Lilsa Lodge Wilderness

About Us

Lilsa Lodge is dedicated to providing hunters with traditional upland bird hunting experiences reminiscent of generations past. Nestled on sprawling acres of pristine Florida wilderness, our grounds offer the ideal terrain and habitat for the ultimate gentleman's hunt.

We take pride in carrying on the traditions of authentic fair chase hunting. Our seasoned hunting guides and their loyal bird hunting dogs work in tandem to put you right in the heart of the action as it was always intended.

The thrill of the flush, the shot, and the retrieve – you'll feel like you've stepped back in time. See our events page or calendar for upcoming events and come out to the property for an unforgettable experience.

Unplug. Relax. Reload.

Our motto embodies the complete outdoor retreat experience that Lilsa Lodge offers. It's an invitation to disconnect from the stress of everyday life, embrace the beauty of natural surroundings, and gear up for exciting shoots.

At Lilsa Lodge, we believe in creating experiences that go beyond hunting. We're about making memories one shot, one shell, one story at a time.

Our approach focuses on traditional hunting methods with experienced guides and trained bird dogs, aiming to recreate hunting experiences reminiscent of past generations while providing private hunting courses and personalized instruction.

Traditional Hunting

What Makes Us Different

Traditional Methods

We preserve the authentic traditions of upland bird hunting, offering experiences that connect you with the sport's rich heritage.

Pristine Wilderness

Our sprawling acres of pristine Florida wilderness provide ideal terrain and habitat for world-class hunting experiences.

Expert Guidance

Our seasoned guides and expertly trained bird dogs ensure you're always in the heart of the action.

John Duggan - Founder

Founded on Passion

Founded by John Duggan, Lilsa Lodge was born from a deep passion for upland bird hunting and a vision to create a premier hunting destination in Florida.

John transformed expansive acres of pristine Florida terrain into a haven for hunters seeking authentic, traditional hunting experiences. His commitment to preserving the sport's heritage while providing modern comfort has made Lilsa Lodge a destination for hunters from across the country.

Our team emphasizes creating "lifelong memories" through immersive hunting experiences that connect guests with nature and hunting traditions.

Meet Our Team

The dedicated professionals who make every hunt at Lilsa Lodge an unforgettable experience. From seasoned guides to expert dog handlers, our team brings years of passion and expertise to ensure your time with us is exceptional.

John Duggan

John Duggan

Owner & Founder

As the visionary founder and driving force behind Lilsa Lodge, John Duggan embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and passion for the great outdoors. Originally from Massachusetts and now deeply embedded in the Ocala community.

Specialties:

Hospitality SpecialistAwesome AdjudicationExpert Employer

Certifications:

  • Lodge Owner
  • Business Expert
Lily Duggan

Lily Duggan

Event Coordinator

Lily serves as Event Coordinator at Lilsa Lodge and is a key part of our "The Duggans". Originally from Gainesville, FL, Lily brings a grounded, people-first approach to the lodge. From first inquiry to final details, Lily helps guests and groups plan experiences that fit their vision—whether it's a hunt weekend, a private event, or a corporate retreat. Lily is known for clear communication, follow-through, and making the planning process feel easy so guests can focus on the fun once they arrive. At 15, Lily already shows a strong sense of responsibility and professionalism.

Sara Duggan

Sara Duggan

Assistant Manager of Reservations & Guest Services

Sara serves as Co-manager of sales at Lilsa Lodge and is a key part of our "The Duggans". Originally from Gainseville, FL, is 18 and at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, pursuing a degree in business administration with a minor in sales, Sara brings a grounded, people-first approach to the lodge. Sara brings pride and consistency to the role, helping uphold the traditions and standards that define Lilsa Lodge. That commitment shows up in the guest experience every day—through the small details and the big moments alike. At 18, Sara already shows a strong sense of responsibility and professionalism.

Carrie Chambers

Carrie Chambers

Manager of Reservations & Guest Services

Carrie serves as Manager of Sales at Lilsa Lodge and is a key part of our Sales. It's the first face you see when you enter the pro shop at Lilsa Lodge. She enjoys spending time on the water and crafts. From first inquiry to final details, Carrie helps guests and groups plan experiences that fit their vision—whether it's a hunt weekend, a private event, or a corporate retreat. Carrie is known for clear communication, follow-through, and making the planning process feel easy so guests can focus on the fun once they arrive.

Ray Chapin

Ray Chapin

Director of Lodge Hospitality

Ray (Uncle Ray) serves as Director of Lodge Hospitality at Lilsa Lodge and is a key part of our Lodge Hospitality Team. Originally from Worcester, Massachusetts, Ray brings a grounded, people-first approach to the lodge. Ray takes pride in the details that make a stay feel effortless—clean, comfortable rooms, a welcoming lodge environment, and service that's friendly but never intrusive. That steady attention helps guests truly unwind after a day outdoors, knowing everything is cared for and ready for the next adventure.

Shirley Goins

Shirley Goins

Culinary Team

Shirley (Granny) serves as Culinary Team at Lilsa Lodge and is a key part of our Lodge Kitchen. Originally from Miami, FL, Shirley brings a grounded, people-first approach to the lodge. In the kitchen, Shirley helps turn a day in the field into a meal worth gathering around. With a focus on hearty comfort, thoughtful preparation, and consistent quality, Shirley plays a big role in the warm lodge atmosphere guests remember. It's the kind of hospitality that helps everyone unplug, relax, and reload.

Team member

Groundskeeping and Apprentice Guide

20+ years experience

At just 21 years old, Andrew is the youngest and most recent addition to the Lilsa Lodge team. Despite his youth, his enthusiasm and commitment have already distinguished him within our organization. As an apprentice across all aspects of Lilsa Lodge—including hunting, hospitality, and construction—Andrew approaches every opportunity with eagerness to learn and grow. Originally from Chiefland and now back permanently, Andrew brings a genuine passion for the outdoors and a keen interest in Jeeps to his role, making him an excellent fit for Lilsa Lodge.

Specialties:

Turkey HuntingSporting ClaysWildlife Tracking

Certifications:

  • Wildlife Management Specialist
  • Hunter Education Instructor
Christen Mcguil

Christen Mcguil

Lodge Hospitality Associate

Christen serves as Lodge Hospitality Associate at Lilsa Lodge and is a key part of our Lodge Hospitality Team. Christen is known around the property for being dependable, upbeat, and always ready to lend a hand. Christen takes pride in the details that make a stay feel effortless—clean, comfortable rooms, a welcoming lodge environment, and service that's friendly but never intrusive. That steady attention helps guests truly unwind after a day outdoors, knowing everything is cared for and ready for the next adventure.

Cindy Chapin

Cindy Chapin

Lodge Hospitality Associate

Cindy (Aunt Cindy) serves as Lodge Hospitality Associate at Lilsa Lodge and is a key part of our Lodge Hospitality Team. Cindy is known around the property for being dependable, upbeat, and always ready to lend a hand. Cindy takes pride in the details that make a stay feel effortless—clean, comfortable rooms, a welcoming lodge environment, and service that's friendly but never intrusive. That steady attention helps guests truly unwind after a day outdoors, knowing everything is cared for and ready for the next adventure.

Drew Scoby

Drew Scoby

Groundskeeping and Apprentice Guide

Drew serves as Groundskeeping and Apprentice Guide at Lilsa Lodge and is a key part of our Land Stewardship Team. Drew is known around the property for being dependable, upbeat, and always ready to lend a hand. Whether it's welcoming hunters into the field, keeping the pace comfortable, or helping fine-tune a shot, Drew focuses on safety, sportsmanship, and the kind of fair-chase experience that feels like hunting as it was intended. Guests appreciate Drew's steady presence, attention to detail, and commitment to making every hunt memorable from the first flush to the final retrieve.

Jack Lastname

Jack Lastname

Groundskeeping

Jack serves as Groundskeeping at Lilsa Lodge and is a key part of our Land Stewardship Team. Jack is known around the property for being dependable, upbeat, and always ready to lend a hand. Behind every great hunt is great habitat, and Jack helps keep Lilsa Lodge's land healthy, productive, and beautiful. From day-to-day upkeep to long-term improvements, Jack supports the sustainable practices that maintain strong wildlife populations and the kind of terrain upland hunters love to walk.

Lester Morales

Lester Morales

Culinary Team

Lester serves as Culinary Team at Lilsa Lodge and is a key part of our Lodge Kitchen. Lester is known around the property for being dependable, upbeat, and always ready to lend a hand. In the kitchen, Lester helps turn a day in the field into a meal worth gathering around. With a focus on hearty comfort, thoughtful preparation, and consistent quality, Lester plays a big role in the warm lodge atmosphere guests remember. It's the kind of hospitality that helps everyone unplug, relax, and reload.

Nate Stone

Nate Stone

Manager of Property Development

18+ years experience

With 18 years of experience as a professional hunting guide, Mike brings unparalleled expertise to every hunt at Lilsa Lodge. His deep knowledge of bird behavior, terrain navigation, and hunting strategies ensures that both novice and experienced hunters have successful and memorable outings. Mike specializes in pheasant and quail hunts and is known for his patient teaching style and ability to read the land.

Specialties:

Pheasant HuntingQuail HuntingHunter Safety Training

Certifications:

  • Professional Hunter Certification
  • First Aid & CPR
Phillip Brown

Phillip Brown

Culinary Team

Phillip (Phil) serves as Culinary Team at Lilsa Lodge and is a key part of our Lodge Kitchen. Phillip is known around the property for being dependable, upbeat, and always ready to lend a hand. In the kitchen, Phillip helps turn a day in the field into a meal worth gathering around. With a focus on hearty comfort, thoughtful preparation, and consistent quality, Phillip plays a big role in the warm lodge atmosphere guests remember. It's the kind of hospitality that helps everyone unplug, relax, and reload.

Taylor Lastname

Taylor Lastname

Hunting Guide

Taylor serves as Hunting Guide at Lilsa Lodge and is a key part of our Upland Hunting Guides. Taylor is known around the property for being dependable, upbeat, and always ready to lend a hand. Whether it's welcoming hunters into the field, keeping the pace comfortable, or helping fine-tune a shot, Taylor focuses on safety, sportsmanship, and the kind of fair-chase experience that feels like hunting as it was intended. Guests appreciate Taylor's steady presence, attention to detail, and commitment to making every hunt memorable from the first flush to the final retrieve.

Todd King

Todd King

Manager of Grounds and Habitat Management

20+ years experience

Todd's hands-on approach and unparalleled attention to detail have become the backbone of Lilsa Lodge's operations. Whether he's enhancing our iconic shooting platforms, refining habitat spaces for upland bird hunting, or ensuring our lodge facilities meet the highest standards of comfort and charm, Todd pours his heart into every project. His dedication and craftsmanship ensure that every guest experiences the authenticity and excellence that Lilsa Lodge is known for. At Lilsa Lodge, Todd King is more than a team member; he's family. His work is a testament to our commitment to offering "Hunting As It Was Intended," and we're proud to have him leading the charge in maintaining and enhancing our grounds. Thank you, Todd, for your years of passion, hard work, and the legacy you're building for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy for generations to come.

Specialties:

Pheasant HuntingQuail HuntingHunter Safety Training

Certifications:

  • Professional Hunter Certification
  • First Aid & CPR
Tommy Lemay

Tommy Lemay

Hunting Guide and Tower Shoot Host

30+ years experience

Tommy serves as Hunting Guide and Tower Shoot Host at Lilsa Lodge and is a key part of our Upland Hunting Guides. Tommy is known around the property for being dependable, upbeat, and always ready to lend a hand. Whether it's welcoming hunters into the field, keeping the pace comfortable, or helping fine-tune a shot, Tommy focuses on safety, sportsmanship, and the kind of fair-chase experience that feels like hunting as it was intended. Guests appreciate Tommy's steady presence, attention to detail, and commitment to making every hunt memorable from the first flush to the final retrieve.

Specialties:

Pheasant HuntingBusiness ManagementWildlife Conservation

Certifications:

  • NRA Certified Firearms Instructor
  • Florida Master Naturalist
Zack Lastname

Zack Lastname

Groundskeeping

Zack serves as Groundskeeping at Lilsa Lodge and is a key part of our Land Stewardship Team. Zack is known around the property for being dependable, upbeat, and always ready to lend a hand. Behind every great hunt is great habitat, and Zack helps keep Lilsa Lodge's land healthy, productive, and beautiful. From day-to-day upkeep to long-term improvements, Zack supports the sustainable practices that maintain strong wildlife populations and the kind of terrain upland hunters love to walk.

Jessie Spoor

Jessie Spoor

Marketing Machine

5+ years experience

Emerging as a vibrant star in the world of lodging hospitality and outdoor adventure and hospitality marketing, Jessie Spoor is quickly making her mark. At Lilsa Lodge, a premier hunting lodge and nature preserve nestled in the heart of Chiefland, Florida, her presence is increasingly felt.

Specialties:

Outdoor Brand Super StrategistMarketing SpecialistSEO Wizard

Certifications:

  • MBA Program at FSU
  • Google Marketing Cert
  • Google SEO Cert
  • Gooele Ads Cert

Experience the Tradition

Join us at Lilsa Lodge and discover why hunters keep coming back year after year. It's more than a hunt – it's a tradition.