Maine Bear Hunting Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When is the bear season in Maine?
In Maine, Bear Hunting over bait generally starts on the last Monday in August. This year, 2024, Bear Hunting starts on August 25th.
Q. How do I get my license and how much does it cost?
Your license and bear permit can be purchased on line or can be purchased once you arrive in camp. Remember proof of previously holding an adult hunting license or proof of taken a safety course is required to purchase a big game license in Maine.
Q. What are Katahdin's Shadows methods of hunting bear in Maine?
All of our bear hunts are hunts over bait, we start baiting sites thirty (30) days prior to the start of bear season.
Q. What activities are available during down time or if successful?
During the bear hunt the only other animal in season is the coyote. Morning can be utilized to hunt coyotes. With the appropriate license, you may also fish by driving your vehicle a short distance to several bodies of water.
Q. When do I arrive/leave?
Arrival is after 3:00 pm on the Sunday Prior to your hunt. Our first meal served will be Sunday dinner, normally around 6:00 pm. Departure on the following Sunday morning prior to 9:00 am, our last meal served will be Sunday breakfast. Our bear hunting package is six (6) full days of hunting (Monday through Saturday).
Q. What is the total cost of the hunt?
The price for the bear hunt totals $2,950.00 (gratuity not included). This includes the costs once you arrive in camp until you depart not including your licenses. This includes food, lodging, transportation to and from your hunting sites, and game retrieval.
Q. What are Katahdin's Shadows hidden costs?
Katahdin's Shadow does not have any hidden costs.
Q. What form of payment does Katahdin's Shadow accept?
We will accept personal checks for deposit (unless payment in full is received prior to your hunt). Any payment received less than thirty (30) days prior to your hunt must be in Money Order, traveler's checks, certified checks, bank Check, or Cash.
Q. If I decide to fly, where is the best destination to fly?
We are located 95 miles north of the Bangor International Airport (BGR) and 220 miles from Portland International Airport (PWM).
Q. How many hunting sites does Katahdin's Shadow have right to?
We have rights to hunt over ninety-five (95) sites.
Q. How many hunters will be in camp every week?
Katahdin's Shadow generally limits each week to no more than ten (10) hunters a week.
Q. What does Katahdin's Shadow do for meat preparation?
We will skin, quarter, and freeze the meat to prepare for transportation.
Q. Does Katahdin's Shadow have access to the internet?
Because of our Remote location in Northern Maine, there is no internet provider at the Lodge.
Q. How many hunters per guide?
Katahdin's Shadow prides ourselves on personal service and we limit our bear hunting guides to three clients at any time.
Q. What is Katahdin's Shadow policy for cancelations?
Due to the amount of effort we put into every hunter and bear site all deposits are non-refundable. Deposits are transferable to someone filling your spot but are not transferable to someone else who is already booked in.
Q. Does Katahdin's Shadow sell or allow alcohol at the lodge?
We do not sell alcohol at the lodge. You are welcome to bring your own for consumption after the hunt. Anyone found drinking before or during the hunt will not hunt for the remainder of that day. Hunting under the influence is illegal and WILL NOT be tolerated.
Q. What is the customary tip for the guides and cooks?
Nothing is expected but everything is appreciated. Once you spend a week with us and see the effort our staff puts in it is usually customary to tip. Although some can afford more than others, a 10% gratuity to be split up by your guide and kitchen/housekeeping staff would be average.
Q. Is the guide with me at all times while hunting?
During the bear hunt, the guide will drop you off, bait your site, and then leave. You will be picked up shortly after legal shooting time is over. Some cell phones work and if you are successful you can call your guide and your guide will pick you up early.
Q. Does Katahdin's Shadow have taxidermy services available?
We do have a taxidermist that picks up every week. If you utilize his services, we will fill out the appropriate paperwork and you can leave the hide here.
Q. Where will I be hunting?
All of our bear hunts are done on privately owned property that we have permission to hunt. We will be the only outfitters on this land. We are located in the Famous Haynesville Woods in Aroostook County of Maine.
Q. What is the weather like in Haynesville Maine?
Depending on the week, you hunt average temperatures may be in the 40's at night and upper 60's during the day. However, we can and do get unseasonably warm and cold weather so you should be prepared for both.
Q. How far to town is the lodge?
The closest town is Linneus Maine (5 miles) and the closest city is Houlton Maine (15 miles).
Q. If I am successful early, is there any place I can Fish?
With the appropriate license, you can drive your vehicle a short distance to several bodies of water.
Q. What type of weapon should I use?
At Katahdin's Shadow we welcome any legal weapon to be used during your hunt, although we prefer weapons of .30 caliber or larger. We have several stands set up for all weapons including, rifle, pistol, muzzle-loader, cross-bow, traditional archery, and modern archery. You may start with bow and then switch to a gun later in the week if unsuccessful.
Q. Does Katahdin's Shadow supply vehicles or will I be driving my own?
Katahdin's Shadow provides all transportation to and from hunting sites. If you wish to run to town during "down" time, you will be required to use your own vehicle as our guides will be baiting sites and preparing for the days hunts.
Q. What kind of stands does Katahdin's Shadow have?
Katahdin's Shadow has several types of stands. We have two person or "buddy" stands for hunters under the age of 16. We also have wooden ladder stands with a platform to sit comfortably on over looking your bait site.