Team Members
Matthew Johnson
Founder & Owner
Born and raised in La Grange, Texas, I’ve spent my entire life in the outdoors. From an early age, I developed a passion for hunting, fishing, sports, and working cattle alongside my father. Those experiences taught me the value of hard work, respect for the land, and the importance of family—values that still guide me today. I still enjoy working cattle whenever I get the chance.
I’m a happily married 24-year-old husband and proud father to an amazing baby girl. My family is my greatest motivation and the reason I strive to build something that will last for years to come.
In 2021, I discovered night hunting, and it quickly became more than just a hobby—it became a passion. Over the years, I’ve dedicated countless hours to learning, improving, and mastering the craft. Night hunting has challenged me to become a better hunter, and it’s where I truly found my calling.
That passion led to the creation of Going Dark Outfitters. I wanted to build something bigger than a hunting business. Going Dark is a lifestyle built on faith, family, hard work, and a group of friends who have become family. Whether we’re helping landowners manage wildlife, chasing hogs under the stars, or sharing campfire stories after a successful hunt, our goal is to create experiences people will never forget.
While hog and predator hunting are my greatest passion, I also enjoy deer hunting, dove hunting, and spending time on the water whenever I can. No matter the season, if I’m outdoors, I’m exactly where I want to be.
Halie Johnson
Co-Founder
Hi, I’m Halie Johnson. I was born and raised in La Grange, Texas, where my love for the outdoors began at a young age. Growing up around the country lifestyle taught me to appreciate hard work, family, and everything that comes with spending time outside.
I’m a proud wife and the mother of a beautiful little daughter, and my family is the biggest blessing in my life. Being able to share the outdoors with them is something I truly cherish, and I look forward to passing those traditions on to our daughter as she grows.
As part of the Going Dark team, I enjoy representing our brand and helping behind the scenes with merchandise, content, and supporting our mission. Watching Going Dark continue to grow has been an incredible journey, and I’m grateful to be a part of building something that reflects our passion for hunting, conservation, and the outdoor lifestyle.
Whether I’m in the field, helping with the brand, or simply supporting the team however I can, I’m proud to be part of the Going Dark family. Thank you for supporting our dream—we’re excited to continue growing and sharing our passion for the outdoors with all of you.
kaleb Pyle
Night Hunting Operations Manger
Born and raised in Texas, I’ve spent my entire life outdoors alongside my dad. From hunting and fishing to sports and everything in between, the outdoors has played a huge role in shaping me into the man I am today.
I’m a 23-year-old active-duty Army soldier, and the story behind Going Dark started during my first deployment. My best friend and I had a simple idea: we wanted to share our respect for the outdoors and the lifestyle we grew up loving with anyone willing to listen to our craziness. During a phone call, we came up with a name that represented exactly what we were about — GOING DARK.
Four years later, we’re still carrying that same passion forward and sharing our respect for the animals, the land, and the great outdoors.
Anything outdoors has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. About 15 years ago, I was introduced to night hunting, and I’ve been hooked ever since. There’s nothing better than being out there after dark, and if I can use that passion to help others experience it, learn from it, and make memories they’ll never forget, I’ll take that opportunity every chance I get.
For me, Going Dark is about more than hunting. It’s about respecting the land, respecting the animals, sharing the outdoors with others, and creating memories that last a li
Brendan Maddox
Waterfowl Guide
I’m Brendan Maddox, a 22-year-old avid waterfowl hunter based in Elgin, Texas. Born in Corpus Christi on the Texas coast, my passion for duck hunting began at an early age before eventually relocating to Central Texas.
Over the years, I’ve pursued waterfowl throughout Texas, continuously expanding my knowledge, experience, and appreciation for the sport. I’m passionate about sharing that knowledge with others and creating memorable experiences in the field.
I’m outgoing by nature and enjoy meeting new people, building lasting relationships, and spending time with friends and family. I’m excited to bring my passion for waterfowl hunting to the Going Dark team and help provide an unforgettable experience for every hunter who joins us in the blind.
Will Martin
Lead Guide & Field specialist
I’m William Martin. I got my start hunting with my dad when I was just 4 years old, and I’ve loved every minute of it ever since. I’m 29 years old, married, and the proud father of a 16-month-old daughter.
Hunting has always been my biggest passion. About three years ago, I got into thermal hunting, and I quickly became obsessed with it. Since then, I’ve spent countless hours learning, improving, and chasing predators whenever I get the chance.
Rylee Nunn
Operations Manger
I grew up in Brownwood, Texas, where my passion for hunting started at a young age alongside my dad. He taught me the importance of respecting the land, understanding wildlife, and appreciating the outdoors. Those early experiences turned into a lifelong passion, and for the past 14 years I’ve had the privilege of guiding hunters and helping others create memorable experiences in the field. Hunting isn’t just what I do—it’s a way of life built on family, tradition, and a deep respect for the outdoors.
Blaine Mccoy
Vendor Relations
Born and raised in West Point, Texas, I’ve been hunting since I was six years old, thanks to my dad introducing me to the outdoors at an early age. What started as weekends in the woods quickly became a lifelong passion.Today, I’m a proud husband and father of three. As my kids grow, one of my favorite things is teaching them the traditions, skills, and respect that come with hunting. It’s about making memories, spending time outdoors, and passing down a way of life.Over the years, I’ve also had the privilege of helping others learn to hunt and build confidence in the outdoors. Whether I’m chasing whitetails, sharing tips, or making memories with family and friends, I’m grateful to be living the life I love—one hunt at a time.
