For over 25 years, Ron Himes has lived and breathed hunting. A true expert in the field, Ron is more than just a guide at Silver Lake Preserve — he’s a seasoned veteran whose passion for quail hunting has shaped his career and continues to inspire everyone around him.
Born into a hunting family, Ron’s journey began long before his first guided hunt. His great-grandfather was a professional bird dog trainer, passing down a legacy of skill, tradition, and a deep love for the sport. Ron grew up immersed in the world of hunting, and it’s something that’s never left him. “Hunting is in my blood,” he says. “It’s what I know, and it’s what I love.”
Ron attributes the success of every hunt to three key elements: the experience of the guides, the quality of the habitat, and the skill of the hunting dogs. All of these come together to create an unforgettable experience for clients, whether they’re seasoned hunters or newcomers. “We’ve got great dogs, a fantastic habitat, and guides who really know their stuff. That’s why Silver Lake is such a popular spot — it’s the whole package,” he explains.
One of the things Ron loves most about working at Silver Lake Preserve is the variety of clients he gets to work with. From first-time hunters to seasoned veterans, the preserve caters to everyone, and Ron’s easygoing nature often has clients request his guiding services on return visits. “I enjoy helping people have a great time, no matter their skill level. We all have a lot of fun out there, and that’s what it’s all about,” Ron says.
For the past three years, Tyler Blackwell has been a key part of the Silver Lake Preserve team, offering guests an unparalleled hunting experience. Born and raised in Clewiston, Florida, Tyler’s connection to the wilderness runs deep – his great-grandfather once ran an alligator processing facility, and he grew up hunting with his family in the wild heart of south Florida.
Tyler’s expertise is especially evident when it comes to alligator hunting. With a lifetime of experience and a deep respect for the land, Tyler is one of the most knowledgeable guides when it comes to pursuing these elusive creatures. His passion for the sport and the natural world is infectious, and his understanding of the local ecosystem ensures that every hunt is both exciting and responsible.
For Tyler, Silver Lake Preserve is something special. He sees it as a throwback to old Florida, a place where the animals remain truly wild. It’s one of the few places where hunters can experience the real, untamed wilderness of the region, and Tyler feels privileged to share it with others. He also appreciates the close-knit, family-like atmosphere at Silver Lake Preserve, where everyone looks out for each other, making the experience even more memorable.
While Tyler works as a part-time guide, his dedication to his craft and the land is evident in everything he does. Whether guiding a seasoned hunter or a newcomer, Tyler’s goal is to ensure everyone leaves with a deeper appreciation for the wildlife and the environment, making Silver Lake Preserve a destination like no other.
We’re proud to have Tyler on our team and invite you to join him for your next adventure at Silver Lake Preserve!
If you’ve ever hunted at Silver Lake Preserve, chances are you’ve met Amy O’Bannon. For more than six years, Amy has been one of the driving forces behind the exceptional hunting experiences that define SLP.
Raised on cattle ranches in Florida, Amy’s roots run deep in the traditions of the land. Her grandfather was a cowboy, and from a young age, she was immersed in the world of working animals. Whether she was riding horses or training cow dogs alongside her grandparents, Amy’s connection to animals was clear from the start. That lifelong bond led her to a career doing what she loves most—training and working with dogs.
“I grew up in a hunting and horse family,” Amy says. “Training dogs came naturally. I started at Silver Lake Preserve by working with bird dogs, and I fell in love with the process.”
Ask her what keeps her going, and Amy will tell you it’s the moment—the spark when a dog “gets it,” when all the training comes together and the dog points its first bird. “That’s the reward. That’s the magic,” she says.
Her four-legged companions aren’t just tools of the trade—they’re family. “They’re my furry kids. They’re my best co-workers. And they’re a huge part of what makes the Silver Lake experience so special,” she says. That passion is contagious—clients often leave not just remembering the hunt, but asking about the dogs by name. “Because I care so much about them, the clients do too,” she explains.
Amy’s expertise and energy have made her a client favorite, especially among return guests. Her sassy personality and straightforward approach are part of her charm, but it’s the deep personal connections she builds—with both dogs and people—that set her apart.
She’s also proud that Silver Lake Preserve allows hunters to bring their own dogs, something few preserves offer. “It creates a different kind of experience for people. It’s personal. And the dog work we do here is just on another level.”
In addition to upland bird hunts, Amy leads many of the alligator hunts at SLP—bringing a unique perspective as one of the few female hunting guides in the industry. She’s also a storyteller at heart, often sharing the rich history of the Lykes Ranch with guests. “There’s so much heritage here. People love the nostalgia—there’s a sense of place, of legacy. It means something.”
For Silver Lake Preserve guide Ryan Widener, hunting is more than a pastime — it’s a way of life deeply rooted in his Florida heritage. A ninth-generation Floridian with family ties to Arcadia and Fort Myers, Ryan grew up working cattle and dogs, traditions that run strong through his family’s history.
Ryan was introduced to guiding at Silver Lake Preserve through his friend and fellow guide, Tyler Blackwell. The two share a passion for hog hunting, and Tyler knew Ryan’s skill and ease around hunting dogs would make him a natural fit for the team.
Ryan’s love for the outdoors grew during his high school years, when he first got into hunting. More than ten years later, he’s still hooked — now guiding successful turkey and quail hunts and sharing his experience with others.
When asked what he enjoys most about guiding at Silver Lake Preserve, Ryan doesn’t hesitate: “It’s the experience of being in the woods with good company,” he says. He credits the camaraderie among the guides and the excitement of each unique hunt for making every day memorable.
Ryan also has a special appreciation for the preserve’s hunting dogs, admiring the skill and training that goes into each one — from the flush dogs to the pointers. “I love taking care of them and watching them work,” he says. “No two hunts are ever the same, but it’s always a great experience. There’s always a chance to make new memories.”
For Tim Davis, guiding at Silver Lake Preserve isn’t just a job—it’s the culmination of a lifetime spent learning from the land, the dogs, and the people who share his passion for the outdoors.
Tim has been a guide at SLP for more than four years, leading alligator, quail, and pheasant tower shoots, and he describes his time at the Preserve as the highlight of his hunting career. What sets SLP apart for him is the sense of family. “Everyone works together here,” Tim says. “There’s no ego. We’re all focused on giving hunters the best experience possible.”
That experience always begins with safety. Tim is a firm believer that a successful hunt starts long before anyone steps into the field. “You can’t have fun until you’re safe,” he often reminds his hunters. From careful instruction to hands-on shooting guidance, Tim takes the time to ensure every client—whether a seasoned sportsman or a first-time hunter—feels confident and comfortable. His goal is simple: to deliver a first-class experience from the moment guests arrive until the moment they leave.
Tim prides himself on tailoring each hunt to the individual. Some hunters arrive solo, others with friends or family, but all are met with the same level of personal attention and care. A hunt, in Tim’s view, should be both safe and successful—and just as importantly, memorable.
One of the elements Tim believes truly shines at Silver Lake Preserve is the dog work. “The dogs are often the stars of the show,” he says with a smile. Their skill, discipline, and enthusiasm elevate every hunt, making it both effective and enjoyable. For Tim, it’s especially gratifying when hunters take notice of the training and dedication that go into handling the dogs. “When people appreciate that part of the hunt, it means a lot.”
Tim also believes in slowing down and letting the land lead the way. “You have to let the woods talk to you,” he says. “They’ll guide what you do if you pay attention.” That philosophy fits perfectly with the Preserve itself—carefully managed habitat that feels like a step back in time. “It’s what Florida is supposed to be,” Tim says. “Walking these woods feels like going back to an earlier era.”
Hospitality and consistency are other hallmarks Tim values at SLP. From first-class management to a staff that gives 100 percent every day, hunters know exactly what to expect—and they know it will be done right.
Hunting, for Tim, is far more than a sport. It’s a lifestyle rooted in tradition and family. His father introduced him to hunting as a child, and many of life’s lessons were learned sitting quietly in a duck blind. “Everything I needed to learn as a kid, I learned there,” Tim reflects. “Listening to the outdoors. Spending time with loved ones.”
Even today, Tim says every walk through the woods teaches him something new. And at Silver Lake Preserve, surrounded by well-managed land, skilled dogs, and a like-minded team, he’s found a place where that lifelong learning—and love for the outdoors—continues to thrive.
When winter rolls into southwest Florida, Silver Lake Preserve welcomes a familiar face from southern Ohio. Brian Brumfield, a lifelong bird hunter and seasonal guide, brings with him not just decades of experience, but a deep-rooted passion for the sport that began in his childhood.
Growing up as one of six brothers, Brian was part of a family where hunting was a way of life. While his brothers shared the tradition, Brian carved out his own niche early on—becoming the dedicated bird hunter of the group. That passion never faded. Today, he’s passed it down to the next generation, sharing his love of bird hunting with his son.
At Silver Lake Preserve, Brian serves as a quail hunting guide and plays an important role in caring for the dogs. It’s a responsibility he takes to heart, especially as a dog owner himself. With six dogs of his own, Brian often brings his canine companions along.
Ask Brian what makes SLP special, and his enthusiasm is immediate. “You can’t get a better place for quail,” he says. “The number of birds will blow your mind.” But for Brian, it’s not just about quantity—it’s about quality. He points to the preserve’s expertly managed habitat, calling it ideal for Florida quail and unlike anywhere he’s hunted before.
A self-described wild bird hunter, Brian thrives on the challenge of finding wild coveys. For him, the hunt is about more than the harvest—it’s about the experience. He takes pride in creating memorable outings for his clients, emphasizing fun, excitement, and the unique rhythm of each hunt.
One of the standout features at SLP, according to Brian, is the diversity and excellence of the dogs. “The dog work really sets it apart,” he explains. With both skilled pointers and reliable flushing dogs, each hunt becomes safer, more dynamic, and more engaging. It’s no surprise that when asked about his favorite part of guiding, Brian doesn’t hesitate: it’s the dogs—their ability, their drive, and the sheer joy they bring to the field.
For Brian, guiding is a chance to share what he loves most. Whether it’s the adrenaline of a flushing covey, the precision of a well-trained dog, or the smile of a satisfied client, he’s happiest when others are enjoying the hunt as much as he does.
As the season winds down, Brian is already looking ahead. He plans to return in December, ready to do it all again—“Lord willing and the creeks don’t rise.”
When you visit Silver Lake Preserve, you’re hunting the same land the Lykes family has hunted for generations. Every detail—from our knowledgeable guides to the coveys in the field—reflects our commitment to giving you an experience you won’t forget.