
About Us
Capt. Chris Butz
Owner, Wingshooting and Fly Fishing Guide
I joined Hawkins Outfitters in 2019 as a wingshooting and fly fishing guide, bringing with me years of experience in both fields. Along with my fly fishing background, I offered a solution to meet the wingshooting needs many of our clients were seeking. With over 40 years of experience chasing upland birds and waterfowl, and training gundogs for clients who share that passion, I’ve built a diverse skill set in the field. That same year, as Chuck began looking toward retirement, I purchased Hawkins and took the reins.
My wife, Angie, and I have five beautiful children, and we've called northern Michigan home for over 15 years. This move was a dream come true for us, providing a slower pace of life and the perfect setting for me to start guiding for grouse, woodcock, waterfowl, and anything with fins. Everyday we get to live in this incredible area, doing what we love, feels like a blessing.
But my story goes back even further. I grew up in central Indiana, where I spent my days chasing anything with wings and bird dogs. Whether I was out exploring the woods and fields of central and southern Indiana or fishing for anything with fins, my love for the outdoors was nurtured early on. This foundation in warm water species eventually led me to fly fishing over 20 years ago.

After high school, I went to Michigan State University to study Zoology and Ecology with a focus on Environmental Sciences. The knowledge I gained in animal biology and the environment helps me better understand the birds and fish I pursue with my clients. I enjoy sharing that knowledge with them, educating them about the animals we’re chasing and the environmental factors that impact their biology.
Whether it's chasing feathers or fins, what I enjoy most is spending time with my clients, creating unforgettable memories that they’ll share with their families and friends.
Specialties: USCG Master Captain, Grouse, Woodcock, Waterfowl, Trout, Smallmouth, and other warm water species. And of course, gundogs
Our Team

Matt Barthels
Fly Fishing Guide
I was born and raised in Grand Rapids and was fortunate to have a family cabin on the banks of the Little Manistee River. I started fly fishing there at the age of 8 and later began exploring nearby rivers like the Manistee, Pine, and Pere Marquette.
I moved to the Wellston area and began guiding in 2013, in my early 20s. Here, I guide for trout, steelhead, smallmouth, and salmon. In July and August, I also guide in the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado at Frying Pan Anglers.
I love sharing the diverse angling opportunities Michigan offers and strive to provide a fun and informative experience for anglers of all skill levels. In my free time, you’ll find me tying flies, swinging streamers for steelhead, stripping streamers for browns, or chasing bugs and rising fish.
I’m full of enthusiasm, quick to laugh, and always excited to be on the water. I’m confident you’ll enjoy your time spent with me!

Capt. David Tropf
Fly Fishing Guide
I was born and raised in northern Michigan’s Leelanau County, where I grew up immersed in a hunting and fishing culture. From a young age, fishing was a way of life for me. I spent my childhood as first mate on my father’s charter boat, and I was lucky enough to share my love for fishing with many people throughout my adolescence. Now, I’ve made Leelanau County my permanent home once again, and I’m grateful to have turned my lifelong passion for fishing and hunting into a career.
As a U.S.C.G. certified Master Captain, I spend my summers sport trolling for salmon and trout, based out of the historic port of “Fishtown” in Leland. Fly fishing is where I find true personal fulfillment, and the technical challenges it presents motivate me. That’s why I spend my fall and spring guiding with Hawkins Outfitters, where I love sharing my fly fishing skills with clients. As an experienced and avid angler, I’m fortunate to be on the water in some form year-round. Fly fishing regularly draws me to the warm, shallow waters of the Bahamas, and sometimes I head west to Montana or east to Pennsylvania. When I’m not fishing, I enjoy pursuing big game and upland birds in the West.
I’m known for being detail-oriented, organized, and bringing a positive energy to every guided fishing or hunting experience. Whether you spend a day or more with me, I’m confident it’ll be a memorable and successful one. If you want to learn more about me, just book a trip and ask—I'm sure we’ll have a lot in common!

Dudley Campbell
Fly Fishing Guide
I was born and raised in Leelanau County, Michigan. Growing up, I spent my days in the rivers, lakes, and woods, chasing any fish that would bite and hunting with my buddies after school. My love for adventure led me out west to the University of Utah after graduating. I found my groove as a professional fly fishing guide in the spring, summer, and fall, and a backcountry skiing and snowmobiling guide in the winter. That lifestyle eventually led me to own a fly fishing outfitter on the famous Utah Green River, where I spent my days rowing a boat on one of the most exotic tailwaters in North America.
After living out west for 30 years, I’ve returned to my homeland and, most importantly, my home waters. I’ve worked with Hawkins Outfitters for years, hosting large group trips of their clients on the Green River. So, in a way, I’ve been part of the Hawkins team for a long time—it’s just official now. I’m excited to bring all my knowledge and teaching abilities to northern Michigan’s rivers and lakes. With over 25 years of experience in the fly fishing world and professional guiding, I’m confident I can offer you an entertaining and excellent day on the water.
When I’m not guiding, you’ll find me with family, dogs, and friends, most likely on the water somewhere. I’ve got a lot of hobbies, but the main one is catching fish anywhere in the world that eat flies. I also enjoy tying flies, cycling, skiing, photography, travel, and messing around with motors of all kinds.