Hunting FAQs

Questions are always welcome. Here are some of the common ones we receive:

Q. When can I arrive and when do we start hunting?

A. Plan your arrival for Sunday no earlier than 1:00 pm. Dinner is at 5:30 pm and your hunt will begin on Monday, immediately after lunch.

Q. Which bear hunting week is best?

A. The one that fits your schedule best! Although weather can play a major factor, bear are actively wandering and feeding during the full season. Each North Country Lodge hunter will be hunting on a stand that has not been hunted by others – regardless whether during the first week or the last. Massive trophies are taken during all four weeks. So, come hunt when it is best for you!

Q. Do you have ground blinds?

A. Yes, we do. Our ground blinds are set up with great care and offer a shot of around 50 yards.

Q. How tall are your tree stands and what are they made of?

A. All of our tree stands are steel constructed and sit fourteen feet high. Each stand has its own shooting rail and curtain.  Safety harnesses are available for each stand.

Q. How far will my shot be?

A. Our bow shots are measured at 20 yards. Our rifle shots are set up at 50 yards and under.

Q. How big is your hunting area and how many bait sites do you have?

A. Our hunting area consists of about 600 square miles and we maintain up to 150 sites.

Q. How far are your tree stands from the road?

A. On average our tree stands are about 10-75 yards off the road.

Q. Do you have a rifle and archery range?

A. Yes, we do. A fully supplied rifle range, and archery range with tree stand and ground targets.

Q. What caliber of gun do I need?

A. We recommend at least a 30 caliber or something in that range for rifles and 44 magnum or better for handguns.

Q. What size broadhead is legal?

A. All broadheads must be 7/8” in width or more.

Q. What type of camo do I need?

A. Any type of camo or drab colored clothing is a must, along with waterproof boots and raingear. No hunter orange is required. We recommend that you cover your head and hands. Be sure that all of your clothing is scent free. We do not recommend any type of cover scent with an odor.

Q. Can I use a ThermaCell?

A. This is a tricky one. Though I have seen thermacells work, just remember that the success of our hunt relies mostly on the scent you are putting out in that area.

Q. How big of a cooler do I need for my bear?

A. Included in your hunting package, all of your meat is deboned, wrapped and frozen. Your average bear will yield up to 70 pounds of meat. Your hide will be frozen for transport. We recommend two 70 quart coolers – one for meat and one for the hide.

Q. Do you have a taxidermist?

A. Yes, we do. If you would like to use his service, leave your hide with us and it will be picked up at the end of the week.

Q. Do I need a 4×4 vehicle?

A. Not at all. We transport you to and from your hunting site in an air-conditioned vehicle – no getting lost, no breaking down or blowing your tires on rough remote logging roads. There is no need for you to have a 4×4, and if you fly to Maine, you can save by renting an economy vehicle.

Q. What is the weather like?

A. The weather in northern Maine during the day can average between mid 60’s to mid 80’s during the day and about mid 60’s in the evening. You always want to be prepared for that rainy day.

Q. What is there to do after I get my bear?

A. Most hunters continue to go out with their guide for support in recovery and tracking of other bears. Limited fishing is available nearby. Don’t forget about rest and relaxation.

Q. How do I pay the balance of my hunt?

A. The balance (including Maine State Tax per person) is due upon arrival, payable by cash, traveler’s check, money order, certified check or Visa, MasterCard & Discover credit cards.

Q. Where can I purchase my hunting license?

A. For your convenience, here is a link to the Maine Fish & Wildlife’s Hunting License Department. This is also available on our navigation menu. You can also purchase your license in our Town of Patten on Sunday at Ellis Family Market in Patten, Maine. A previous Hunting License or Hunter Safety Course Certificate is required.

Q. How do I tip my guide and kitchen staff?

A. The gratuity or tipping averages about 10%-15% of the cost of your hunt. Guides average about $100 – $200 and the kitchen and cleaning staff averages $50- $100. Gratuities are much appreciated!

When preparing for your bear hunt, keep in mind, the bear’s sense of smell is 1400 times better than us humans. The objective to sitting in the stand is to be odorless (no cover scents with an odor). “Scent Shield” is highly recommended.