas Panhandle, agriculture has always been at the core of who I am. But hunting? That runs deep in my blood. Guiding is more than a profession—it’s a way to share my lifelong passion with others. From spring turkey hunts to summer land management, I thrive on the unique opportunities this lifestyle offers. Every hunt is a chance to create lasting memories and connect people to the outdoors in a meaningful way.
The Dogs at Mad Duck Outfitters
Archie – Black Labrador Retriever
Archie isn’t just another hunting dog—he’s the heartbeat of the blind. A driven and disciplined Black Lab, Archie has earned his Hunting Retriever title, proving his skill, obedience, and determination in the field. Known for his sharp eyes, steady demeanor, and relentless drive, Archie lives for long retrieves through water and fields, bringing back every bird with precision and pride.
Beyond his titles, Archie embodies what hunters value most in a retriever: loyalty, grit, and a passion for the hunt. Whether it’s a frosty morning duck hunt or a tough field trial, Archie shows up with the same intensity every time—ready to work, ready to deliver, and ready to make memories alongside his handler.
Tex – Black Labrador Retriever
Tex is the definition of drive and determination. A powerhouse in the field, this Black Lab has earned his Hunting Retriever title, proving his skill and steadiness under pressure. From pounding retrieves through icy water to marking birds across wide fields, Tex thrives on the challenge and delivers every time.
What sets Tex apart is more than his ability—it’s his heart. Loyal, eager, and relentless, he’s the kind of dog you can trust on every hunt. Whether working a tough blind or hammering a long retrieve, Tex does it with intensity and purpose, making him an essential part of every successful day in the field.
Rip – Hunting Retriever Champion
Rip isn’t just part of the team—he’s the standard every other dog is measured against. As the Hunting Retriever Champion of the group, Rip has proven time and again why he’s the best. With unmatched drive, laser focus, and flawless retrieves, he turns every hunt into a masterclass.
From breaking ice at dawn to handling the toughest blinds with precision, Rip embodies grit, brains, and heart. He’s more than a dog—he’s a legend in the making, the kind you tell stories about long after the hunt is over.
Book Your Hunt Today
Ready to experience a waterfowl hunting weekend unlike any other? Mad Duck Outfitters, founded by MLB pitcher Chris Paddack, offers private-group, all-inclusive hunts near Plainview, Texas, that blend elite-level scouting with unparalleled hospitality. Whether you’re chasing ducks, lesser Canada geese, or sandhill cranes, our seasoned local guides will put you on the best feed available. Beyond the field, immerse yourself in a celebrated outdoor lifestyle with chef-prepared meals, lodge bonfires, and the exclusive comfort of your private weekend lodge. Don’t miss your chance to join the Mad Duck family for a first-class hunting adventure. Book your hunt today and bring the heat on and off the field!