Team
Mark Hall, Executive Director / Co-Founder
Mark stands at the forefront of wildlife conservation in Canada, driven by a deep-rooted family legacy as a third-generation hunter and trapper. Educated as an ecologist, Mark holds a Master of Science in sustainability, and he is a member of the IUCN Sustainable Use Livelihood Specialist Group. He brings a wealth of experience in ecological restoration and wildlife management, blending scientific expertise with a passion inspiring the next generation of hunter conservationists.
Curtis Hall, Podcast Producer / Co-Host
Curtis is the co-host / producer of The Hunter Conservationist Podcast. His work on the podcast reflects a commitment to nuanced conversations and thoughtful storytelling, often highlighting complex issues like ethical hunting practices, firearm ownership, and the role of hunters in conservation efforts.
Dana Dykema, Podcast Co-Host
Dana is a passionate advocate based in British Columbia. She hosts Our Stories Connect Us All, a podcast that explores the personal journeys of individuals navigating hunting, conservation, and community life. Through candid conversations, Dana fosters understanding and connection across diverse perspectives—bridging worlds and breaking stereotypes.
Dr. Everett Hanna, Science Advisor
Dr. Everett Hanna is a Certified Wildlife Biologist® and Professional Biologist (P.Biol.) with expertise in applied conservation science, wildlife management, and population ecology. His work bridges academic research, field-based monitoring, and science-informed decision-making to support effective wildlife conservation. Everett is also an active hunter and angler, and believes that sustainable use, when guided by sound science, plays an important role in long-term conservation outcomes. Drawing on both scientific training and lived experience on the land, he brings a balanced, evidence-based perspective to his scientific advisory work in support of wildlife stewardship and conservation in Canada.
Dr. Robbie Kroger, Vice Chair
Dr. Robbie Kroger is a restoration ecologist with 30 years of experience in practical solution driven implementation of restoration across multiple landscapes. From being a professor at Mississippi State University in the Wildlife Fisheries Department, and the first chief scientist of the RESTORE Council, the entity that was born out of the BP Oil Spill, Robbie founded and now directs, The Origins Foundation, a non-profit that seeks to convey the truth around sustainable use of natural resources through hunting, fishing, and with people at the core of that work. The Origins Foundation is the mechanism that has propelled the outdoor narrative around the truth of the impact, benefit, and consequences of hunting.
Kyle Stelter, Chairman of the Board
Kyle Stelter serves on the Board of Directors for Wild Origins Canada, supporting our mission to convey the truth about hunting and hunters around the world, and to elevate informed, respectful conversations about conservation and sustainable use. He is the Chief Executive Officer of the Wild Sheep Society of British Columbia and the Founding President of Mountain Wildlife Conservation Society, a Canadian registered charity dedicated to supporting impactful wildlife and habitat initiatives. With over two decades of managerial and leadership experience—and a career as a retired airline captain—Kyle brings steady, strategic leadership and a strong safety-and-operations mindset to the organizations he serves. He is also Vice Chairman of the Wild Sheep Foundation and a board member of the Big Game Records Club of British Columbia, contributing a broad network and a practical, conservation-first perspective to his work.
Carly Deacon, Secretary
Carly is the Managing Director of the Manitoba Wildlife Federation, a role she has held since 2019. She has over 20 years of experience in conservation, outdoor education, and non-profit leadership. Carly oversees the Federation’s day-to-day operations, including staff management, budgeting, governance support, and organizational planning. She also leads marketing and communications, fundraising, grant development, and the design and delivery of programs and events.
Carly manages the Manitoba Hunter Safety Program on behalf of the Province of Manitoba and serves as editor and contributing writer for Manitoba’s section in Outdoor Canada West – Manitoba. Her background includes wildlife research and extensive work with conservation organizations focused on education, outdoor recruitment, and advocacy. She has served on numerous provincial and national boards and committees, including Wildlife Habitat Canada, Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund and the International Hunter Education Association.
Carly holds a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology from the University of Manitoba and is a recognized leader and advocate for inclusive outdoor participation. An avid waterfowl and bow hunter, Carly also enjoys fishing, trapping, camping, and other outdoor pursuits. She resides in Oakville, Manitoba, with her husband Clarke and their daughter Bray.
Jim Fisher, Treasurer
Jim had the good fortune of growing up just south of the famed Delta Marsh in Manitoba. His uncle took him to his shooting camp at an early age where he witnessed the magic of pre-dawn paddling, setting decoys and watching the marsh come alive. It was these October adventures that had led to an outdoors lifestyle and a keen passion for wildlife conservation. After completing his schooling at the University of Manitoba, Jim worked for Delta Waterfowl on an array of campaigns. His current policy work focusses on conserving prairie wetlands in partnership with farming communities and providing opportunities for duck hunters across Canada.
