"Hunters' Frequently Asked Questions"
Questions serious hunters need to ask when selecting a guide service!
Q.
Is Foggy Mountain Guide Service a full-time operation or a sideline?
A. Foggy Mountain Guide Service is a full-time
commitment for us both during the hunting season and off season.
Our high bear production year after year does not just happen. It
is the result of consistent year-round work in research, and game
and habitat management. We want to be sure that we have done everything
humanly possible to insure that the bear are here when you are!
No matter how you cut it a part-time guide just cannot give a full-time
commitment.
Q. How
knowledgeable is my guide about the game I am seeking?
A. Foggy Mountain Guide Service is recognized
nationally as an expert resource on black bear. We have kept detailed
records on the bear population in our territory for years. The Fish
& Game Departments of several states and provinces call on us
regularly to assist in their research efforts. The State of Maine
Fish & Game Department presented Foggy Mountain Guide Service
its prestigious Award of Merit for our activities in promoting the
growth and management of Maine's black bear population. Remember,
if hunting is your objective, make sure your guide knows the game
you are after.
Q. Is my guide properly licensed?
A. You may think this is a foolish question.
But, believe me, the time to check it out is before you book a hunt.
As a Maine Master Guide, I hold the highest degree of Guide License
awarded by the State of Maine. I am also a fully Licensed Canadian
Outfitter.
Q. What
about a "guaranteed kill"?
A. I do not guarantee a kill any more than
you could guarantee me a kill when you shoot. However, I do
guarantee that we will make every effort to make your hunt a success
and your visit a memorable one. Although a "guaranteed kill"
may seem attractive at first glance, experienced hunters who return
to hunt with us year after year realized there is no free lunch.
A guide either invests the time and cash full-time, year-round to
build a productive bear-producing territory or he chooses the part-time
commitment to the territory and spins the "guaranteed kill"
roulette wheel with his customers. We have made our choice, and
our hunters believe it was the right one.
Q. What about skinning and taxidermy?
A. You kill 'em and we will take care of
the rest. We will skin out your bear and prepare it for your trip
home at no extra charge. We have ultra-modern freezer equipment
for proper storage of your trophy. We work closely with several
reputable taxidermists and we can handle making all the necessary
arrangements, if you wish. There are no hidden charges, nor any
special trophy fees at Foggy Mountain.
Q. How
regularly are the baits serviced?
A. Our bait line encompasses several hundred
miles and hundreds of thousands of acres. We begin baiting the stands
a month or more before the season's first hunter arrives and continue
baiting daily throughout the season. We use fresh, specially processed
bait that has incredible drawing and holding power. As we check
the baits, we look for signs that the bears are about to change
their eating habits, and we switch to a variety of different bait-types
that keep the baits active continuously. Believe me, to maintain
the level of hunting success we have had, it takes a lot more than
a pile of rotting meat, pastries or sweets!
Q. Do you offer
two or three day bear hunts?
A. Although there is some
demand for such a hunt, we do not offer it. There are so many
adverse factors with a short hunt that you would be doing yourself a
grave injustice. For example, what if you get a couple days of bad
weather? You're finished! A lot of time, travel, effort and money
wasted. Too risky for you.
Q. Does Foggy Mountain make its
references available?
A. Our reference
list is included on this website. I urge you to contact any
one of our hunters, and to always insist on references from any
guide you consider. We list both successful and unsuccessful hunts.
Q. What
types of accommodations will I have?
A. Almost any kind you want! We offer a choice
of accommodations to match the preference of our individual hunters.
From housekeeping cabins and tenting to a complete set-up with all
meals included, we're ready for you. The details are in the accommodations
section and of course if you have any other questions just give
us a call.
Q.
Will I be bunking with other hunters?
A. Unlike bear hunts with most outfitters, lodges and
sporting camps, Foggy Mountain's guests are not doubled up in a bunk
house or room with other guests. Your party will enjoy the privacy of your
own sleeping room, and the good night's sleep that is important for
a good hunt - whether you come alone, with a large group, with your
spouse or whole family.
Q.
Do I need a Four-wheel drive vehicle?
A. NO. You will want and need
a vehicle, but a car will work. However, an SUV or a vehicle that
has a bit of ground clearance under it will work out best.
Q. Beyond the hunt itself, what
is my guide service doing to protect my hunting interest in general?
A. Each year Foggy Mountain donates thousands
of dollars to help promote hunting and fight anti-hunting groups.
Off season, we continue fighting tooth and nail at the state legislature
to ensure a place for nonresidents to hunt and fish at an affordable
price. Foggy Mountain is also active in Canada, and has been called
on by the provincial government for opinions and advice on bear-related
matters.
Q. What about all the claim of
success and "record" bears?
A. There was a time a "record"
bear was just that -- a bear that met bona fide requirements to
be entered in a legitimate record book. But now, unfortunately,
there are many claims of weight, size and "records" that
are unverified and not recorded anywhere. I can't tell you every
bear we kill is record book material, but I can promise that
when we say one of our hunters has killed a record bear - there's
a real statistic entered in either Pope & Young or Boone &
Crockett that you can see for yourself in black & white. Loose
claims may attract a hunter once, but that won't bring him back
year after year. When it comes to "records" we stick to
the facts and we believe that's just one of the reasons why our
hunters seem to stick with us.
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