hen you think of hunting in Virginia what comes to mind? Long mountain vistas where you pursue wary national forest deer, a Piedmont forest where you call inquisitive turkeys to your stand, a brush pile-filled cutover echoing with the sounds of rabbit beagles, a quiet duck swamp and whistling wings? These are the diverse venues that make up the tapestry of Virginia hunting. Now, what if we told you one outfitter can now offer them all to you?
Chip Watkins, 48, is the owner of Monquin Creek Outdoors (MCO) and a resident of King William County. He is the driving force behind the concept described above. MCO manages access to over 25,000 acres of privately managed land across Virginia offering hunting opportunities for deer, turkey and waterfowl, along with a wide range of small game including rabbit, squirrel, woodcock, wild quail and dove. The MCO properties span diverse habitats, providing high-quality, ethical hunts tailored to all experience levels.
Ahead of a planned visit to start a new hunting series we caught up with Watkins to find out what made him acquire access to such diversified hunting grounds and what motivated him to share them with the public.
“Growing up as the son of a dairy farmer, I was immersed in the outdoors from the moment I could walk. From a young age, I developed a deep sense of stewardship for the land – understanding how vital it is to protect our farmlands, waters, streams and forests, which can quickly disappear with ongoing development. It wasn’t just a way of life; it was a lifestyle that taught me to love and appreciate the outdoors,” Watkins shared.
Like many Virginians, his love of hunting came from growing up in a family of hunters. He also cites several specific influences.
“Having a family farm, we took friends and family hunting. During that time, we used to have end-of-the-year gatherings at Bleak Hill Lodge. From there, I dreamed of owning a lodge one day after experiencing the fellowship of hunters at season end. It was during this time that I met William Bush, a talented taxidermist and a dedicated hunter education instructor, who played a major role in teaching me how to shoot a bow. Bush, now an educator with the DWR helped deepen my knowledge and passion for the outdoors.”
Watkins also noted influences from his days at Ferrum College where he attended his first NWTF banquet which made a huge impression.
“From [the banquet] on was history – the volunteering began and along with others, we started a local NWTF chapter hosting youth events and disabled veteran events. I also got involved in Ducks Unlimited during my early years of volunteering and still volunteer with them to this day.”
As a young adult Watkins started a landscaping business, CLS Lawncare Landscaping. Like many in seasonal businesses, Watkins realized he needed supplemental income during winter months.
“I was thinking outside the box, especially after starting a family. It was during this time that I met Bob Duncan, the former Director of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, who told me, ‘If anyone can run a successful outfitting business, it’s you. His words gave me the encouragement I needed.”
With such words of encouragement Watkins founded Monquin Creek Outfitters in 2010, which has since grown into Monquin Creek Outdoors, expanding well beyond outfitting to offer year-round services – educating others about the outdoors and consulting with landowners on how to manage and improve their properties.
We asked Watkins why he does it, what motivates him? His answer was similar to what we hear from many in the outdoor businesses.
“It’s about the smiles, the happiness, kids playing outside, not glued to their phones. It’s about giving adults, especially veterans, the chance to enjoy the outdoors and reconnect through fellowship. These moments remind us why this work matters.”
Watkins is also very involved in giving back to his community, managing several productive annual events each year.
Every February, his nonprofit – Sportsmen of Virginia – hosts a Valentines Dance for locals to have a fun night out while raising funds that go right back into his community.
“The proceeds from this event support the local 4-H chapter, fund scholarships and have helped us donate over 40 youth lifetime hunting licenses.”
Each spring, Watkins and his team host a youth turkey hunt that brings in over 150 kids every year, partnering with nonprofit organizations to create meaningful, hands-on experiences in the outdoors.
Monquin Creek Outdoors also hosts disabled veteran hunts throughout the year providing opportunities for those that have served.
Lastly, MCO also teams up with Ducks Unlimited for a youth waterfowl hunt, giving young hunters a safe and educational introduction to the sport.
There are a number of people critical to the MCO success Watkins wanted to recognize.
“We’re fortunate to have a dedicated team of guides who work hard both behind the scenes and in the field with our hunters. Russell Haynie, Bryce Miller, Rick Nunnally, Ashton Dye, Chaz Watkins, Stuart Smith and Mason Duke each bring years of experience and come from diverse backgrounds. Each contribe unique strengths to our team. Their commitment goes well beyond the hunting season as they’re involved year-round with everything from setting deer stands and planting food plots to building duck blinds and scouting land.”
Another important part of MCO success has been collaboration with industry leaders and their land lessors.
“We’re proud to participate in the Outfitters Program with Green Top and work alongside numerous landowners who make these opportunities possible. Our partnerships with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and nonprofit organizations like Backwoods Warriors and Sportsmen of Virginia allow us to continue growing our mission—connecting people to the outdoors and preserving the traditions of hunting, land stewardship and conservation.”
We asked Watkins what he wants people to think of when they hear about Monquin Creek Outdoors.
“I want them to think of a leader in the outdoors here in Virginia. Our mission is rooted in teaching others, preserving our natural resources, passing on the values of stewardship, conservation and respect for the land. Whether it’s through education, outreach, or hands-on experiences in the field, we’re committed to making a lasting impact on the future of the outdoors in our state.”
Ever looking to improve and enhance the MCO brand, Watkins has a new combo trip he’s preparing to roll out.
“We’re working towards creating our Cast and Blast experience to offer even more than just a day in the field or on the water. These trips combine the thrill of hunting with the enjoyment of fishing – capped off by evenings around the campfire, sharing stories, cooking what we’ve harvested or caught and making lasting memories,” Watkins noted, “Next year, one of our longtime hunting guides will be retiring from firefighting and will begin offering shooting lessons, further enriching what we can provide. We have also partnered with Delta Drone Solutions for deer recovery and deer herd analysis along with other drone service opportunities.”
In addition to their Virginia offerings, MCO also collaborates with trusted partners in North Carolina to provide duck, swan, and bear hunting experiences. Locally, MCO works with preserves like The Preserve at Dundee in Virginia to offer upland bird hunts, expanding the variety of opportunities available to clients.
When he’s not managing MCO or hunting, Watkins says he enjoys playing golf with friends, saltwater fishing and taking walks with his partner, Stephanie.
“Family time is incredibly important to me, and I try to spend as much of it as I can with the people I love. Whether I’m on the water, on the course or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, I believe in living a balanced life rooted in connection, nature and purpose.”
Editor’s Note: You can check out MCO online at www.monquincreekoutdoors.com and follow them on all major social media platforms – Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. If you have any questions or want to learn more, feel free to reach out to Watkins directly at (804) 337-8247.
