SOME KIND WORDS FROM A FEW OF OUR HUNTING GUESTS
Testimonials
Ray – September 29th, 2023
What an amazing outfitter with world class caribou hunting! From the onset Justin and Dean communicated with my group about a fantastic hunt and they delivered a world class hunt! I want to thank the Deep Country Lodge team for the great hunting, accommodations, the fantastic food and their hospitality! We really enjoyed the last night and the honorary Newfoundlander Screecher Ceremony!! I’ve traveled the world hunting and I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to hunt at Deep Country Lodge and I’m looking forward to hunting with them again!!!
Ray Lovell
Hal – September 25th, 2023
I just want to take a moment to share my recent experience with Deep Country Lodge. I could see right away when I first met them at the SCI convention the passion in their hunting team. Dean and Justin explained their hunts and were very accommodating in scheduling my two sons and I into their helicopter hunt schedule. All paperwork and gear lists were seamlessly handled in the following months. The arrival and shuttles to and from the airport are super efficient as well. Its just like you have been there many times!
Now the helicopter ride to camp is a special treat all its own, but when it touches down and you see the lodge built in the back country. Wow! Nothing is spared. Satellite internet service, chef prepared meals, full laundry service along with a friendly inviting staff! Don’t plan on loosing any weight on this trip! Their knowledgeable guides each had their own style of hunting based on your pursuit. Game are plentiful but its hunting, so be prepared to pick thru a few animals before making your stalks. They keep all their equipment well maintained and after the harvest game is processed in a cutting/ freezing facility as good as any Stateside. They also take care when prepping antlers/ capes and even had our trophies shipped to a local taxidermist after the hunt! All in all one of the best run operations I have ever hunted with! It filled my Woodland Caribou tag and checked of #27 on my Superslam list! My two sons also harvested mature bull Moose and a bonus Black Bear! Can’t beat this place for a multi species hunt!
I would recommend you get in contact soon, as their hunts book up fast and far in advance. Thanks again Justin and Dean!
Hal Crawford
North Dakota
GSCO, SCI & FNAWS
Rick – November 1st, 2023
For an Arkansas boy to travel to Deep Country Lodge was a once in a lifetime experience. Deep Country Lodge exhibited everything I dreamed moose hunting in Newfoundland to be. The transportation and lodging were first class and views of the land was breathtaking. My guide went far above and beyond expectations to achieve our goal of killing a trophy bull, and we finally achieved our goal on the final day. The hospitality and meals were absolutely first class!!! I’m deeply appreciative of how hard my guide worked to make my dream come true.
Rick Ellis
Don – 2022 Trophy Woodland Caribou
I booked an archery Caribou/Moose hunt with Deep Country before the COVID lockdowns and after some delay, I was able to go on my hunt in 2022. This is a small family run operation with father Dean running the logistics and son Justin the lead guide/camp manager. Dean was very accommodating during the booking and scheduling process, intent on maximizing my experience and needs as an archery hunter. I drove into Canada from Maine and flew from Halifax to St John’s. Myself and the 3 other incoming Moose hunters overnighted in St John’s in a comfortable hotel near the airport. The hotel is accustomed to hunters coming in and out and will store gear and put meat/cape in their freezer on the return trip.
Our group was met early the following morning for a drive to the helicopter base. The helicopter ride to the base camp was spectacular with lots of game spotted including Bear, Moose and Woodland Caribou. The guides were young and enthusiastic and a joy to hunt with and dinners were very entertaining with colorful stories. The food was excellent with hearty meals for breakfast and dinner. Sandwiches and snacks were provided for days out in the bush. Hunting was primarily done from 4 wheelers and ATV’s. The terrain is rolling hills and not particularly physically challenging so hunters with some limitations can still be successful. During my hunt we looked over lots of Caribou every day with a number of great stags spotted. I was fortunate to take a solid Stag mid way through the hunt. The other hunters in camp had a great hunt with several taking nice bulls. The new lodge was an excellent base camp, very comfortable and had all the comforts of home.
Unfortunately we had to cut our hunt short due to a hurricane that made direct hit on the area. Despite this Dean and Justin were able to get us out of camp and safely on to our flights before it hit – just another example of the personalized service they provide. I recommend this hunt without reservation.
– Don Roach.
John – 2022 Deep Country Lodge, Newfoundland
Rarely does a hunting trip exceed expectations, but that’s exactly what I experienced on my October 2022 adventure in Newfoundland with Deep Country Lodge. Another hunter and I had a relatively short drive to the airport where we were whisked onto a helicopter for the trip to camp. The word “camp” didn’t do our home away from home justice. There was a full-blown lodge with all the amenities awaiting us.
After a wonderful home-cooked meal, I set out hunting with my guide, Nate. We traveled established trails on a four-wheeler and were able to cover a lot of ground. My word, there were a lot of woodland caribou in the area. I was going to be choosy but an absolute monster appeared before me on the first day!
The moose hunting was also a thrill. Every day we would work our way to a remote location and start calling. There’s nothing like a big bull stepping out of the thickets and screaming back at you.
Everything went without a hitch and the comfortable lodge made this a very enjoyable experience.
– John Colglazier
Warren – 2022 Deep Country Lodge, Newfoundland
I have hunted for decades but my hunt with Deep Country Lodge was one of the best experiences ever! From my first email exchange with Dean through all of my subsequent questions he was always willing to answer and help. From tips on dealing with flying to Canada with a rifle to following up after I got home Dean is the man!
Newfoundland is a special place and Dean and the whole crew know how to make everyone feel at home. The lodge is set in the countryside and from the minute I arrived the comradery and friendliness were amazing. The vibe is hunting lodge casual. The food is great and there’s lots of it. Nobody will never walk away hungry. Breakfast is massive and sets you up for the day. You’ll need it.
My first morning we packed lunch and we were off. I saw 13 moose that day alone! The guides know the area, they know the game, and they know how to find it. Dinner is a time to gather around the table with other hunters and the guides and staff to talk about the day’s adventures.
On my second day Ken, my guide, and I got a very early start and stalked a big bull we’d seen the day before. Ken started calling and then there was my bull cautiously emerging from the woods at the bottom of the hill, about 400 yards away. Seeing that in my scope was a thrill I’ll never forget.
I’m hooked and I’ll be a regular with Deep Country Lodge. In fact, I’ve already booked in for next year. And this time I’m bringing a friend from Spain. He’s hunted all over the world but I’m betting that Deep Country and Newfoundland are going to be his best experience ever.
– Warren McKenzie
John V. – 2021 Trophy Moose – Deep Country Lodge
I am writing to express my experience with my recent hunt at your camp. I personally have hunted around the world with many outfitters. Some experiences have been nothing short of amazing – and this hunt was one of those that stands out from the majority of the others. The food, lodging and staff were top notch. Having guides and services like you provided during our stay and engaging with clients – meet, or exceed expectations and solidifies the experience overall.
Its always a great concern of mine when traveling to different countries and off the grid, I wonder what will it be like and is everything going to be organized. Justin personally made it a point to check with us during our trip, and to ask if there was anything we needed and how things were going.
I personally recommend if you’re wanting to hunt Woodland Caribou, Moose or Black Bear in Newfoundland, there is no better choice than Deep Country Lodge. I’m looking forward to another hunt in the near future with them myself.
Sincerely ,
John J Volk III
Mark – September 27th
I have been fortunate to hunt on six continents, 34 countries and 6 Canadian Provinces, with a lot of outfitters. I can say without reservation, Dean Crocker runs a great operation with top guides, great food, great camps and areas rich with game. I’ve hunted with Dean twice and look forward to the next opportunity.
– Mark Hampton
Executive Director
GSCO (Grand Slam Club Ovis)
Royce – October 14th
Hey Dean, was just speaking with other hunters from with other outfitters. One guy didn’t even see a moose somewhere in Gander. No one had anything close to our experience! Hunt of a lifetime! Certainly need to be in shape for what we did. It was more than worth it. Thank you so much Dean! Oh, the other thing we heard was clients having issues with getting their COVID test, you went way out of your way to get it done for us! Just so you know we tipped her $20 and she was ecstatic and very reluctant to take it. She was awesome! Your care and custody of your clients is obviously better than most. Thank you!
– Royce
Lou – 2019 Black Bear
If you are looking for an adventure come and experience Newfoundland with Dean Crocker’s “Deep Country Lodge”!!
I have been a regular with Deep Country Lodge since 2016. I keep coming back!! The Guides are professionals that know the country and are very skilled at getting the client Hunter in range of Moose, Caribou and Bear. To access interior hunting areas, Deep Country Lodge uses Argo amphibian vehicles and ATVs.
The lodge is very comfortable, with all the conveniences! You will be treated to a variety of wonderful dinners, that progress through the week. Breakfast time prepares the hunter for a day in the field, Dean knows how to keep everyone going for the hunt.
Over the years, I have had many wonderful days to enjoy the beauty of Newfoundland. Truly experiences of a lifetime, trophy Moose, Caribou and Bear taken hunting with Deep Country Lodge!
– Louis Baum
2019 Woodland Caribou with Captain Jeff Macneill and his guide Justin Crocker
Deep Country Lodge in Newfoundland is a place every outdoor person needs to experience. Dean Crocker was so friendly and knowledgeable on the planning and booking stages of my trip. I traveled by truck from Prince Edward Island through Cape Breton then by ferry to Newfoundland. My drive was one of the most beautiful I have experienced. The scenery was breathtaking. I was met by Dean himself in town and followed him to the Lodge. The lodge is awesome, it is set in the wilderness with private access. It is incredible and very large with beautiful trophies and pictures of past hunts.
The meals were amazing. Breakfast, day lunches and of course supper with everyone were awesome. So much fun to sit around and hear each clients day’s adventures . These Guides have been together for over 35 years and it shows and you feel it. Pretty impressive that Dean’s father, mother and uncle took time to spend with us. Three generations of guides in one room. The actual hunt itself was like a dream. Both Dean and his son Justin Crocker took me out. We left hours before dawn. By truck then by agro glassing well over 170 Caribou. We seen many bulls fighting. Over 7.5 miles away they seen a monster bull . After stalking for 2 hours we came within 70 yards of a bull of a lifetime. Justin and Dean convinced me to pass on it and continue the stalk. While leaving that bull behind I had a strange rush of emotions come over me. As I walked behind my guides I knew right then and there I was in for a Woodland Caribou beyond my wildest dreams. Justin got me into 130 yards with 70 other Caribou working towards us. The bulls were truly unbelievable. After the harvest took place, Justin was as a pro. An incredible photographer, skinner and butcher. The meat was incredible and so very well done. Dean and Justin gave me a hunt of a lifetime, and a friendship that will also last a lifetime. I am a professional guide myself for 40 years for Bluefin tuna, on PEI. I highly recommend Deep Country Lodge and I am already making future plans with them .
Thank You
Captain Jeffrey L. Macneill.
P.S. My trophy Woodland Caribou measured 329.7
Buzz Marvin 2019 Woodland Caribou
What an amazing hunt. From the time we booked until the time we left, everything we needed to know was answered by Dean. Great lodging, super meals, qualified guides that work hard, great inventory of animals and success. Four of us spent the week and harvest four record book caribou, one moose and one bear and could have done more had we had the tags. Super experience!
– Buzz Marvin
Peter Drake (MA) with his huge Woodland Caribou from Newfoundland taken in October 2017 with Deep Country Lodge
I hunted Woodland Caribou with Dean Crocker of Deep Country Lodge. This Caribou was scored 370 4/8, which makes the B&C book. The outfitter told me it was one of the best Caribou taken there. The lodge is extremely comfortable and the food was great. I highly recommend this outfitter to other hunters needing a Woodland Caribou or Canada Moose.
– Peter Drake
Guy Osmun w/ his Moose
Deep Country Lodge is a favorite hunting destination. In 2010 hurricane Igor hit Newfoundland 24 hours after we arrived. Dean Crocker and his guides did an excellent job of managing the extreme challenges. We even hunted for two days and took a couple moose. I was so impressed I returned twice since and harvested bulls I am proud of. The guides are very knowledgeable and work relentlessly to give the hunter an experience they will never forget. Be prepared to put in a full day as you share the rugged and unspoiled place Deep Country calls home. Once back at the lodge you will enjoy a relaxed and very comfortable environment. Dinner is quality home cooking and plenty of it. Save room for dessert. You will not be disappointed. Newfoundland is truly a magical place for a hunter with a lot of Moose. You just may become an Honorary Newfoundlander if the spirit moves you. I hope I have at least on more trip left in me. Thank you Dean!
– Guy Osmun
Tom Boone and Cockett Trophy Woodland Caribou
Deep Country Lodge
Dean, I want to thank you, your mom and dad and all your guides for an awesome adventure! I had the best hunt ever being up in Newfoundland! The country is big and beautiful. When I was on a bear bait stand and that very nice bull moose came by, I couldn’t pass him up especially since I had my muzzleloader. What a thrill to harvest an animal that big with my muzzleloader. The caribou hunt was totally awesome. The 3 hr Argo ride back was an adventure in itself! Lots of caribou and to harvest a B&C book woodland caribou was just incredible!
Dean, you have the game and know where they are. Everyone gave 110% effort so all the hunters had an opportunity to be successful. The home cooked meals were delicious and excellent. You make everyone feel rite at home! Thanks again for an awesome adventure and I will be back.
– Tom
Steve Ecklund – CABELA’S Ambassador and host of the EDGE TV
What can I say, Newfoundland pays off again in a HUGE way!! When the Newfoundland Labrador Outfitters Association contacted me earlier this spring and offered to help our EDGE TV crew secure a Woodland Caribou hunt on the Island we were astatic! Through the process we were able to select an outfitter and after careful research, many telephone conversations, I knew that Deep Country Lodge was the perfect fit for me. With an historically proven track record of monster Woodland and numerous happy reference clients, we jumped all over this opportunity.
Owner /Operator Dean Crocker leaves no stone un-turned! He delivered on every aspect of this adventure, from the cozy accommodations, complete with numerous amenities right down to boot dryers:) this place has it going on!! The food was “off the hook” and in true Newfoundland fashion, all home cooked and plenty of it. The hunt itself from start to finish was super cool!! On the first day in Caribou country I saw upwards of 60 to 70 animals, 4 of which I was sure to be of trophy quality! With the help of the guide we made a day one play on a giant Caribou that nearly ended my hunt early!
The following day we snuck back into the same area and within a few hours I was standing over what will soon be the #8 or #9 all time, B&C Woodland Caribou!! A remarkable trip is an understatement and anyone that has ever dreamed of hunting this specie of caribou, dreamed of hunting moose or even black bear in one of the most majestic places on earth……then I urge you to check out Deep Country Lodge and the wonders that Newfoundland has to offer.
– Steve Ecklund
CABELA’S Ambassador and host of the EDGE TV
Dennis Coon 2018 Moose
Deep Country Lodge Outfitters is the true meaning of a world class hunt! It is not only the harvest of game but the true adventure of the fair chase hunt. We had a time of our life not only with the hunting but the comradery of the guides. The food was second to none with no one going away hungry. We hunted hard and pulled out all the stops! On the last day of our hunt the gods shown down on us. We harvested one monster of a bull! The week before we took a great caribou with a great job of spot and stalk with our guide Justin. By the time your hunt is over Everyone in camp feels like a long-lost friend you have known forever. They take pride in the care of your meat and was packed ready for our flight home. My brother and I decided to do a hunt in Newfoundland and would recommend this outfitter to anyone that wants to have a true adventure! One of the best times of our life.
-Dennis Coon
John Deverteuil Trophy Moose Hunt – Deep Country Lodge Newfoundland
I want to thank Dean Crocker of Newfoundland as he was the Guide and host for this hunt. He and his crew of guides and staff showed us a fantastic time and some wonderful country. Not only did our group harvest two moose with chances at many others one of our hunters harvested a woodland Caribou as well. The caribou was another successful trophy hunt, but provided us some incredible meat. Dean also ensures that the animal is not wasted as I only returned with 1/3 of the meat while the rest is distributed to local residents. These residents are elderly and those that did not have opportunity to hunt for their supply of moose meat for the year. The people of Newfoundland are hard working folks and they act as a community in that they support each other when needed.
Their attitude is similar to an American Blue Collar worker, work hard and play hard. Everywhere we went people were extremely friendly and courteous to myself and our group.
Newfies, as they refer to themselves as, have a strong accent that is somewhat difficult to understand if you fail to actively listen. They speak as if their jaw is frozen, similar to when you send to much time in a zero degree day with the wind howling in your face. One guide in particular was Stan, a man with great skills and a quiet personality. When he did speak I had no idea what the hell he was saying, I eventually told him he was the Boomhauer of Newfoundland, he chuckled… I think.
All and all Dean Crocker and his band of Merry Guides were extremely professional and had an excellent knowledge of the area and the available Moose. If you are interested in doing this hunt contact Dean and will provide a week of great enjoyment. Just do not ask to drive his Argo.
– John Deverteuil
Paul Kozacki Bow Hunt 2015 Newfoundland Moose
Hi Dean,
Got back in early this morning (3am) and have unpacked and sent meat off to be cut up. We all enjoyed ourselves and have pleasant memories of our hunt and stay at your lodge. You, your dad, Pat, Wince, Stan, and Matt are all great people and we thank you and them for everything. The food and accommodations were outstanding. I look forward to booking a hunt again with you in the future.
Thanks again for a wonderful time.
– Paul Kozacki
Bill Hodges 57 inch eastern Canadian Moose Deep Country Lodge Newfoundland Canada
Dean, Unanimous decision from all of us that our outing with you was excellent. We truly enjoyed the hunt; your leadership; each and every guide; in addition to the affection that we all had for your Dad too. The food was fantastic; accommodations excellent; and the association with guides and preparation for the hunts spot on. Best of luck to you and I certainly expect that our paths will cross again in the near future. Thanks for everything, Dean, and you are developing a first class experience. Keep up the great work.
Thanks again,
Bill Hodges
Happy moose Hunters with 3 Bulls in 5 day hunt. 2015 Deep Country Lodge, Newfoundland
I highly recommend hunting with Dean. I have been there before over the years and would come back again. The attached moose picture is from this year, 2015. We had 4 hunters and harvested 3 nice moose and 2 trophy caribou (out of 2 caribou tags). Our fourth hunter was a 72 year old who was generally along for the trip and did not shoot. We didn’t see any bears this year, but I have killed a massive black bear while moose hunting there a few years ago. Got a moose then too.
We hunted from the lodge, which has outstanding accommodations, including great food. Hunting from the lodge gives much greater mobility/territory using ATVs than is the case with fly in camps, where you are limited in range once you arrive.
The guides work hard and put us on game, they get the game out, cleaned and packed. Another key is animal management – the place is not hunted out like many camps in western Newfoundland.
It is a great place with great people; I recommend it.
Regards
– Mike Onak