ABOUT THE OWNER
Colton Oliphint grew up hunting all sorts of bird species. He even spent time raising and selling prize chickens along with race-bred pigeons. Colton’s love for birds is unmatched. As a young boy, he spent his time researching and learning more - so much so that he told himself “birds are going to make me money one day” - and Open Plains Outdoors was born! Open Plains Outdoors got it’s official name in 2021 but that was not the beginning.
Colton began guiding hunts in 2016 when he was a freshman in college and his knowledge for outfitting has only expanded from there. He attended McMurry University in Abilene, Texas and received a Bachelor’s in Business Administration.
Colton has spent countless hours tracking the routine and flight patterns of these magnificent, and intelligent birds, and strives to keep his clients on them to ensure a successful hunt. He wants his clients to experience the thrill and feel the love for birds the same way he does!
About our guides
Charles “Charlie” McMillon has been waterfowl hunting for two decades and brings East Texas roots and West Texas grit to every hunt he guides. Originally from Jasper, Texas, Charlie graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science.
During bird season, Charlie is a dedicated guide with Open Plains Outdoors. Known for being personable, easy to talk to, and great with clients, he builds quick rapport in the blind - but when it’s time to work, he runs a tight, professional operation. Charlie takes pride in reading birds, making strategic adjustments, and ensuring every group has a safe, organized, and memorable hunt.
When waterfowl season winds down, Charlie heads back east to guide crappie fishing trips. His year-round guiding experience gives him a sharp understanding of wildlife patterns, client expectations, and delivering results in the outdoors.
Whether you’re chasing cranes across the plains or filling a cooler with crappie, Charlie brings knowledge, professionalism, and a passion for the hunt every single day.
Our RETRIEVERS
MOJO “MO”
2016 - PRESENT (98# BLACK LAB)Mojo has been a loyal companion to Colton and beloved pal to clients for the past nine years, completing well over 1,000 retrieves throughout his hunting career. Now enjoying his retirement, Mojo spends his days embracing the finer things in life - long naps, plenty of treats, and the occasional car ride when he’s feeling up for it.
Mo comes from a distinguished working-dog lineage, with bloodlines that include police and detection canines. That heritage is evident in his intelligence, drive, and remarkable instincts - qualities that served him well throughout his years in the field.
A true veteran in the world of hunting dogs, Mo may be retired from the field, but the instincts are still there. His eyes still light up at the sight of a shotgun, the feel of dropping temperatures, or the distant call of a crane or honk of a goose. After years of hard work and countless memories in the field, Mo has more than earned his place as a cherished companion and a legend in his own right.
Tiger is the newest edition to Open Plains Outdoors, and while he is still young, he is already demonstrating tremendous potential in the field. Hailing from the Ozark region, Tig comes from a line of hunting dogs with a strong affinity for water and a proven working instinct.
Steady, driven, and precise, Tiger approaches every task with determination and an impressive attention to detail. He has a personable nature that allows him to understand the difference between work and play.
Tiger also carries pointing Labrador blood in his lineage, a trait he puts to good use through his natural steadiness and focus. He thrives on a challenge and consistently seems to prefer a difficult task over an easy one. By February 2027, he will have his first full hunting season under his belt, and expectations are high for what he will accomplish.
At only six months old, Tiger was bitten by a rattlesnake during training. The experience tested him early, but he recovered with resilience - an attribute that is evident in his demeanor today. He is developing into a formidable young retriever and a valued companion, with the potential to become a beloved member of the OPO family.
2025 - PRESENT (75# FOX RED LAB)TIGER “TIG”
WHAT MAKES US SPECIAL
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We know the landscape, the birds, and the patterns that make a hunt successful. We have years of hands-on experience reading bird behavior, reading weather and winds, and putting hunters in the right spots at the right time.
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Your safety and comfort are a top priority. Our guides know responsible firearm handling and range safety. They can help find hunters shooting lanes and assist with shot selection. Guides provide clear instruction in the blind and in the field.
We take the worry out of logistics so you can focus on the fun!
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No two hunts are the same, and we treat them that way. We tailor hunts to bird species and movement, weather and field conditions, and your experience level and goals.
Whether it’s a first dove hunt or a full day of crane and geese pursuits, every hunt feels dialed in.
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We work closely with landowners and farmers that hold healthy populations of cranes, geese, doves, and pigeons. That means private fields, low pressure, and quality shooting opportunities you won’t find on public ground.
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While we’re serious about quality and safety, we’re also serious about having a good time. Hunts with us aren’t stiff or intimidating - we want you to enjoy the day, make memories, and feel like part of a group that loves birds as much as you do!
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We believe in conservation and respect for wildlife and landowners. That means following all state and federal regulations, practicing ethical shot selection, and leaving fields the way they were found.
Hunters who care about the future of the sport are our kind of people.