Maine Hunting Outfitter and Guide Reviews

Outfitter Review: #9 Lake Outfitters - ME

Outfitter / Owner: Dale Merrell

Hunter: frank cole

Animals Hunted: black bear

was back for a fall bear hunt at # 9 lake with the new owners dale merrell from vermont. was treated like i was not part of the hunt. they put me in used stands that were sat in the same mornings as i was going in the afternoon. they took my money and never treated me right. had great luck there in the past but these new owners do not have a clue and all they want is your money. beware !

Outfitter Review: Fish River Lodge - Maine

Outfitter / Owner: Jim/Kathy Lynch

Hunter: Robert F. Macomber

Animals Hunted: Black Bear

Great Place To Hunt,Relax And Listen To Great Stories From Jim&Katyh And Tyler.Thay Did Special Meals For Me To Keep Me On My Diet.I Only Saw One Bear But That Was All I Needed.I Harvested A 175LB Sow My First Day!

Outfitter Review: Carey Outfitters - ME

Outfitter / Owner: David Carey

Hunter: Bill Docchio

Animals Hunted: bear/deer

The biggest problem with this outfitter was that because the weather was bad for bear hunting he just basically gave up. Didnt want to hunt hard at all. Also he said he had been scouting for deer and would have archery deer stands set up for me when i arrived. Not at all. He told me to hang my portable stand on the corner of a field and basically that was the extent of it. And one day he tells me that there is an apple tree that usually produces apples and the deer go there to feed but this year there havent been any apples off the tree so the deer havent gone there. That afternoon the other guide put me in my stand over the apple tree. What a joke

Outfitter Review: God's Country Guide Service - ME

Outfitter / Owner: Len Coover

Hunter: Joe Yakobosky

Animals Hunted: Black Bear

My friend has hunted with this guy for the past 10 years, so this year 6 of us hunted with Len for bear this fall. 4 of our group scored, one passed on a bear, the other guy did not see any. All stands had active baits getting hit every night, the unsuccessful guys in camp were unlucky as the bear were coming in after dark to hit their baits. A lot of bear in the area, all baits active, good food and lodging, good price - you couldn't ask for anything more. Going back again next year.

Outfitter Review: Alagash Wilderness Camps - ME

Outfitter / Owner: Al Morgan

Hunter: FRED INGALLS

Animals Hunted: bear

I HUNTED BEAR IN SEPT. OF 02. FIRST NIGHT SAW 400 LB.MISSED WITH BOW. SECOND NIGHT SHOT 200LB WITH BLACK POWDER. SAW A LARGER BEAR 30 MIN AFTER I SHOT THE BEAR.GUIDE MATT MORGAN IS A STAND UP GUY KNOWS HIS ANIMALS AND THE AREA HE HUNTS.LODGING IS SO SO BUT THE FOOD IS OUTSTANDING. I HAD A GREAT TIME AND WOULD LOVE TO DO IT AGAIN.OVER ALL WE HAD A BAD WEEK IN CAMP WEATHER WAS HOT AND THEN RAIN. I WENT WITH 5 GUYS WE SHOT 3 BEARS.

Outfitter Review: Smoldering Lake Outfitters - ME

Outfitter / Owner: David Hentosh

Hunter: James R. Graham

Animals Hunted: Bear

This was my fourth trip to Maine and using Smoldering Lake Outfitters. I am going to useSmoldering Lake Outfitters for next years trip. For Bears, Moose or Waterfowl, Dave Hentosh and his guides are top notch. I would recommend their services to anyone who wants a great hunt. James R. GRAHAM

Outfitter Review: Smoldering Lake Outfitters - Maine

Outfitter / Owner: David Hentosh

Hunter: Bert Major

Animals Hunted: Black Bear

This was my first time on a guided type hunt and it was the hunt of a lifetime. I took a bear with a bow. I am saving to go again. Dave and his people are top notch by anyones standard. They are extremely knowledgible and know where the bears are and how they act. Can't say enough, totally awesome experience.

Outfitter Review: Dean's Den - Maine

Outfitter / Owner: Dean Paisley

Hunter: David Tomlin

Animals Hunted: Black Bear

My wife and I hunted with Dean again this year{2003}. We were there during opening week of bear season. We each saw a small bear the first day out and we passed on them. My wife harvested her bear on the second day and I harvested my 355lb. bear on the third day out. Dean and his staff once again treated us like family. There were 18 hunters in camp that week and 16 harvested a bear. The hospitality, food, and accomodations were great. If you are looking for a good vacation and/or hunt, you should give Dean's a try.

Outfitter Review: Homestead Lodge - Maine

Outfitter / Owner: Gloria/John

Hunter: Chris Wells

Animals Hunted: Black Bear

Gloria & John own and operate the lodge and they do a fantastic job at providing a comfortable and welcome stay. Paul is the only other guide besides Gloria and John and he is truly a pleasure and fun person to be around. They take only a limited amount of hunters and provide them with the best opportunity possible for harvisting a bear. Only 1 person per bait site per year is the norm here and it truly makes you feel special and not like just another hunter coming through camp. John is always on top of where the game is no matter if its bear moose coyote or deer they hunt them all.

Outfitter Review: North Country Lodge - Maine

Outfitter / Owner: Bert & Hank Goodman

Hunter: Jeff Church

Animals Hunted: Black Bear

Very Professonal! 70% of their hunters are repeat clients, which is a very big statement in itself. Camp was full the week I was there with 36 hunters on the first day. All did not hunt all week, but 18 bears were taken and recovered. (3-4 bears taken were in the 350-400 lbs range.) 2 or 3 more were shot and never recovered, and 3 or 4 were shot at and missed. Several hunters had multiple sightings and passed on shot opportunities with hopes for a larger bear. There was no question that the bait sites were active. If everyone that fired at game had properly placed their bullets, the success rate on animals taken would have been around 70% (which is very, very good for black bear hunting). The guides were very knowledgable, the staff was very friendly, and the food was excellent. I give this operation a "Two Thumbs Up!" and highly reccomend them to anyone. They have a web site at www.northcountrylodge.com .

Outfitter Review: Sunset Ridge - ME

Outfitter / Owner: Ben Pinkham

Hunter: David Kovacs

Animals Hunted: bear

From the moment of arrival it was really bad.I have hunted with five outfitters total,and this was hands down the ablolute worst.It was a rip off plain and simple.He actually set us up within about 50 acres.(4hunters)on baits.We drove 100 miles and then back cramped in pickup truck each morning to run hounds ,for 2 coon runs. We could not run a bear even after running dogs on dozens of baits.He beat and took out his frustrations on his on his hounds.He also had a group of hunters from west virginia removed from camp because they were unhappy and had the audacity to express it!We got about 4 hours of sleep a night since we had to drive to nearly new brunswick to hunt inactive baits .He was rude and arrogant and foul mouthed to his clients I left on thursday morning and at that time I was the only one who saw a bear, a small one that I passed on .This is the third outfitter I have hunted bears with in maine. This was a 1500.00 combination bait hound hunt,this guy is more a thief than a outfitter.

Outfitter Review: Miller Brothers Sporting Camps - Maine

Outfitter / Owner: Ray Miller

Hunter: Gene T. Jasper

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

Ray and His gang do a good job at making your hunt as enjoyable as possible. We hunted 5 days, and I saw 3 deer all total; two youngsters and a VERY large deer My last day there that I couldn't see the head. The deer were in the rut, but were few and far between. We only had one hunter out of six get any shooting, and He missed. I had the opportunity to move around a little on two days of the hunt and noticed the lack of deer sign in the area. Saw much more moose sign than deer. I took My own treestand but only used it for two days because after the third day the hunt turned into a "getting to know the Maine woods" nature watch. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and saw a lot of different types of animals that aren't native to My area of the country, but to return the following year for a week of hunting like we had in '00, I could lose interest real fast. There were two different camps the week I was there, and nobody killed a deer. We were in the main camp with 6 guys, and the outpost camp had 6 or more. Deer hunting in Maine is far from easy or predictable, but I felt that more sightings of game would have made the hunt nearly perfect. Great food, great guides, great accomodations, great equipment.

Outfitter Review: #9 Lake Outfitters - ME

Outfitter / Owner: Ed Richard

Hunter: bill hansman

Animals Hunted: black bear

have hunted here for the last 6 years and they seem to get better with each year. the best thing about bear hunting is they are in the heavest bear population in the state. i checked with the state biologist and they confifmed that over 1- 3rd of the total bear kill comes from there part of the state and thats why # 9 lake can show the bears. you wont be disapointed wild bill hansman

Outfitter Review: Crooked Tree Lodge - Maine

Outfitter / Owner: Gloria Curtis

Hunter: Stan Kite

Animals Hunted: Black Bear, deer, coyote

This is a great bear camp, run by pros who will work hard for you before and after you score! Hospitality and experience are second to none. If you're looking to hunt bear in northern Maine, this is the place. Biggest bear taken in the last few years was 550+lbs, with the average being 150lbs (the norm for Maine). See their website at www.crookedtreelodge.com. My son and I have been there 5 yrs in a row, and have also sent others, and no one has been dissapointed yet!

Outfitter Review: South Branch Lake Camps - Maine

Outfitter / Owner: Russell Aldridge

Hunter: Michael Venti

Animals Hunted: Black Bear

Russ runs a nice camp. The accomidations and food were good and everyone for the most part was friendly. The quantity and quality of bear seen was extrememly poor. 2/10 hunters got bear - both were less than 110lbs. 1 other hunter shot and there were only 4/10 sitings. We were not moved there was no effort to get on some bears and all together there less than 6 bears spotted by all hunters 4 hunters. If you are after a black bear don't hunt here. Fishing trip was highlight, but not what we were paying for.

Outfitter Review: Thunder Valley - Maine

Outfitter / Owner: Paul Thomas

Hunter: Tom West

Animals Hunted: whitetail

Fellow Sportsmen: This is the second guided hunt I went on this year and as usual, I will tell you as much as I can so you can make an informed decision. As you may or may not know, deer hunting in Maine is very tough. There are not as many deer as some other states, but anywhere in Maine has the potential for a real slammer to step out. I booked the hunt with Paul Thomas and while he didn't do exactly as I requested at the time of the booking, it was still a decent hunt. I prefer to hunt from stands that have been erected over travel routes, food, or at least good sign. Paul's method of hunting is to equip all hunters with radios and turn them loose in the woods. If you want to walk and still hunt, fine. If you want to sit still, also OK by him. Whatever you decide to do, Paul will be walking around the area constantly, (and I do mean constantly)trying to push deer to one of the other hunters. I personally do not care for this type of hunting unless it is done with a little more smarts involved. In other words, put me on a stand that is an escape route. Then if you walk around something may run past me. What we mostly did was all walk in on tote roads, then fan out, and the woods were frozen and noisy as we wandered around. I am quite certain the deer heard us long before we got there. The crew that was in camp were all great guys (which made the trip good for me)and had mostly hunted these areas before. They believed, along with the outfitter, that this was the best way to kill deer here. I was not so sure. Mostly tails were all you would see running through the woods, which are extremely thick. This makes for tough, if not impossible shooting. I did not see a deer all week. Nine guys in camp and two bucks were killed. Both of these bucks were killed off a stand set up on the outfitter's own 50 acres. One buck was a true Maine slammer. The rest of the time we hunted private land that was not posted. I am not sure how legal this was, but please note that one hunter was thrown off a piece of property that he was walking around on. We also hunted timber company land. I guess in the past these guys had killed deer this way, but I do not think that many. I specifically requested stands to hunt from and the Outfitter had five set up on his own land and that was it. No real effort had been made to scout the other properties we hunted. On the plus side, the outfitter is not lazy when it comes to walking. I believe he is sincere in his belief that he is trying to push deer to you. I just don't think he does it correctly. Paul Thomas is constantly trying to move deer for you. He just does not stop moving! The man is phenominal with the energy he has. The cost of the hunt is cheap, at 650 bucks for Sunday to Saturday. The food is truly fantastic! Paul's wife Carol is a former restaurant owner and her cooking shows it! The meals were top notch and plenty of it! You will gain weight at this camp. So to conclude, if you like to walk and do not like to rely on stands, this could be the place to go for a cheap hunt. There are some big bucks around and the food is great. The outfitter is a nice guy and the lodge is clean, comfortable, and very nice. For 650 bucks there are worse places you could go.

Outfitter Review: Fish River Lodge - Maine

Outfitter / Owner: Jim & Kathy Lynch

Hunter: Dick Bielecki

Animals Hunted: Black Bear

Although I didn't get a bear, I can't fault anyone but myself. I was treated with seeing two bear but wasn't ready for the first. I guess I was mesmerized with seeing my first bear in the woods. With the second I was too anxious and shot before I had a clean shot. But you can bet that I'll be back next year. Jim & Kathy run a first rate lodge and hunt. Their attention to detail and and their attention to their clients is what makes them stand out above the rest.

Outfitter Review: Fish River Lodge - Maine

Outfitter / Owner: Jim & Kathy Lynch

Hunter: Dick Bielecki

Animals Hunted: Bear

Although the weather was not condusive for hunting bear(the first 2 days were hot, the 3rd nasty)we did manage 3 days of good weather in the stand. I was treated with sighting 2 bear, couldn't get my rifle up on one and missed the other. I also had the opportunity of seeing 6 moose at close range. Jim Lynch has to be the most caring guide in all of Maine. He stays right with his hunters within radio and range and is right there when you need him. If you listen to him you'll get your bear, I didn't.

Outfitter Review: Al's Guide Service - Maine

Outfitter / Owner: Allen Kress

Hunter: Edwin Boss

Animals Hunted: Moose

I drew a tag in 2000. We stayed in a cabin next to his home and ate with his family. We left for acamp closer to his hunting area and spent the night. Opening morning about 1/2 hr after legal shooting time, I took a nice bull. He had a 52 1/4" spread and dressed in at 740lbs. In the 1/2 hr hunted, I saw one cow, one calf and then the bull. Allen did his homework and patterned the animals in the area. He had 5 more bulls located if I chose not to take this one. I would definitely hire him again if I or my son draw another tag.

Outfitter Review: # 9 Lake Outfitters - Maine

Outfitter / Owner: Ed Richards

Hunter: Danny Acevedo

Animals Hunted: Black bear

A1 in my Book! Give ED A Call,Im Shure You Will Be Happy You Did!

Outfitter Review: #9 Lake Outfitters - Maine

Outfitter / Owner: Ed Richard

Hunter: Mark Scannura

Animals Hunted: Black Bear

I booked with this Outfitter for a fall 2001 black bear over bait hunt. This Outfitter and his etire staff of guides really know the bear hunting business. They have over 100 active bait sites in probablly the best black bear populated area of north eastern Maine along the Canada boarder. They work closly with each hunter to make the best possible opprtunity to bag a bear. All the guides are freindly and really know black bear. Ed Richard the owner is a great guy who is activly involved with the hunts and personally is responsable for guding hunters just like he expects from his other guides. The food is home cooked all you can eat and very good quality. The main lodge is new and has all the things you need to make it comfortable. The small cabins are roomy enough for hunters and are clean and new. I would highly recomend this Outfitter. Most of the hunters that were there during my stay were repeat customers.

Outfitter Review: Fish River Lodge - Maine

Outfitter / Owner: Jim Lynch

Hunter: Victor Condon

Animals Hunted: Black Bear

I hunted bear with these folks this past fall and I couldn't be happier. Everything went as it should. The bait site was easy to get to, comfortable and I got my bear the second day. I think I moved the first day. The food and accommodations were wonderful, clean and plenty of food and delicious. Jim knows his stuff and nothing was not as advertised. No hidden costs or surprises.

Outfitter Review: Fish River Lodge - ME

Outfitter / Owner: Jim & Kathy Lynch

Hunter: Monty Elmore

Animals Hunted: Black Bear

I hunted black bear with Jim & Kathy Sept 10-15, 2001. Lots of bear sighted, shot my bear wed. Jim & Kathy, treated all of us like family,& both were completly knowledgeable guides when it came to bear & moose. They put us on active bait sights. I had my bear mounted at a taxidermist that Jim knew, Eldon, whome gave me an excellent price. Am going to try to go for moose next year & I will book with Fish River Lodge, again.

Outfitter Review: Dean's Den - Maine

Outfitter / Owner: Dean Paisley

Hunter: David Tomlin

Animals Hunted: Black Bear

I hunted with Dean this year the 1st week of September. I hunted with him back in 1999 and harvested a nice bear on the first day out. This year I never even saw a bear. The weather was bad with a lot of wind and weather that went from very cool to very warm. The vehicle that I rode in was in very rough shape. It had a terrible exhaust leak and the smell got on our hunting clothes every day as we went out. Dean is a great host that treats you like a friend.

Outfitter Review: Sunset Ridge Outfitters - Maine

Outfitter / Owner: Ben & Starr Pinkham

Hunter: Mike Lavoie

Animals Hunted: Black Bear

Ben & Starr run a first rate camp.They limit the # of hunters in camp to 12 so you get the personal touch we all deserve when spending our hard earned money.I shot a very nice 200lb bear the first night.I stayed in camp until Thursday doing some excellent bass fishing and just enjoying the company and outdoors.Everyone except one, in the camp had bears in their bait sites in the first 3 nights.Some had bears 2 of 3 nights.These folks run a great camp and work very hard to make your trip as enjoyable as possible.I'd highly recommend them to others.

Outfitter Review: North Country Lodge - ME

Outfitter / Owner: Burt Goodman

Hunter: J.T. Sturgeon

Animals Hunted: black bear

1. old vehicles that stunk like rotten meat !!!!2. stand consisted of a blown down tree and a milk carton -- very uncomfortable.3. 16 hunters -- 1 bear.4. bait was never hit -- would not move us to new area.5. our guide should have been a fisherman.6. food was only good part of the hunt.

Outfitter Review: Fish River Lodge - ME

Outfitter / Owner: Jim Lynch

Hunter: Steve Berryman

Animals Hunted: Birds, Ducks, Geese

We hunted Grouse and Woodcock with these folks and found plenty of birds and excellent cover. Not many restrictions on where to hunt, don't have to worry about posted places. Jim doesn't hesitate to send you to active areas even if you aren't hiring him. The food was excellent and plenty of it. Kathy cooked up some Geese for some other fellows there which we gratefully tasted. Another party of duck hunters brought in some duck tenders for everyone to share. Great atmosphere and clean up to date accommodations. Check out the woodcock on their web site, some are ours - www.mainerec.com/frlodge.shtml

Outfitter Review: Libby Camps - Maine

Outfitter / Owner: Matt and Ellen Libby

Hunter: Jim Bernardin

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

Hunting whitetails in northern Maine is not for everyone. If you must see a lot of deer and if being successful is the measure of a good hunt, then it may not be your cup of tea. But if you enjoy real hunting in big country, where you will have the woods to yourself, and the opportunity to hunt for a real bruiser of a whitetail buck, give it a try.The Libby family has been in the sporting camp business in Maine for over 100 years and finer people you will never meet. They have beautiful log camps on a remote lake and treat everyone like family. I go every year and about every third or fourth trip, I take a truly good buck in the 200 plus pound range and the racks are always nice and heavy.Good luck if you go!

Outfitter Review: Northern Outdoors - Maine

Outfitter / Owner: Wayne Hockmeyer

Hunter: John Quinn

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

I booked a hunt in the 1998 season at one of 2 remote camps. You are also able to book a "Lodge" hunt where the accomodations are much more comfortable and modern. The "Mountain Camp" remote tent camp is run by Wayne Hockmeyer, the owner of the business. Mountain Camp is a treestand only camp and a trophy only camp(curved racks extended beyond the width of the ears). The other remote camp, "Pond Camp" is run by the company president Jim Yearwood. Pond Camp is also a trophy only camp but allows hunter's preference for any hunting style. My personal experience was that the conditions were very tough (tent camping in the late November snow with temps in the teens during the day). Each remote camp takes 12 hunters per week and there is 1 guide for every 4 hunters. Success rates usually average 1-3 deer per week (per 12 hunters). The deer are large and normally dress out over 200lbs. I personally saw 4 deer for the week, one of which was a fairly good 6 point (but not a "trophy"). The cost is around $650.00/week which is a good value for a possible opportunity at a big buck. The guides were out hunting up sign constantly (sometimes putting up new portable stands after dark). Wayne Hockmeyer is one of the most knowledgeable big buck hunters I've ever met. The "Lodge" hunts are slightly less expensive but the guide to hunter ratio is about 1 guide to 6 hunters. The hunting was tough but memorable. I would definitely go again.

Outfitter Review: Fish River Lodge - Maine

Outfitter / Owner: Jim Lynch

Hunter: Peter Anderson

Animals Hunted: Ducks, Geese, Woodcock, Grouse

We hunted birds with these folks. The grouse are so big you just can't believe them. The woodcock came through the second week of October so we only hunted them a few days. The Geese and Ducks couldn't be beat, there were so many of them. They have two rivers close to camp where the ducks gather. Early morning and late afternoon is the best time. Jim and Kathy are so warm and hospitable you feel like family. Jim does not hesitate to direct you to the best hunting places and he does not keep any secret places for "special people". You are the special person if you stay with them. Check it out at www.mainerec.com/frlodge.shtml. You won't regret it.

Outfitter Review: Smoldering Lake Outfitters - Maine

Outfitter / Owner: Dave Hentosh

Hunter: Patt Mayfield

Animals Hunted: deer/ducks

Dave is a great guy and will work hard to help you get whatever game you have come for. I did not get a deer, but the "north Woods" hunting is hard. I hope to hunt with Dave again.

Outfitter Review: Fish River Lodge - Maine

Outfitter / Owner: Jim & Kathy Lynch

Hunter: Mark Twombly

Animals Hunted: Waterfowl

I have hunted ducks and geese at Fish River Lodge every season since 1994. My first trip was with my 13-year-old son in November of 1994. Upon our arrival we were greeted by owners Jim & Kathy Lynch. In no time we had all our gear stowed in our cabin, boat launched, and we were on our way to a hunting location Jim recommended for a late afternoon shoot. Even though we did not hire Jim to guide us, he was more than willing to point out in detail some of the best waterfowling locations in the area. On this trip my son shot his first Black Duck. By Jim & Kathy’s reaction you thought he’d shot a Boone & Crocket Moose. Don’t hesitate to take your son along. This outfitter treats kids like kings. I have found over the years that the best time to hunt waterfowl in northern Maine is in October. This part of Maine has an abundance of potato and grain fields that makes for good waterfowl habitat. We have had many a good hunt with this outfitter in October. I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone. Jim and Kathy are class people and run their operation in the tradition of a true northern Maine sporting camp.

Outfitter Review: Fish River Lodge - Maine

Outfitter / Owner: Jim/Kathy Lynch

Hunter: Stan Marston

Animals Hunted: Upland Birds, Ducks

We hunted Grouse and Woodcock during the Moose hunt in 2000 with these folks. They treated us with courtesy and never hesitated to put us in active areas. Our primary hunt was for Moose but the bird hunting was fantastic. Never saw so many birds. The woodcock moved in towards the end of the second week of October but we had plenty of Grouse to work on. Also noticed that the quantity of ducks was great. Saw some of every kind especially Woodies and Green Wing Teal. They have a resident flock of Canada Geese that would drive a hunter crazy. Look them up and check it out, you won't be sorry.

Outfitter Review: Farm Country Outfitters - Maine

Outfitter / Owner: Steve & Patty Irving

Hunter: Art Jasmin

Animals Hunted: Moose, Whitetail Deer,Black Bear

We had four moose permits in camp and shot four moose in four days. All were 800 to 925 lbs with 50" to 54" racks. I looked over 24 moose the first two hours of opening day. Had my bow. Saw 1 60"+ class, 2 50"+ class, several 48" class with the balance young bulls and cows. Counted over 75 moose in several fields in the morning hunts. Also saw several B&C class Whitetail bucks along with 25 to 30 other deer in five days while moose hunting. Three or four Black Bear were also spotted. They have a web site at farmcountryoutfitters.com. I will be back there this year hunting deer and back every year that I can book in!

Outfitter Review: Dean's Den - Maine

Outfitter / Owner: Dean Paisley

Hunter: David Tomlin

Animals Hunted: Black Bear

I hunted with Dean the first week of bear season 1999. I harvested my bear on the first evening on stand. Dean runs a great camp. Everyone seemed to try and make everyone feel at home and welcome. The food that his wife cooks is fantastic. The bear I harvested weighed 400 lbs. I would highly reccomend Dean's Den to anyone looking for a good hunt and a good vacation.

Outfitter Review: Tomah Country - Maine

Outfitter / Owner: Mitch Cochran

Hunter: Dennis Henthorne

Animals Hunted: Black Bear

Mitch is in a good area for Bear. and he works real hard to get you a bear.

Outfitter Review: Fish River Lodge - Maine

Outfitter / Owner: Jim Lynch

Hunter: Buddy Hopkins

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

We hunted whitetail last year with this outfit. We did not hire Jim to guide us but he couldn't have been more helpful. Pointed us in the right direction, gave us maps marked with active areas. Unfortunately the weather turned warm, even the third week so although we saw plenty of sign, didn't jump any bucks. Going back this year but early in the season when Jim says the bucks are the most active and can be called in. You wouldn't be sorry if you went with these people. Food was wonderful. Check out web site www.mainerec.com/frlodge.html. E-mail me if you like

Outfitter Review: Smoldering Lake Outfitters - Maine

Outfitter / Owner: David A. Hentosh

Hunter: Kathy Dawson

Animals Hunted: Bear

I really can't say enough good things about this outfitter and his set up. I was a novice hunter when I came to Dave's in 1998 for my first bear hunt. I returned in 1999 and am booked for 2000 (hopefuly with all women this year). With Dave's skill and my luck, I managed to fill my tag both years on the first day out. I think this is something for both of us to be proud of. Dave himself stayed with me on the first hunt because I was very nervous. Last year, he put me in a stand by myself but coached me very thoroughly on what to expect and what I should do. As my grandmother used to say - "The proof's in the pudding!" Two years out - two very nice mounts. I don't think anyone could ask for anything better than that. Being at Smoldering Lake Outfitters is like "home away from home" - only better. I don't have to cook and clean and the meals were A-1.I intend to make this an annual event as long as I am able (next year I might even bring my husband!).

Outfitter Review: Fish River Lodge - Maine

Outfitter / Owner: Jim/Kathy Lynch

Hunter: Alex Gaheton

Animals Hunted: Black Bear

I hunted black bear with these folks and had the most wonderful time. After I got my bear I went fishing while I waited for my friend to get his. I caught Landlocked Salmon and they cooked it for us that night. Jim is very knowledgable about the hunt and his sites are placed in very private and active areas. My buddy shot but missed his bear but I got mine. I would recommend these folks to anyone who wants a quality hunt with person attention from the guide. Check them out, you won't be sorry.

Outfitter Review: Mt. Chase Lodge - ME

Outfitter / Owner: Rick/Sara Hill

Hunter: STEPHEN WEBER

Animals Hunted: DEER

NICE CAMP WITH LARGE LODGE AND THE BEST CAMP COOK IN MAINE, I GO EVERY YEAR , AND ALWAYS LEAVE LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT SEASON.

Outfitter Review: Mid Maine Bait/Taxidermy - ME

Outfitter / Owner: Troy White

Hunter: JOHN F JONES

Animals Hunted: BLACK BEAR

GOOD QUALITY HUNT I WENT FOR 2 YRS 1ST YR KILLED 5 BEARS 5 GUYS MISSED 2 MISSED TWICE 2ND YR 13 GUYS 10 KILLED 1MISSED 1SAW MOTHER AND CUBS 1 SHOT COYOTE FOR 875 EVERYTHING IS INCLUDED IT IS A SUPER HUNT

Outfitter Review: Fish River Lodge - Maine

Outfitter / Owner: Jim Lynch

Hunter: Tom Stevens

Animals Hunted: Salmon, Trout

I know this has nothing to do with hunting but since I visited them and have seen other reports I thought I would offer this one. These folks treat you like gold. You never get the impression that you are not as important as some other guest. They take time with you and show you where the fish are. I assume they do the same with hunters. I do not believe you would regret a trip to their lodge.

Outfitter Review: Foggy Mtn. Guide Svc. - Maine

Outfitter / Owner: Wayne A. Bosowicz

Hunter: Daniel E. Moore Sr

Animals Hunted: Bear

THIS hunt was for my son's graduation it will be one we will never forget Wayne and his wife are very friendly people and know how to give you a good place to stay and a great plase to hunt. we seen 3 bear before the season while putting up our stands my son shot one on the second day I saw nothing while hunting but the bear were surelly there 28 out of 36 hunters got bear that week looking forward to going back this year.

Outfitter Review: Cedar Ridge Outfitters - Maine

Outfitter / Owner: Hal & Debbie Blood

Hunter: Frank Suplicki

Animals Hunted: Black Bear

Hal & Debbie Blood run the finest hunting camp I've ever been to. The accommodations, the food, the Guides and the hunting were all first class. We saw lots of Bears and the we took Bears as big as anybodys in the area. I highly recommend them for anyone looking for a top quality Black Bear hunt!

Outfitter Review: Fish River Lodge - Maine

Outfitter / Owner: Jim Lynch

Hunter: Jacob Butler

Animals Hunted: Whitetail Deer

I hunted with these folks this year and found them to be excellent. Although I did not have a guided hunt I was never made to feel that they were not available to answer questions. They put me in active areas and were approachable at all times. I was given maps to areas and saw a lot of deer sign and actually had a shot the first day but held back. Mistake. The wind came up and it turned warm and the deer disappeared. Am planning another trip next year and will take the shot when it presents itself. You would not make a mistake going with these people.

Outfitter Review: Fish River Lodge - Maine

Outfitter / Owner: Jim & Kathy Lynch

Hunter: Jeff Verrill

Animals Hunted: Ducks

It was a short hunt, Friday night and all day Saturday(October 22 & 23). Friday night gave us a good feel for the next day, with probably 30 ducks seen and where they were headed. Early Staurday morning we motored to the "Duck Highway", a thorogh fare at the far end of the lake. Immediately after setting up there was atleast 300 ducks over head and several headed to the decoys. I have never seen so many ducks in one place at this point of the season. At the close of our expedition we had aquired: ring necks, merganzers, teal, and almost some canada geese. I know that there were mallards and blacks around, but we were unable to produce.Jim & Kathy are great floks and know there stuff. If you want good duck hunting, this is the place as well as great cabins, food, and hospitality. If you like to fish and hunt(deer, moose, bear) this is also the place, by looking at the photos from this years hunts as well as talking to other hunters. I would, without hesitation, trust Jim & Kathy to show me/ point me in the right direction, so that I might acquire the game I am looking for. The only reason why I would not fulfill my tag is that the gun Jammed.It was a great time had by all, give them a call to set up your hunting, fishing, or even a get-a-way. The water and beach looks mighty inviting.

Outfitter Review: Smoldering Lake Outfitters - Maine

Outfitter / Owner: Dave Hentosh

Hunter: Robert Harvey

Animals Hunted: Ducks Geese and Bear

This outfitter will do everything he can to put you on the game you seek. The food is outstanding and everyone is knowledgable and friendly. I would recommend this outfitter to everyone.

Outfitter Review: Fish River Lodge - ME

Outfitter / Owner: Jim & Kathy Lynch

Hunter: Russell E. Taylor

Animals Hunted: Black Bear, Moose

I hunted with Fish River Lodge, located at Eagle Lake, Maine, from 18-25 Sep 99. I took my bear on Wednesday, 22 Sep 99. Jim Lynch is a thoroughly knowledgeable guide who knows his business... as does his wife, Kathy. Both know how to set up a bait site and work it, to include the use of trail timers. Prior to my arrival at the lodge, Kathy sent me a number of E-mails which included the dates and times of "hits" on the baits they were setting out. She also saw to it that I was picked up at the Presque Isle airport upon my arrival and returned to the airport at the conclusion of my hunt. Jim introduced me to a local taxidermist, for which I was glad; my local taxidermist has taken nearly a year for a "six-month" deerskin from last November. Jim has no financial arrangement with Eldon, the taxidermist he introduced me to, but the latter just does darn good work, plain and simple. It was my decision whether to use him or not, and I decided I would. Eldon and I discussed the work to be done and he gave me a fair price.As for the lodge operation, all meals were exceptional, the cabin I was given was clean and bug-free, and both Jim and Kathy treated me professionally, with respect, courtesy, and friendship. They are NOT the type of operators to take one's money and then "forget" the customer. I was taken to productive bait sites at times recommended by Jim, and picked up at the agreed-upon time. Jim was ALWAYS on time picking me up, regardless of cold or rain (I was hunting along a lake and was taken to and from my bait sites via a small motorboat).Although I was not hunting for moose, I would be remiss in not stating that there are a LOT of moose in this area. "Moose" is pretty much the "bread and butter" of Fish River Lodge -- at least when it's moose-hunting season. I'm seriously considering a future moose hunt with Fish River Lodge, and I would certainly recommend them for anyone considering such game.However, as for black bear, the folks at Fish River Lodge know where to put hunters. If you'll listen to what they tell you, and DO what they tell you, I have no doubt you will be successful.

Outfitter Review: Fish River Lodge - ME

Outfitter / Owner: Jim & Kathy Lynch

Hunter: Michael Lathrop

Animals Hunted: Black Bear

Jim & Kathy treated us as if we were part of there family, they made us feel right at home. There was plenty to do at camp such as fishing and a wonderful rec room in witch we played pool in our off time. Check out there website at http://www.mainerec.com/frlodge.html

Outfitter Review: #9 Lake Outfitters - Maine

Outfitter / Owner: Ed Richard

Hunter: brian stowell

Animals Hunted: black bear

i have hunted at # 9 lake four years in a row and have taken a bear each season. they work hard to put bears on the bait and that is bottom line on a bait hunt. lots of bear sighted. if anyone is a hunter and can put the time in a stand he will see bears. give me a ring for any questions.

Outfitter Review: Foggy Mtn. Guide Service - Maine

Outfitter / Owner: Wayne Bosowitz

Hunter: Bud Deal

Animals Hunted: Black Bear

STAY AWAY FROM THIS GUY!! The accomedations were ok because my wife went as a non-hunter(extra$225) so we got a cabin on a lake. This is the most unfriendly person I've ever hunted around. Once he gets your money, he's done with you. 18 hunters got 2 bears. We were told not to come to him wanting to change stands if we hadn't seen anything in a few days. He discouraged hunters from hanging around his shop before or after the hunt each day. We were shown our stands once and then they didn't want any more contact with us. He's one of the highest in Maine ($995/week) but he seems to be running on his past reputation from years ago. I don't expect anyone to guarantee an animal but I do expect them to do their best to make the hunt enjoyable...game or no game!