Meet the Team
The following contracted Guides and Staff are held to very high expectations. Clearly understanding we represent the lands, resources and businesses we interact with daily. We have a zero-tolerance approach in regard to harassment, offensive language, discrimination or unsafe behavior. All contracted Guides and Staff are diligent in accommodating to the needs of all our guests, as well as abiding by all rules and laws set forth by the State of Michigan and the Ottawa National Forest.
OUR people
Jeff DeCormier
Taxidermist/ guide
Jeff is the owner of Turtle Creek Outdoors. He has been honing his Taxidermy skills since 1999 and started Bear Hunting in Michigan starting the same year. Jeff has been guiding hunters since 2010.Jeff is a Licensed Taxidermist and Hunting Guide in the State of Michigan. In his spare time, he enjoys time with friends, family, gardening, farming, and hunting.
angie DeCormier (Mom Boss)
Guide/ Merchandise
Angie is the Mom boss. She supports Jeff with BEHIND-THE-SCENES planning and coordinating of schedules. Angie also handles the merchandising role. Designing and making the merchandise. When guiding season rolls around she is active with guiding, bait preparation and customer relations. In her spare time, Angie enjoys farming, horseback riding, spending time with her family and furry family.
Kevin Mckay (Mohawk)
guide
Kevin lives and breathes Bear hunting and shooting his Bow. To pay the bills, Kevin is a Foreman for a Heavy Equipment Garage, specializing in Asphalt Trailer repairs/ building of new dump trucks and live bottom trucks. Kevin started hunting with Turtle Creek Outdoors in 2016 and has only missed one year since. Kevin started Guiding in 2021 and is a Licensed Michigan Guide. His hard work ethic, mechanical knowledge and leadership skills paired with his love for the outdoors has been a gift to the operation. As far as a passionate Hunting Guide, Kevin is all heart.
Kevin spends his free time getting animals taxidermied, shooting his Bow, fishing and hunting with his son. You can also find him taking a relaxing drive in the countryside with his Dog.
andrew mckay (drew)
Guide
Andrew is an avid hunter and fishermen. He devoted 4 years of his life to being a Marine and now supports his wife and daughter as a Diesel Technician. Andrew is one of our newest Licensed Guides and has spent a few years helping operations at Turtle Creek Outdoors. We are looking forward to having his help and experience in the years to come. In his free time Andrew enjoys shooting 3-D Archery, Fishing, Hunting, hanging out with his dad, spending time with his family and measuring for Commemorative Bucks of Michigan.
Jody Embury (Master Shifu)
Guide/ cook
Jody is a Licensed Michigan Guide and Taxidermist. He has spent most of his life as an Automotive Mechanic and has the crooked fingers to prove it. Jody started his journey with Turtle Creek Outdoors over 10 years ago as a guest and has quickly turned into a great Guide. Jody started guiding in 2020 and has helped many hunters have enjoyable trips. Jody is also experienced with firearm safety and training as an NRA CPL assistant instructor and range instructor. Jody has a creative mind and brings an immense amount of experience to the outfit. He devotes much of his spare time to his parents, friends, children and grandkids.
Chuck (pastor) & Diane (Mama bear) Richardson
Guide/ Photographer
Chuck and Diane Richardson are recently retired from Chippewa Hills Baptist Church and built their retirement home in Wakefield, MI. They have been spending Bear Season with Turtle Creek Outdoors since 2010. First as guided hunters and that later evolved into photography, guiding and camp help roles. Chuck became a licensed guide with the State of Michigan and has been guiding since 2021. Chuck and Diane have been very helpful over the years with bait and gear preparation, taking photos of successful hunters, building relationships with guests, assisting with baiting activities and recoveries. They spend their time fishing, making maple syrup, wood working (Chuck), baking delicious pies (Diane), Photography, Rock Hounding and spending time with their family.
Along with these accomplishments, Chuck is also an Army Veteran.
Mark Taylor (muncle)
Guide
Mark is a Licensed Guide in Michigan. He started Guiding for Turtle Creek Outdoors in 2022.Mark served in the Navy in his younger years and is an outstanding individual. Great demeanor, safe, and respectful all of the time. He brings 40+ years of hunting experience. Mark and his wife Paula reside in Bessemer, MI. Some of Mark's favorite pastimes are Fishing, not Gardening, Antelope Hunting and spending time with Friends and Family.
scott riley (The hugger)
Guide
Scott has 22 years of Bear Hunting experience and has been Guiding for Turtle Creek Outdoors since 2024.He also has 16 years of Boy Scout involvement. 7 of those years we're as a Scoutmaster. Scott brings a passion for helping others have a safe and great experience while enjoying the outdoors. Scott served 4 years in the Navy and has a wonderful family. He enjoys spending time with his grandkids, family, and friends. Scott also has a love for participating in Road Course High Performance Driving Events.
Mark pelfresne (The Legend)
Guide
Mark is recently retired and looking forward to spending time Guiding. Mark has a lifetime of experience, including 6 years as a Marine, 40 years in Law Enforcement, Homeland Security, Hunter Safety Instruction, and as a Firearm Safety Instructor. He also brings 30+ years of Bear Hunting Experience (with hounds and without).
He has spent 4 years with us here at Turtle Creek Outdoors and is a Licensed Michigan Guide. Mark spends his free time working on his Deer Ranch, Golfing, Hunting, Camping, Traveling and enjoying time with his family.
terry bowerman (papa bear)
Camp liason/cook
guide
Terry took on the role of Camp Liaison/ Cook in 2025. His daily tasks included assisting successful hunter's with getting their Bear processed, registered and in the freezers. Terry is also a Licensed Guide in Michigan.
Terry has 40+ years of Hunting and Fishing experience. He dedicated 11 years to serving our country in the Navy. Terry is a culinary school graduate and has 25+ years in bakery management. In his free time, Terry likes to hard and soft water fish, do wood working and spend time with his wife Hope at their cabin, hunting and relaxing. Along with the hunting and fishing, Terry and Hope look forward to spending time with their children, grandchildren and friends.
