Although hunter success varies from place to place in Maine depending on:

* Weather;
* The availability of natural food;
* The guide's preparation and baiting practices;
* The bear population in that area;

The overall hunter success in Maine is about 20%. This figure is based on licenses sold and bears registered. It is most likely higher when you consider that not everybody who purchases a license actually goes bear hunting. So, do not be fooled by those who boast unrealistic success stories. When asked about our success ratio, I answer as follows:

* Appx. 80% of our hunters see a bear;
* 50% of those who see a bear actually kill one;
* The other 50% either misses, wound, or do not get a shot;
* The 20% of hunters who do not see one usually did not actively participate in the hunt or did things on their stand that alerted the bear;

You should also consider that nearly 50% of our hunters are bow hunters. Consequently, there are many times when a bear comes to the bait. However, it does not afford the bow hunter a killing shot. The success rate would surely be higher if everyone hunted with a firearm.

During the year 2000, The Maine Bureau of Health adopted a rule which prohibits anyone from providing meals to the public without having a commercial license and commercial kitchen. Very few guides, if any, are licensed to provide meals. In spite of this rule many still offer this service. If you book a trip with someone who offers meals ask them if they are licensed. You can confirm whether or not they do by calling The Maine Bureau of Health at 207-287-5671.

This is an issue that I am asked about often. Many guides offer this service and many hunters believe that this service is a benefit to them. Do not be fooled it is not! Many of these guides will drop you off early in the morning and pick you up after dark. Meanwhile, they are off doing other business or at another job. Keep in mind that most of the bears killed in Maine are killed during the two hours that precede dark. Although there is a chance to shoot a bear at noon time, the odds are so far against it that you need not spend your entire trip in a tree stand or blind. There are many other things to enjoy in Maine during the early part of the day with plenty of time left over to get your bear. You should also consider that many hunters are not comfortable sitting for many hours. Imagine being forced to sit all day? What if it rains and you want to return to the lodge early? What if you are the last hunter to be picked up and the hunter before you wounds a bear and the guide has to look for it? Do you really want to wait around for two more hours? What if you shoot a bear late in the afternoon? Do you want to wait until after dark to bring the bear out?

We do the following:

* Upon arrival you are assigned a guide;
* The guide will show you your site on Sunday;
* On everyday after that, you, the guide, and the other hunters in your group will go out to your designated area;
* You will at all times know where the guide is posted;

Before you book a hunt with anyone make sure that you have a good understanding about what the accommodations are. Make sure that you are not sleeping in their garage! Also, one personÕs view of what modern accommodations are may differ greatly from another's. We do not bunk strangers together. If you stay with us your group at minimum will have its own room in the lodge. If your group is large enough you will have your own private camp. Imagine sleeping in a bunkroom with 10 strangers and having to worry about your personal property and firearms?

See more about our offerings on our accommodations page.

Always ask about hidden fees or trophy fees. You do not want to be surprised to learn that you owe a substantial amount of money above and beyond what you already paid. In some cases the trophy fees exceed the initial cost of the trip. We do not charge any additional fees.

Some guides and outfitters offer "Guaranteed Hunts" or if you don't see a bear the next year is free. In reality you are already paying for next year because you paid double the first year. In many instances you will not want to return for the second year.