Maine Bear Hunting with Stephen Cole Master Maine Guide Questions? Need more information? Please Contact Us

	Sharing the Excitement of the Chase By William M. Gesel D.V.M. November/December 2006 Issue of Bear Hunting Magazine My first bear hunt was three seasons ago. A friend was looking for someone to fill in on a bear hunt because his hunting partner had died suddenly of a heart attach. The only time that I could schedule to hunt was the first week of Maine’s bear season and the outfitter was already booked full for that week. Plans were made for the following season. About two weeks before the start of the season my buddy called and said there was a cancellation and they had room for two additional hunters to hunt over bait. I quickly changed appointments in my veterinary practice to go bear hunting. We made the 1,200 mile trip to Forest City, Maine to hunt with Steve and Brenda Cole at Spruce Mountain Lodge. We each got a bear and I returned the next season with another friend to hunt bear with hounds. It was an exciting hunt with each of us getting a bear. Read on...
Over the last 5 years sightings average 90% with a excellent success rate!
Maine Bear Hunting with a Maine Guide is a must. A Maine black bear is a formidable animal and a coveted trophy. This creature is swift, elusive, powerful and has a remarkably keen sense of hearing. Seeing your first black bear in its natural environment is an unforgettable experience! In fact, you can read three such accounts in these featured articles from the journalist's point of view. The first was published in Fur-Fish-Game and written by Ed Hall, next we have one published in The Republican Journal and written by Jason Johnson and last but not least, an article in The Morning Sentinel by Gene Letourneau. Enjoy the first hand accounts!

At Spruce Mountain Lodge, we use the tried-and-true method of hunting from tree stands overlooking baits. The stands are approximately 12' high and are set up to suit right or left handed hunters, using rifle or bow. We establish and tend our bait sites well in advance of the season and maintain two active bait sites per hunter. We usually head for the tree stands at around 1 p.m. and hunt until dark. The majority of bears are taken between 3 p.m. and dusk. Bear sightings here have averaged around 95% for the past few seasons and it's not unusual to see more than one bear during the afternoon hours.

Weather in Maine can change rapidly, so bring warm clothes, rain gear, flashlight, sleeping bag, choice of weapon and personal items.

Once you have your trophy bear, we will skin, quarter and freeze it for you. We can also make arrangements for you with an excellent taxidermist (a deposit is required for this service, contact us for details). Examples of his work can be seen at our home and around the lodge.

Package includes: 7 days lodging, 6 days of hunting, all meals, guide service, transportation to and from the bait sites, and basic care of your trophy. (A Maine resident or non-resident hunting license is required as well as a bear permit.) Please contact us for a brochure, references and detailed information about any of our Quality Big Game Hunts.

Maine Bear Hunting - Photo Album

If you are successful like the hunters above and so many others, you might want to contact a good taxidermist. We have a great one located in Maine that will give you great rates and end product (feel free to ask us about estimates).

All pictures and images are the property of Spruce Mountain Lodge and may not be used or reproduced without expressed written permission of the owner.