Charles Bradley Draughon
Falfurrias,USA
Summary
Experienced Ranch Manager/Foreman seeking a long-term career in the hunting and entertainment industry. Possess a diverse range of skills from extensive experience as a Ranch Manager and Professional Hunter. Well-rounded manager with a continuously expanding portfolio to showcase expertise. Valuable asset to any landowner.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
General Manager
Blue Creek Whitetails
08.2024 - Current
- General Manager of a premier whitetail breeding facility with over 1500 head of deer
- Primary focus was to raise stocker bucks as well continue raising superior genetics
- Managed all aspects of the operation
- Extensive knowledge of the NADR and GMS systems
- Can navigate both with ease
- Managed a team of employees to include Veterinarians, Interns and General Labor
- This number would vary depending on the season from 6 – 10 employees
- In charge of the overall health of the herd and maintaining a high level of care for the entire herd through the veterinarians and herd health specialists
- Maintained a balanced budget for the operation through careful and mindful purchases and overall operations
- Scheduled and headed up the Whitetail AI Program to include, choosing does, implanting CIDRS, removing CIDRS and synchronizing the does leading up to AI with both 8 Shot and 1 Shot by blow darting
- During AI, ensured that the proper does were being sedated and prepped for the AI procedures
- Also administered intravenous bumps to does that were not 100% sedated during the AI
- Scheduled and headed up the Whitetail Embryo Flush Program to include a low stress environment for the does, health of the does and preparation of the does
- During the Embryos Flush, ensured that the does were being sedated properly and prepped for the flush
- Also administered intravenous bumps to does that were not 100% sedated during the procedures
- Scheduled and headed up Whitetail Semen Collection Program to include prepping the bucks for collection and designating which bucks to collect
- During the Semen Collection, would dart the desired bucks and bring them one by one for collection
- Would administer bumps for those that were not 100% sedated after darting
- Once collected, would then send the buck back to his pen for reversal
- Kept constant communication with our main office of daily happenings and ongoing projects
- Operated and helped maintain equipment varying from tractors, buggies, backhoe, skid steer, lawnmowers to accomplish desired projects and daily duties
- Generated Excel Spreadsheets, Word Documents, and PowerPoint Presentations for the owners
- All of these were done to keep our projects and deer working well documented and organized
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction.
- Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners to ensure long-term success and loyalty.
- Monitored financial performance, set budgets and controlled expenses to provide financial stability and long-term organizational growth.
- Formulated policies and procedures to streamline operations.
Ranch Manager
Rancho La Jolla LLC
02.2022 - 08.2024
- This ranch is the same ranch as Rancho Ocho, just different owners.
- Performed repairs and preventive maintenance on equipment and property.
- Manage all operations of the ranch
- Maintained ranch records and documentation.
- This is a private ranch that only entertains customers and family
- Enhanced animal welfare through proper nutrition, healthcare, and monitoring procedures.
- Entertain / guide guests and customers while here at the ranch hunting
- Managed budgetary constraints by regularly reviewing expenses and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
- Clean / cape all animals harvested
- Budgeted equipment purchases and regular repairs.
- Meal prep and cooking
- Enforced strong safety and environmental protections to support habitats while preventing harm to employees or consumers.
- Operate heavy equipment such as dozers, backhoes, excavators for grubbing and farm equipment
- Established strong relationships with suppliers to ensure consistent access to high-quality feed, equipment, and other resources needed for successful ranch operations.
- This ranch has a high volume of guests that come through
- Drafted annual budget and monitored expenditures.
- Coordinate with the state biologist regarding MLD program and all documentation needed
- Conduct aerial surveys
- Aerial hog eradication
- Plan and carry out several completed and on-going projects on the ranch to include $450,000 lake expansions, water infrastructure upgrades, grubbing and clearing of brush for quail habitat and upcoming multimillion dollar lodge construction
- Coordinate and deal directly with vendors for various projects around the ranch
- Maintain ranch vehicles and equipment
- Run a strategic plan for varmint control
- Managed a very strict feeding program to ensure the best results out of the deer herd
- Managed the deer through extensive and very well planned out harvest criteria and harvest plans after each survey
- Weekly ranch manager updates on projects and ranch happenings
- Manage a small crew of equipment operators that are on the brush projects
- Designed and completed a duck habitat delta here on the ranch to better the experience for duck hunting
- Worked with architects on a design for a $6 million lodge and accompanying facilities
Ranch Manager
Rancho Ocho
08.2020 - 02.2022
- This is the same ranch as Armargosa Ranch, just different owners.
- Performed repairs and preventive maintenance on equipment and property.
- Herded livestock using horses or ranch ATVs.
- Enhanced animal welfare through proper nutrition, healthcare, and monitoring procedures.
- Maintained ranch records and documentation.
- Managed all operations of the ranch
- This was a private ranch that only entertained customers and family
- Entertained / guided customers while here at the ranch hunting
- Cleaned / capped all animals harvested
- Meal prep and cooking
- Operated heavy equipment such as dozer, roller chopping, backhoe and tractors
- This was a very low-key operation
- Coordinated with the state biologist regarding the MLD program and all documentation needed
- Conducted aerial surveys
- Aerial hog eradication
- Planned and carried several big water projects on the ranch to expand on the current water system that was already in place
- Coordinated and dealt directly with vendors for various projects around the ranch
- Maintained ranch vehicles and equipment
- Ran a strategic plan for varmint control
- Managed a very strict feeding program to ensure the best results out of the deer herd
- Managed the deer through extensive and very well planned out harvest criteria and harvest plans after each survey
- Hired new ranch hands and livestock handlers seasonally.
Ranch Manager
Armargosa Ranch
09.2018 - 08.2020
- Managed all operations of the ranch
- This was a private ranch that only entertained customers and family
- Entertained / guided customers while here at the ranch hunting
- Cleaned / caped all animals harvested
- Meal prep and cooking
- Operated heavy equipment such as dozer, roller chopping, backhoe and tractors
- This was a very low-key operation
- Managed DMP pens and collected CWD samples for TPWD
- Coordinated with the state biologist regarding MLD program and all documentation needed
- Conducted aerial surveys
- Managed a very strict feeding program to ensure the best results out of the deer herd
- Managed the deer through extensive and very well planned out harvest criteria and harvest plans after each survey
- Aerial hog eradication
- Planned and carried several big water projects on the ranch to expand on the current water system that was already in place
- Coordinated and dealt directly with vendors for various projects around the ranch
- Maintained ranch vehicles and equipment
- Cared for and worked a herd of Longhorn cattle and for time-to-time steers for feed out
- Ran a strategic plan for varmint control
- Managed a herd of 60 Head of Longhorn Cattle
Ranch Manager
Dos Condados Ranch – SP Frio LLC
01.2015 - 09.2018
- Managed all aspects of the ranch
- Oversaw the daily operations of the ranch to include
- Start up and implement plans for ranch improvements to include, brush clearing, wildlife management plans, harvest surveys and reports, feed programs, whitetail breeding operation start up, equipment purchases and facility layouts
- General startup of a new hunting ranch from the ground up
- Oversaw new construction of the $5.5 million main lodge and facilities during all construction phases for 3.5 years
- From start to finish
- Worked directly with contractor(s) and gave weekly progress reports to the owners
- Worked directly with our Wildlife Biologist in our breeding operation
- Working deer to include darting, administering medications as needed, sorting and feeding program to best fit the needs of the deer in the breeding operation
- Helped design the deer handling facility for ease of operation
- Operated heavy equipment to include but not limited to Dozer, Road Grader, Backhoe, Skid Steer
- Operated farm equipment to prepare and plant our spring and fall food plots across the ranch
- Operated shredders, discs and planters
- My wife and I made sure to prepare the lodge and ranch in preparation of guest arrivals
- Maintained monthly expense reports
- Maintained hours and reports for ranch employees to home office for pay
- Organized hunting activities / guides for the guests
- Guided and took care of harvested animals for the guests
- Worked directly with our pond management company to maintain our fish species in our lakes
- Implemented harvest programs and or sale of excess fish
- In addition to maintenance and working of the native brush
- Worked with contractors to implement plans to root plow and roller shop areas of the ranch
- Coordinated annual aerial helicopter sprays to maintain vegetation around the lakes and brush regrowth in the roller chopped areas of the ranch
- Managed pretty much everything in the construction / startup of this beautiful ranch
Ranch Manager and Hunting Guide
V-Bharre Ranch
03.2010 - 12.2014
- First Job – Professional Guide / Hunting Consultant
- Booked, scheduled and guided hunters for exotics and whitetail deer
- Kept Inventory of exotics and purchased animals as needed to sustain and healthy yet sufficient herd for hunters to pursue
- Caretaker for over 16 species of exotics
- Made sure they had plenty to eat, and administered medications as needed
- Through the use of dart guns, immobilized and medicated exotics and whitetail animals for transport
- Second Job – Ranger Manager / Professional Guide and Hunter / Hunting Consultant
- Promoted to Ranch Manager after a year in previous position
- Maintained and constantly updated the huntingtexastrophies.com website by blogging, adding new photos and introducing new marketing material
- Designed and led the construction of thousands of feet of 8’ game fencing
- Built both breeding pens and developed new pastures
- Operated various types of heavy machinery to clear brush and plant food plots for the wildlife
- Booked nearly 1000 hunters through phone conversations and emails
Ranch Manager / Firearms Instructor
Hacienda Ranch
05.2002 - 03.2010
- Ranch Manager / Hunting Consultant
- Maintained Ranch Operations and Hunting
- Helped design and build the ranch and its hunting operation from the ground up
- Booked hunters and guided them to many successful and memorable hunts
- Caretaker for the health and well-being of a large inventory of both exotic and native wildlife
- In charge of the purchasing of exotic hoof stock through many different trappers across the state of Texas
- Tracked and maintained all expenditure and revenue through monthly reports
- Designed and constructed a Safari Shooting School
- This school was designed to train new hunters going on Safari to Africa
- The course was 3 Days and covered various shooting scenarios to include a charging Cape Buffalo
- This school was featured in the October 2007 issue of Outdoor Life magazine
- The course also had a springing Leopard, walking Zebra and various other still targets
- When hunting was slow, I designed a hog hunt pasture to generate new revenue to help the ranch
Utilities Systems Apprentice (Plumber) Senior Airman
United States Air Force
11.1996 - 02.2002
- Maintained all base utilities to include gas, water and sewer
- Attended various utility schools while in the Air Force to include backflow prevention, wastewater treatment, water treatment and purification and advanced shooting schools
- Operated various heavy equipment to include dozer, backhoe, road grader, dump truck, excavator, and trenching equipment
- Was deployed to Sicily during the Kosovo War to aid in the launch of A10 Warthogs
- Our main objective as a Civil Engineer was to make ready the Sicilian base for American troops and maintain the base and its utilities while there
Education
High School Diploma -
Shallowater High School
SHallowater, Texas05-1993
Skills
- Great with people
- Honest and Hard Working
- Transparent
- Extensive experience with hunters / clients / guests
- Good with computers and the various programs
- Self-Driven
- Motivated
- Self-Starter
- Clean
- Leadership Skills
- Employee Management Skills
- Leadership and team building
- Organized
- Great cook
- Knowledge of lodge management and operations
- Vast knowledge of ALL exotics
- Knowledge of native wildlife
- Field judging exotics and whitetails
- Knowledge of shooting and outdoor industry
- Work with Regional TPWD Biologist
- Knowledge of firearms and ammunition
- Knowledge of feeding programs and nutritional needs
- Experience in deer breeding operations
- Experienced with NADR systems
- Experienced with GMS systems
- Management of Whitetail AI Programs
- Management of Whitetail Embryo Flush Programs
- Management of Whitetail Semen Collections
- Accomplished hunter and outdoorsman
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- Farm Equipment Operator
- Knowledge of equipment repair and maintenance
- Mechanical skills
- Welder
- Plumbing
- Raised and Bred Santa Gertrudis Cattle
Abilities and Skills
- Great with people.
- Open, Honest, Hard Working and transparent.
- Great experience with hunters /clients / guests.
- Good with computers. Excel Spreadsheets, Word Documents and PowerPoint.
- Self-Driven / Motivated
- Self-Starter
- Clean and Organized
- Great cook.
- Extensive knowledge of lodge management and operations.
- Extensive knowledge of exotics from A to Z and all native wildlife.
- Field judging both exotics and native wildlife in the field.
- Ever so expanding knowledge of the shooting and outdoor industry.
- Work directly with Regional TPWD Biologist for herd consensus, harvest data, TWIMMS and Wildlife Management Programs.
- Extensive knowledge of firearms and ammunition.
- Leadership Skills
- Employee Management Skills
- Extensive knowledge of feeding programs and nutritional needs of different species of animals to include, Deer, Exotics and Cattle.
- Experience in deer breeding operations.
- Experienced with NADR and GMS systems.
- Management / Scheduling Whitetail AI Programs from start to finish.
- Management / Scheduling Whitetail Embryo Flush Programs from start to finish.
- Management / Scheduling Whitetail Semen Collections from start to finish.
- Passionate Hunter and Conservationist
- Accomplished hunter and outdoorsman.
- Love wade fishing and bay fishing in general.
- Heavy Equipment Operator (Any and all equipment)
- Farm Equipment Operator
- General knowledge of equipment maintenance and repair.
- Welder (TIG, MIG and Stick)
- Plumbing (US AIR FORCE TRAINED)
- Sales – Booking Hunters
- Solid knowledge in cattle operations
- Raised and Bred Santa Gertrudis Cattle
- Project Management
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
General Manager
Blue Creek Whitetails
08.2024 - Current
Ranch Manager
Rancho La Jolla LLC
02.2022 - 08.2024
Ranch Manager
Rancho Ocho
08.2020 - 02.2022
Ranch Manager
Armargosa Ranch
09.2018 - 08.2020
Ranch Manager
Dos Condados Ranch – SP Frio LLC
01.2015 - 09.2018
Ranch Manager and Hunting Guide
V-Bharre Ranch
03.2010 - 12.2014
Ranch Manager / Firearms Instructor
Hacienda Ranch
05.2002 - 03.2010
Utilities Systems Apprentice (Plumber) Senior Airman
United States Air Force
11.1996 - 02.2002
High School Diploma -
Shallowater High School
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