| Activities |
Becoming a Hunter
To hunt is to pursue wild game. Depending on the species you are hunting and the tactics used, hunting can be a peaceful experience performed in solitude (think: stand hunting for deer), a bonding experience with close family or friends (think: run-and-gun turkey hunting with a friend, spouse or son/daughter) or a downright social affair (think: hunting from a duck blind). This session will be led by Carmen Bombeke, Registered Maine Guide, and will provide an opportunity to learn about various types of hunting, why people hunt, equipment for hunting, places to hunt, safety, ethics, mentorship and more. We will also discuss ways to move from learning about hunting to becoming a hunter! Part of the workshop will be spent outdoors learning how to read the forest, scout for signs of wildlife and explore the various tactics used in stand hunting, still hunting, ground blinds and other methods. | |
Becoming a Register Maine Guide
Find out what it takes to become a Registered Maine Guide! Registered Maine Guides are outdoor professionals licensed and permitted to accept payment (or other remuneration) for guiding people in the fields/forests or on the waters/ice while hunting, fishing, trapping, boating, snowmobiling, ATV-ing or primitive camping in Maine. This session will be run by Carmen Bombeke, Registered Maine Guide for hunting, fishing and recreation. The workshop-style session will include presentation of information on the process, logistics (specialties, testing, costs, etc.) and basic skills required to achieve certification, as well as open discussion of whether becoming a Registered Maine Guide may be right for you, what may be holding you back, and steps to get from where you are to earning your Registered Maine Guide patch. | |
Campfire Cooking with Wild Game
There’s a growing number of folks returning to wild game choices for healthy, sustainable table fare. Plus, wild game is delicious! Explore new ways to prepare wild game meat for your table using recipes that are easy to follow and do at home. You’ll leave with recipes and new ideas and a deeper connection to where your food comes from. Game meat may vary depending on what we can obtain. | |
Ice Fishing Expedition
For this expedition, we will take to the ice on a local warm-water pond in search for an action-packed, flag popping experience. Similar to the introduction course, we will cover basic tip up set up, ice safety, and identifying fishy areas. We will also cover some vertical jigging techniques and electronic usage to take full advantage of catching fish and passing the time. Once lunchtime hits, we will cook out on the ice. If you are looking for the real deal ice fishing experience, this is one you won't want to miss! Bring your own chair, extra gloves and a warm hat and let’s catch some fish! | |
Intro to Snowmobiling
Learn the basics of snowmobile travel and soon you’ll be riding on our course designed to challenge new riders. The workshop will include proper layering and outerwear for long trips on a snow machine. Our instructors will cover snowmobile safety, emergency preparedness, and basic operation...along with plenty of time to ride on various terrain. | |
Introduction to Ice Fishing
Maine has some amazing opportunities to get out on the hard water. In this session, participants will learn the importance of ice safety, how to drill holes, set traps and vertical jig artificial baits. We will cover warm and cold water fisheries and tactics to be successful and if all goes to plan, we may even catch a fish! We will introduce you to different types of equipment including electronics, shelters, augers, traps, and baits. Join us for some fun on the ice, but be prepared, it can get cold out there!
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Introduction to Spring Fly Fishing and Fly Tying
With over 6000 lakes and ponds and 32,000 miles of rivers and streams, Maine has a lot of water to explore! What better way than fly fishing?! Participants will receive an introduction to fly fishing in Maine, the gear needed to get started and the basic skills to start tying your own flies! Wading along Maine’s waters is one of the best ways to see the untouched beauty of the outdoors and see some incredible wildlife along the way. | |
Introduction to Trapping
Trapping for fur bearers has been a tradition for thousands of years and today’s trappers participate in this activity for various reasons. Trapping helps keep wildlife populations stable and healthy, protects property and habitat, and provides biologists with valuable data to help prevent and manage disease and predict population trends. It’s an exciting way to spend time outdoors, while learning the habits and habitats of various species. Learn about the biology and identification of furbearers; types of traps; how and where to set a trap; skinning; and fur handling. We will also provide information on getting your trapper safety certificate and trapping license. | |
Shooting Sports Experience
Winter can still be a great time to pick up shooting sports as a new hobby. During this session get the best of 3 worlds by participating in Rifle, Shotgun and Pistol shooting, all in one day! Time will mostly be spent on the range at Bryant Pond going through all three disciplines on how to handle, shoot and become accurate. There will also be time spent learning to clean each firearm as well as what to look for when shopping for your very own. At lunchtime, you will enjoy a warm meal at the Bryant Pond dining hall. All safety equipment is provided but if you want to bring your own, feel free. Just come prepared to be outside with a warm jacket, boots, hats and gloves. This session is going to be a Blast! | |
Snowshoe Hike Expedition
Winter snowshoe hikes can be a great way to get outside during those cold winter months. Join us as we travel into this magical winter wonderland on a leisurely snowshoe hike to a remote pond and mountain right here in Western Maine. Along the way we will discuss some hiking tips and tricks, talk about survival skills and what to do in emergencies. At lunchtime, we will cook a warm meal on trail to warm us back up. This will be a great introduction for those that are interested in short day hikes or multi-day trips. Grab your boots, hats and gloves and let’s get going! Snowshoes will be provided but if you have your own feel free to bring them! | |
Winter Mountaineering
There is nothing like hiking in the winter. Everything around you is silent except the sound of the wind moving through the frozen pine needles like an odd set of wind chimes. Winter backpacking and mountaineering is an amazing way to get out in the woods in the winter and gives you a glimpse of the hidden peaks many don't dare to journey to. In this course, we will go over the essential skills for your own winter backpacking trip. We will cover winter traversing skills, packing for both day trips and overnight, basic winter camping gear, using a sled pulk, layering, staying warm, and so much more. We will spend part of the class indoors reviewing some skills and equipment then head outside and practice a handful of stepping techniques both with and without snowshoes used when winter backpacking. We will then work through setting up a mock winter camp where we will look at the many secret tips and tricks to make winter camping a lot more enjoyable. | |
Winter Survival
Are you prepared to survive an unexpected night in the wilderness? Lost in a snowstorm after what was to be a short snowshoeing hike or trip in the woods? Learn how to be prepared for the unexpected, including how to dress, make shelter, build fire, signal for help, and more. | |