With over 30 years of boots-on-the-ground experience in the wild—and in the courtroom—Wayne A. Derby is one of the nation’s foremost authorities in outdoor incident analysis, firearms safety, and hunting accident reconstruction. Attorneys rely on his unmatched blend of field-tested expertise and forensic insight to clarify complex cases involving firearms, environmental hazards, and wilderness protocol.
A New Hampshire Master Licensed Hunting and Fishing Guide and founder of Northern Land Guide Services, Mr. Derby has investigated high-stakes incidents involving:

• Firearm discharges (rifles, shotguns, handguns, muzzleloaders)
• Archery-related injuries
• Treestand and blind accidents
• Terrain-induced falls and navigation failures
• Wildlife encounters and human behavioral factors

He specializes in scene reconstruction where factors like weather, visibility, tracking evidence, and hunter movement must be pieced together with precision. His deep knowledge of how people operate under stress in remote environments makes him a powerful asset in litigation involving personal injury, wrongful death, and criminal negligence.

A Skilled Communicator for Complex Cases

Wayne translates complex outdoor dynamics into courtroom-ready analysis—clear, confident, and backed by decades of experience. He’s been called upon in numerous legal proceedings to provide:

• Forensic scene analysis
• Equipment use evaluation
• Safety protocol review
• Expert testimony for both plaintiff and defense

If your case involves a hunting injury, weapon discharge, wilderness accident, or outdoor protocol failure—Wayne A. Derby delivers the expert perspective that cuts through confusion and supports a winning strategy.

• Licensed New Hampshire Master Hunting and Fishing Guide – RH#23 – RF#36
• Licensed White Mountain National Forest Outfitter Guide
• Leave No Trace” Outdoor Ethics Master Training Certification
• Wilderness First Responder
• CPR Certified
• Appalachian Mountain Club Instructor
• Wilderness Education Association Outdoor Leadership Certification
• NH Guides Association Board of Directors
• Licensed Sportsman in NH/VT in archery, muzzle loading, fishing all species, hunting, and general firearms
• Appalachian Mountain Club Wildlife Certification Courses ,Moose, Bear, Wildcats, Tracking, Herpetology, Wildflowers, Predatory Birds
• Appalachian Mountain Club NH Chapter Leadership Certification
• How to Call, Attract, Track and Observe Wildlife for hunting and photography opportunities
• Plant and Tree identification
• Edible and Medicinal plants of the North Country
• Master Trainer of Leave No Trace Environmental Ethics
• Nature Walks & Talk
• Classes on how to Hunt and Call Black Bear, White Tailed Deer, Moose and Turkey
• Written numerous articles for local and regional outdoor publications
• Town Moderator of Bethlehem NH, Retired
• Village District Moderator Retired
• Previously on the NH Landscape Associations Board of Directors

Education: 

• BS, Nasson Collage