Fresh anlter found on January 10th 2012

Our early moose shed hunting has been very slow, by mid January 2011 we were finding a lot of antlers and many of respectable size in the 12 – 20 lb range.  So far in January 2012 shed hunting has not measured up to 2011 and we are still seeing many bulls carrying both anlters.  During the week of January 9th I had 4 shed hunters for 3 days who found 19 antlers, several were in the 12 – 14 lb, so overall it was a good week but not what were expecting for size.  The theory of many is that it takes cold weather to knock of the antlers (not so sure how that really affects things), over the last week we have had 3 or 4 days of -10 to -20 degrees.  Plenty cold to knock off anlters if you believe in that theory, on January 15 I went out all day with a friend at -20, we found 3 small antlers.  With all of our sightings of bulls still holding onto their antlers we will keep plugging along which gives us hope for more treasures and bodes well for our upcoming customers.  Snow depths are good for this time of the winter so traveling througout our area by snowmobile is easy with not much concern of becoming stuck in deep snow and it is easy for the moose herd.  I look forward to speaking to anyone interested in booking a moose shed antler hunt over the next couple weeks.

Results from January 9th & 10th 2012

So far our early winter is starting out very mild with minimal snow on the ground.  As I make my way around in the woods the last few weeks there is ony 2 -4 inches of snow blanketing the ground.  At this time last year we had enough early snow that I had to use a snowmobile to access most areas in the backcountry looking for shed antlers.  The winters of 2010 and 2011 were very easy on our deer herd with very low levels of snow fall, if we can string another winter to that it will be great for our deer herd.

Another fine grouse day with some great dog work

The outlook for the 2011 season was not promising, after experiencing record breaking rainfall throughout the spring, summer and early fall I did not expect a whole lot for our grouse hunting.  During our September bear season I usually have a good feel for how our upland bird hunting will be in October, throughout September I did not see the usual flocks of grouse that is typical up here leading up to our October grouse / woodcock hunting.  The first week was living up to what I expected and only averaging about 13 grouse flushes and 3 woodcock flushes, but surprisingly the second, third and fourth weeks of October were much better, our daily flush rate went up and we were seeing 18 – 25 grouse flushes each day while woodcock improved to about 4 per day.  Our dogs held up very well throughout the 4 weeks with only two minor injuries, thankfully they did not slow them down at all.  Thanks to our many returning grouse customers and several new clients or groups that were a pleasure to meet and hunt with this year.  Many new customers made the same comment that we here every year “I have never seen this many grouse”.  Overall the season totals for our guided hunts were as follows:  16 grouse flushes per day and 4 woodcock flushes each day, these averages are a bit lower than the last couple of years but considering our summer weather we did just fine.

Mike Whitten and his 2011 moose with a 52" spread / B&C score of 185 5/8

Maine moose hunting at its best, what a great three week season.   Over the course of the 3 week season we hosted 19 moose hunting groups, some with bull permits and some with cow permits.  Many of the hunting groups were un-guided but we were fortunate to guide 5 hunters during the 3 week hunt.  There were several nice bulls shot by our guided hunters with two beautiful bulls over 50 inch spreads.  Weather was a challenge during each of the 3 weeks, we faced several days in the 70′s during week one and two and during week three most of the days temperatures were in the 50′s.  Thanks to our fantastic and highly motivated and experienced guides all of our moose hunters were able to harvest a moose to fill their tags, we are looking forward to the 2012 hunt.

Dave Colbath and 2011 moose with 57" spread

Maine Black Bear Hunt over Bait 2011

As stated in an earlier post overall the 2011 baited bear hunt was disappointing, the first week results were the worst.  The sightings were minimal and the size of most bear was smaller than avearage.  Once the second week hunters arrived the bait sites were working much better and sightings still were not up to par but were significantly better than week number one and the third week was even better with all hunters seeing a bear, the hunters were 100% on harvesting or shooting at a bear.  Overal the season statistics shaped up like this, 15 of 41 hunters harvested a bear, 36% success, but 78% of the hunters had an opportunity to harvest a bear.  What I mean by opportunity is a hunter either harvested a bear, shot at one and missed or chose to pass on a shot because the bear was too small.  Considering how dismal the first week bear hunt over bait in northern Maine went I was much more pleased with the second and third week results.

I am in the planning stages for the 2012 season and revamping  the remote bear hunt.  In 2012 I will be using a location on the St. John river near Seminary brook, the same location I used from 1995 to 2004.  The setting is beautiful on the shore of the St. John river, a benefit to this section of the river is the evolving Muskie fishery.  There is some great sections of the river with deep pools that harbor plenty of Muskie, it will be a great addition to this hunt.