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Captain Dwayne Green of South on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Captain Dwayne Green. Check out our conversation below.

Captain Dwayne, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I can definitely say that my morning routine has transformed significantly over the years. In the past, I would rise without much thought or reflection. Now, I make it a point to begin my day with some scripture reading. Although I haven’t always been consistent with this, I’m striving to grow closer to the Lord and to understand His plan for my life rather than just my own desires.

After reading, I take a moment to pray, focusing first on my family, then my friends, and also our country and its leaders. I savor a cup of coffee during this time, expressing gratitude for the opportunities I have to do what I love and for the people I cherish in my life.

I also make sure to spend a little time with my dogs each morning. I enjoy feeding them, giving them some affection, and getting them ready to start their day alongside me before I head off to tackle another busy day ahead.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Totally Texas Outdoors is a Christian-based professional hunting and fishing outfitter dedicated to building meaningful relationships with our clients. We cherish the opportunity to connect with individuals from the very first meeting, and we take pride in nurturing those relationships as they grow over time. Our mission is to create lasting memories, whether it’s introducing someone to the thrill of hunting or fishing, or sharing those experiences with their children or grandchildren. We believe in the importance of community and the bonds formed through the great outdoors.

Totally Texas Outdoors offers a variety of hunting and fishing experiences in both Texas and Alabama. Currently, we provide guided hunts for Whitetail deer, ducks, wild hogs, and spring turkeys in Nocona, Texas, located just an hour and a half north of Fort Worth, right on the Texas-Oklahoma border.

Our hunts are designed to be personal, with one-on-one guided experiences, and we take care of all the details, including lodging and meals. We are thrilled to partner with Cunningham Lodge, owned by Marty and Stacy Irwin, where clients can enjoy comfortable accommodations and delicious meals right on Lake Nocona. This beautiful property has been in the Irwin family for over 100 years.

We also have access to approximately 7,500 acres of prime hunting land, generously provided by the Combs family, some of the largest ranchers in Montague County. With stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and a welcoming atmosphere, we pride ourselves on offering our clients an unforgettable outdoor adventure.

For the fishing enthusiasts, we offer exciting bay fishing adventures in the stunning Matagorda, Texas, on both East and West Matagorda Bay. Here, we focus on targeting redfish, trout, flounder, black drum, and other species.

Both Captain Dwayne Green and Captain River Ryman are passionate about fishing and love spending time on the water with anglers of all skill levels, whether you’re a novice or an expert. You can choose between wade fishing the shallow flats for big speckled trout and redfish or drifting the deeper channels for trout and redfish. With either of these licensed Coast Guard captains at the helm, we guarantee you will have a fantastic day on the water.

All of our clients and friends have a deep appreciation for our guides in North Texas, and we are proud to introduce you to them.

First, we have Deats Burbank, a Marine and retired police officer who is not only a knowledgeable outdoorsman but also prioritizes safety and fun for all our clients.

Next is Adrian James, a lifelong resident of Nocona, Texas, who has been hunting for over 40 years alongside his grandfather and father. Adrian has a wealth of experience with Whitetail deer and is truly an expert when it comes to turkey hunting.

Anthony Wilson, a top-notch duck caller and an exceptional guide. Spending time in the field with Anthony is a pleasure, and you’re sure to enjoy every moment you share with him.

Lastly, we have Shawn Vogel, a dedicated deer hunter with a strong focus on wildlife management and ranching. Shawn’s passion for the outdoors is matched only by his love for live country music, and he has an abundance of stories to share that will add to your experience.

No matter which of our guides you are paired with, you can expect a wealth of knowledge, a fun and safe environment, and memories that will last a lifetime. Each guide brings their unique expertise and enthusiasm, ensuring that your time with us is truly unforgettable.

We must give a special shout-out to our lodge manager, Christy James, who is responsible for providing all of our delicious meals. Our friends and guests often say that you can truly taste the love in every bite. Christy’s hospitality and genuine care for others shine through in everything she does, consistently exceeding expectations. Her warmth and dedication create a welcoming atmosphere that enhances the overall experience for everyone who visits our lodge.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
Reflecting on my childhood, I realize how much I’ve learned over the years, especially in the 57 years of my life. One of the most poignant questions to consider is what I believed about myself as a child that I no longer hold true. As a kid, I often felt inferior to others; I didn’t see myself as handsome or even cute. I was tall and skinny, with what I thought was a big head. While I still have that big head, I’ve definitely outgrown the skinny phase!

It’s important to recognize that kids can be incredibly cruel, and their words can shape how you feel about yourself, regardless of the support from parents or friends. It’s the hurtful comments that stick with you the longest.

One significant moment from my childhood occurred in the fifth grade when I desperately wanted a girlfriend. In my quirky way, I decided to write a note to every girl in my class, hoping to increase my chances of getting a positive response. To my surprise, I only received one reply. A girl—whose name I won’t mention—said she would meet me on the playground at lunch to be my girlfriend.

Excited and hopeful, I went to the playground, only to find myself surrounded by a circle of girls. Two of them stepped forward and told me I was ugly and that no girl would ever want me. That moment crushed me and left a lasting impact. I probably held onto that grudge against women for many years, which affected how I treated some of them throughout my adulthood.

However, over time, I’ve learned that those hurtful words were not the truth. Everyone is beautiful and deserving of love, and that realization is a gift from God. My parents and family have always supported me, consistently reminding me that I was handsome, smart, hardworking, and had a good heart. Gradually, I began to believe in those positive affirmations.

Childhood can be a challenging time for many, but I am truly grateful for the love and support from the good Lord above and my family. Their encouragement helped me transform that negative experience into a lesson of self-acceptance and appreciation for my worth.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
If everything came easily, we wouldn’t encounter the life lessons that shape us. I believe that facing struggles—whether they’re financial, relational, or professional—teaches us invaluable lessons. I’ve always been seen as a dreamer, someone who envisions the future and reflects on the past, often trying to influence the timeline for success.

Through my experiences, I’ve learned that hard work, coupled with an understanding of struggles, and navigating them with integrity and honesty, creates results that are not only lasting but also bring peace and joy to both ourselves and those around us.

I’ve come to realize that failures are not the end; they are simply opportunities that pave the way for future success. With hard work, dedication, and the willpower to give your all, you can turn setbacks into stepping stones. Believing in yourself is crucial on this journey, and I’ve found that every challenge can lead to growth and new possibilities.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Captain D is essentially an extension of who I am in my everyday life. I’m an outgoing person who loves meeting new people and has a deep passion for the outdoors. I could talk about hunting and fishing for hours! While I may appear to be a public figure, there are certain aspects of my personality that don’t always come to light.

First and foremost, my family means everything to me, especially my parents. I share a close bond with my brothers, particularly with my brother Jeff, as we both share a love for the outdoors. I’ll admit that I’m a bit of a softy and sentimental at heart. I tend to keep that side of me under wraps in public, as it can sometimes be misinterpreted as a weakness.

Overall, I strive to be consistent in who I am. I love my Lord, cherish my family, value my friends, and take great joy in what I do.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
We all have different hopes and dreams about the stories that others will tell about us. My deepest desire is for my story to reflect my love for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Although I haven’t always been vocal about this throughout my life, I strive to be more open and demonstrate God’s love through my actions.

I want people to know how much I cherish my family and friends. I hope my story conveys that, despite the challenges I faced with Totally Texas Outdoors LLC and the journey to get there, I remained steadfast and never did anything that my parents wouldn’t be proud of.

I aspire for others to see my passion for sharing the beauty of the outdoors, as well as my eagerness to listen to their experiences and learn from them. My hope is to help bring people closer together—both as families and friends—and to create lasting connections not just for myself and my team, but also for those who visit us.

I want everyone to feel like they are treated as family and friends, and that in some way, I can help them navigate rough patches and grow into better versions of themselves each day. Ultimately, I hope to inspire others to discover new passions and create cherished memories that they will carry with them for a lifetime.

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Image Credits
Photo credit: Totally Texas Outdoors LLC.

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