2023 Bear Hunting Season: Hunt September 11th (Arrive on the 10th) thru September 15th; or hunt September 18th (Arrive on the 17th) thru September 22nd.
Hunt Maine’s famous West Branch Region stretching from Moosehead Lake to the Canadian border. A six day stay and a five day hunt.
Prime Black Bear Habitat with Controlled Access
Bear hunts in Maine’s West Branch places you in one of the heaviest black bear concentrations per acre of habitat anywhere in North America. Hunter success from our blinds and tree stands over bait has been outstanding with record book kills year in and year out.
You will hunt deep in the most productive black bear habitat in North America, on nearly one million acres of private and state lands. We have hunted these lands since 1964. We know the habitat, and we know the black bears’ habits and patterns within it.
The black bear in your territory are under-hunted, resulting in a growing bear population, with many stands having multiple bears visiting them.
Thank you for the incredible job you did to make my recent archery bear hunt in Maine’s West Branch an awesome success. I’ve been fortunate enough to hunt many parts of the world, and I rarely meet someone as capable as your guide. It’s often difficult to find a professional hunter who knows what it takes to make a good bow hunt – he knows. I look forward to returning to hunt with him again.
Chuck Darnall, Whitehouse, TX, September 2015.
American Plan – Maine Lumberjack Lodge Style
You will stay in the comfort of an authentic Maine Lumberjack Lodge. What’s more, you’ll enjoy home-cooked, all-you-can-eat, lumberjack-style meals, reputed to be the biggest and the best in Maine. The coffee pot is always on. We even offer wireless internet for those who “just can’t get away from it all.”
Foggy Mountain’s West Branch bear hunts began as a remote tent operation in the 1980’s. The tent operation has been put to rest, at least for a while, and Foggy Mountain’s hunters now enjoy the comfort of a a fully restored Maine Lumberjack Lodge. The lodge was originally built between 1850 and 1879, and later operated by the Great Northern Paper Company as a base for its log drives until those came to an end in the 1970’s. This lodge has been designated as an official National and Maine Historic Site, and features original turn-of-century decor. The lodge has now been fully renovated and modernized.
Private & Flexible Accommodations – Unlike bear hunts with most outfitters, lodges and sporting camps, Foggy Mountain’s bear hunting 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.
Wild Brook Trout Fishing Bonus – Our lodge is located at the confluence of the North and South branches of the Penobscot River. These tributaries merge in front of our lodge to form the West Branch of the Penobscot River that then flows many miles to Millinocket and then on toward Bangor and the ocean. The river surrounds our lodge and is native brook trout habitat. There is no stocking, just wild native Maine brook trout. In September, the larger trout come up into these rivers from the lake on their annual spawning run. Their coloring is beautiful and 18″-22″ trout are common. Many Foggy Mountain hunters enjoy fantastic wild brook trout fishing each morning right at the lodge or in the many pristine streams nearby. Our guides will direct you to the local hot spots. Boats are not necessary, but many will find waders very helpful. For more info, check out our Brook Trout Fishing page.
Unsurpassed opportunity to hunt a Trophy Bear
Trophy Maine black bear from the West Branch RegionWe strive to give our hunters the shooting opportunities expected of a truly world-class hunting outfitter. This requires knowledge, skill, effort, advance preparation, and experience. Bear hunting is our life, so no matter how you cut it, a part time guide can not give a full time commitment.
One of the key factors contributing to the high success rate and quality bear taken at Foggy Mountain is that we never put any pressure on our bear population resource. We hunt in the Highlands, Katahdin and Moosehead Region for only two weeks, then completely close it down. We then hunt the West Branch Region, which is completely separate from the Highlands, Katahdin and Moosehead Region for only two weeks. This assures that the bear never get hunted hard. These two regions are located in different parts of Maine. Both areas are equally under harvested, with growing bear populations, which perhaps provides some of the most outstanding bear hunting possible in North America.
The tree harvesting in the 1980’s seemed extreme, and the West Branch region looked like a missile hit it. But thinking long term, Wayne obtained bear hunting rights believing that if he did not use the region for 5 to 10 years, the place would grow into a bear paradise. Wayne’s plan worked perfectly. The large clear cuts have now regenerated and are full of feed and dense cover that benefits all game. Many areas are filled with prime bear food — wild strawberries, raspberries, black-berries, blueberries along with mountain ash, hazelnuts and a mixed variety of nuts. The area is now teaming with an under harvested bear population. And in 2016 Brandon has added 88,000 acres more to this hunt!
Fellow Hunters, I had the great pleasure of bow hunting at Foggy Mountain’s West Branch Camp. Brandon and his guides went beyond my expectations to provide an enjoyable, relaxing and successful experience. I highly recommend booking a hunt with these guys and I guarantee you will enjoy a great experience in the Maine wilderness.
Dan Geer, Farmington, NY, September 2017
A sure shot and a quick, clean kill
A black bear can appear at your stand and then disappear in a blink. Powerful and crafty, the bear’s trademarks are strength and endurance. His nose is as sensitive as the most sophisticated radar system. The bear’s feed and travel patterns through our thick fir and dense bogs make him a challenging animal to hunt. Scent and noise control are critical to your success.
You are provided pre-built, permanent stands, portables and ground blinds with all obstructing branches and brush cleared from your line of fire. Our stands offer bowhunters an average shot of 18 yards. Rifle hunters will shoot at distances of 75 yards or less, and hand gunners will be shooting 20-30 yards.
The black bear demands shooting excellence before he will fall to a hunter. Even at these close ranges, a precision shot is essential. Your target is a 4 to 5 inch square (boiler room) area just behind the front shoulder.
Bow-hunters – it makes no difference how good a shot you are. Unless you hit exactly in the boiler room with the arrow heading towards the bear’s head, you will get nothing but a wounded animal.
The black bear is unlike any other game you have ever hunted. When hit, he will not lie down and bleed out like a deer. But rather, will run until he dies – which could be up to 20 miles. Therefore, a precision shot is essential.
Those of you using a gun have many options. You do not have to even wait until the bear is on bait for a good shot. Also, a head and chest shot can produce when combined with accurate shooting.
And never rush a shot. But when you do have a good shot – take it. Do not assume the bear may go left or right, or even to the actual bait. Be positive of what and where you are shooting…it’s your responsibility.
Rifle, Muzzleloader, Handgun, Bow or Crossbow
You may hunt with rifle, muzzleloader, handgun or bow. Cross-bows are also legal in Maine (additional license is required – Click here for details about the Cross-bow license).
It May Not Be Too Late!
“Should you have a last minute opportunity to get away for some quality hunting, just give me a call and I may be able to accommodate you. I appreciate fellow hunters and their busy schedules, and will do everything possible to accommodate you.” – Brandon Bishop.
Note:
- All hunts are six days lodging and five days hunting.
- The best time to arrive is Sunday afternoon.
- A 50% deposit is required on all hunts. No deposits refunded.
- PERSONAL CHECKS ACCEPTED FOR RESERVATION DEPOSITS ONLY.
- Please make Checks Payable to “Foggy Mountain Guide Service.”
Click Here for Maine Black Bear Hunting Rates.
We also offer Bear Hunts in Maine’s Highlands, Katahdin and Moosehead Region
Maine’s vast Highland, Katahdin and Moosehead Region lies between our Sebec base camp, and Mount Katahdin and Moosehead Lake to the north. A six day stay and a five day hunt.
We offer excellent Housekeeping Accommodations in comfortable cottages or camps. We match your lodging to the size of your party, provide bedding and household equipment. You’ll have everything you need to prepare your own food inexpensively. There are also several places to eat within easy driving distance.
Return to our roots, our famous Bear Hunts over Hounds
Get back to Foggy Mountain’s roots with Brandon’s exciting bear hunting adventure. These hunts produce some of the largest Maine black bear taken each year. Become one of the hunters who do!
Our hound hunts are a thrilling blend of hound and hunter skills, with exciting non-stop action. We follow a bear wherever it leads us in the deep woods of Maine.
Questions?
When you book a hunt with us, you will receive a complete confirmation kit including detailed information on equipment and clothing, plus graphic illustrations of optimum shooting angles.
Please feel free to call us at any time.
Click here for answers to some of your Questions.
