Board of Directors
Dean Crocker
President | [email protected]
Dean has never been afraid to follow a new path. After starting his career in financial services, he traded the office for offshore work as a journeyman chef, eventually earning his real estate broker’s license and spending the last 16 years helping clients across the residential and commercial markets.
But the outdoors has always been his true north. With more than 35 years of guiding experience throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, Dean took a leap 21 years ago and purchased a small tent‑based outfitting business. That leap became Deep Country Lodge — now home to two world‑class lodges and several spike camps. Dean proudly credits the lodge’s growth to the hardworking guides and staff who share his passion for the land.
His commitment extends beyond the business: As a life member of Safari Club International and official measurer for SCI, Dean is dedicated to ensuring that hunting, fishing, and trapping remain sustainable traditions for future generations in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Matt Learie
Vice President | [email protected]
Originally from St. John’s, Matt has lived all across the Province in various locations since 2013. Growing up in a hunting and fishing family, he always was following his dad and uncle into the woods, learning whatever he could. Ultimately he followed in his uncles footsteps in a career working in the outdoors. Matt has worked in various wildlife and conservation roles in the province involving research, data collection and ultimately landing in an enforcement role. He has an educational background as a fish and wildlife technician as well as a forestry technician.
When not working in the outdoors, Matt can be found enjoying it. Trapping is his biggest enjoyment in the woods. “It’s due to the challenges it brings and how it humbles you so quickly” he said.. “I try to raise my family in as clean a way as possible, eating mostly wild game and home grown produce.” Matt is a proud father of two young boys, the oldest of which has already shown a great interest in the outdoors himself and has have a wonderful wife who tolerates how little he is home during the various seasons.
Jason Moore
Treasurer | [email protected]
Jason Moore is a dedicated real estate agent, entrepreneur, and avid outdoorsman whose career reflects a strong commitment to hard work, integrity, and service. With a passion for helping people achieve their goals, Jason has built a reputation for guiding clients through the real estate process with honesty, local knowledge, and a personalized approach that puts their needs first.
In addition to his work in real estate, Jason is the owner and operator of a successful outfitting business, where he shares his deep respect for nature and extensive outdoor experience as a hunting guide. His time spent in the wilderness has shaped his leadership style, emphasizing preparation, patience, and trust. As an entrepreneur, he combines business insight with hands-on experience to create meaningful opportunities and memorable outdoor adventures.
Whether helping clients find the perfect property or guiding hunters through the outdoors, Jason Moore is driven by authenticity, professionalism, and a genuine passion for connecting people with experiences that matter.
Jeremy Moore
Secretary | [email protected]
Jeremy Moore is a dedicated business owner and entrepreneur with experience in both the hospitality industry and the construction sector. As the owner of a successful contracting business, he is known for his strong work ethic, attention to detail, and commitment to delivering quality results. His passion for service and creating positive experiences also extends into the hospitality industry, where he focuses on building welcoming environments and lasting relationships.
An avid outdoor enthusiast, Jeremy is also the owner and operator of a hunting lodge and outfitting business. His deep appreciation for nature, conservation, and outdoor adventure allows him to share meaningful experiences with guests while promoting respect for the land. Whether in business or the outdoors, Jeremy leads with integrity, hard work, and a genuine passion for what he does.
Jen Shears
Director at Large | [email protected]
Jen Shears is a lifelong outdoorswoman – having spent her childhood hiking, snowmobiling, hunting, and fishing in the Lewis Hills of western Newfoundland; and hunting around the world, adventuring, angling and commercial fishing as an adult. She is a staunch supporter of conservation through sustainable use, and is an outspoken advocate for the seal hunt and getting women and children outdoors.
She is a business owner based in Rocky Harbour, operating tourist accommodations and a wildlife museum, as well as a sealskin and fur products business in St. John’s. Jen has a degree in Environmental Biology, and looks forward to using her knowledge, experience and energy to support SCI in its efforts to protect hunting and fishing in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Lisa Varga
Director at Large | [email protected]
Lisa has spent her life in the woods — iit’s not just as a passion, but as a way of life. Living and working outdoors has given her a deep respect for wildlife, habitat, and the responsibility we carry as hunters and outdoorsmen. “Conservation isn’t just something I talk about; it’s something I practice every day.” she says.
As the owner and operator of a successful outfitting business and a licensed trapper, Lisa works closely with the land and the animals that depend on it. Ethical hunting, sustainable practices, and proper wildlife management are values that guide both her business and personal life. She believes hunters play a vital role in conservation, and is proud to be part of that tradition.
When she’s not guiding or working, you’ll likely find Lisa fishing — whether it’s on fresh water or out on the saltwater — or traveling to pursue new hunting opportunities, around the world . “No matter where I am, my commitment remains the same: respect the land, protect wildlife, and ensure future generations can experience the outdoors the way I have.”
Justin Crocker
Director at Large | [email protected]
From a young age, Justin developed a deep interest in hunting and fishing, a personal passion fueled by his inherent love for the outdoors. These foundational early life experiences have led Justin to professional hunting as a career. With 22 years as a professional guide, Justin is known for his proficiency, skill, and patience in leading clients through unforgettable outdoor adventures. Guiding isn’t just a job; it’s a chance to help people experience the peace, excitement, and beauty that nature offers. Justin’s background in construction and business management adds a strong foundation of leadership, organization, and problem‑solving; qualities that make every guided trip safe, seamless, and memorable.
Family‑oriented at heart, Justin believes in sharing outdoor traditions across generations and creating experiences that bring people together. Beyond guiding, Justin is committed to conservation and responsible stewardship, ensuring that the land, water, and wildlife are protected for the next generation of adventurers in Newfoundland and Labrador