BOUNTY HUNTER

DUANE "DOG" CHAPMAN

America's Most Famous Fugitive Recovery Agent

Bounty Hunter

The Man Behind the Legend

Duane "Dog" Chapman became a cultural phenomenon as the star of A&E's reality TV series "Dog the Bounty Hunter," which chronicled his work capturing fugitives with his family-operated bail bond business.

Known for his distinctive mullet, sunglasses, leather accessories, and charismatic personality, Chapman has been credited with capturing over 8,000 fugitives throughout his career.

8,000+
Captures
14
Seasons
89%
Success Rate

The Dog the Bounty Hunter Journey

From troubled youth to America's most recognized bounty hunter

1

Early Life & Transformation

Born Duane Lee Chapman on February 2, 1953, in Denver, Colorado. Chapman had a troubled youth and spent time in prison during his teens after joining a gang.

His life changed direction when he was released from prison at age 23 and became a bounty hunter working with his mentor, bail bondsman and bounty hunter Ralph "Papa" Boone.

2

Forming Da Kine Bail Bonds

In 1976, Chapman founded Da Kine Bail Bonds in Honolulu, Hawaii, which became the headquarters for his fugitive recovery operations.

His team included his brother Tim, his son Leland, and his wife Beth Chapman. The team became known for their aggressive and effective tactics in tracking down elusive fugitives.

3

The Andrew Luster Case

In 2003, Chapman gained international fame after capturing Max Factor heir Andrew Luster in Mexico. Luster was convicted on multiple counts of rape but had fled the country during his trial.

This high-profile capture was featured on national news and paved the way for his reality TV series.

4

Global Television Stardom

"Dog the Bounty Hunter" premiered on A&E on August 31, 2004. The show ran for 8 seasons until 2012, making Chapman a household name and introducing viewers to his unique family dynamics, personal philosophy, and unorthodox methods.

The show returned in 2019 as "Dog's Most Wanted" which focused on tracking down high-profile targets.

Beth Chapman Tribute
IN MEMORIAM

Beth Chapman

1967 - 2019

Beth Smith Chapman was Dog's wife and an integral part of his bounty hunting team and reality television series. As the co-founder of their bail bonds business, Beth played a critical role in their operations both as an on-camera presence and behind the scenes.

Known for her fiery personality and sharp wit, Beth was often called the "queen of all bounty hunters." She was equally skilled at tracking fugitives as she was at managing their business operations.

"I'm not in the business of chasing people, I'm in the business of finding people and helping them get to their court date. My job is to give them a new beginning."
- Beth Chapman

High-Profile Fugitive Captures

The most significant captures in Dog's bounty hunting career

Andrew Luster

Heir to the Max Factor fortune

Captured in June 2003 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Luster was convicted on 86 counts of rape, poisoning, and other charges, with over $1 million bail.

Capture Reward: $300,000
Completed

Gregory Zecca

$1M jewelry heist suspect

Captured in December 2010 in Miami. Zecca was wanted for allegedly stealing a million dollars worth of jewelry from a Miami Beach mansion.

Capture Reward: $100,000
Completed

Paul Rhoades

Violent kidnapping charges

Captured in July 2008 in Colorado. Rhoades was accused of kidnapping his estranged wife at gunpoint and fleeing the state.

Capture Reward: $15,000
Completed

Jason Eugene Bell

Arson & attempted murder

Captured in April 2008. Bell was suspected of burning down a house with occupants inside. Chapman tracked him to his girlfriend's house.

Capture Reward: $10,000
Completed

Dog's Story

"Where Mercy Is Shown, Mercy Is Given" - Dog's memoir detailing his journey of redemption and rise to fame.

The TV Series

14 seasons chronicling the Chapman family's bounty hunting adventures and personal challenges.

Faith Journey

How Dog found faith and transformed his troubled past into a mission to help others find redemption.