I've done extensive research but a lack of familiarity whatsoever with Maine leaves me baffled as to where to apply. I'd like to apply for a Sept. season, so that narrows my search down some.
The North Woods districts all have the highest number of permits and success rates but are they accessible by any other means besides waterways?
Is there plenty of public land/access? I'm not wanting to hire an outfitter and I don't particularly want to pay someone a trespass fee.
Does anybody have any experience, and if so, any advice on tactics, gear, etc.?
Thanks in advance.
Theres plenty of land in the northern part of the state like up in the Allagash region.North Maine Woods permits for daily or weekly access should run you about 10.00 a day give or take to hunt timber company lands.Lot of moose up there but if theyre pushing to reduce the herds in your zone there will be a LOT of competion.Zones 1,2,3 are my favs.Lots of grouse too which frankly are a lot more fun although not as tasty as a moose.
Thanks for the info, Izzy. How do I know if they are pushing to reduce the herd in a specific zone?
$10.00 per day is very reasonable, how do you get in contact with specific timber companies to set up the deal?
There's plenty of roads up there.In fact I was surprised how many roads were up that way.
There are gates set up to pay daily.At least where I was in the Jackman-Rockwood area there was.Not sure about the Allagash region.
Do they keep records at each gate as to how many people are accessing a particular area?
I would imagine,as you have to give them your name and plate # everyday you enter.We stayed the whole day,sunup to sundown so I don't know if you have to pay everytime you cross the gate.
I should add that not every area has a pay gate.We were accessing the golden road,and there was a pay gate to access that particular area.There is a TON of area you don't have to pay to use.The only areas that are off limits are areas that are being logged at the imediate time.
Great information vtmtnman! I greatly appreciate it.
If you contact Eldon Jandreau at Hunter's Point he can tell you exactly what you need to do. If you saw the latest edition of TBM on the trophy page the moose that was taken by Todd Gregory and he was guided by Eldon....as was the bear in the same spread. His website is right under my post.
Thanks you for the link Bill, but I would feel as if I'm taking advantage of his expertise unfairly because I have no intention of hiring an outfitter.
Dusty
Here's the website you need
www.mefishwildlife.com (http://www.mefishwildlife.com)
Get your permit first, I think only 10% go to nonresidents in a lottery system and deadline is soon, if not over.
I've got a camp on the north end of Moosehead lake. Plenty of moose all around. The biggest expense will be gate fees and fuel. Rent will be a roast
I think I read the stats on these moose lottery hunts last year??? If I recall right there has "never" been a Non-Res drawn for a moose tag in that state??? Please correct me if I am wrong?? But that is how I remember reading it??
I drew a tag 3 years ago and shot a cow.Non residents are definately able to apply and draw and do so every year.
My mistake?? I was looking at stats they had posted on their site on the lottery last year ( for the last 10 yrs).. Showed the # of Residents that drew taggs and the # of moose killed... It had a slot for Non Resident and had Zeros for the past 10 years for the lottery??? Guess they didn't finish filling it out??? Don't see the stat on their web page this year??
Your first big hurdle is getting a permit. Your odds as a nonres are extremely low. But if you don't apply, you'll never get one. That being said, the early season is better (the rut) and the northern units have a great population. You can also try to trade permits for a different area/season after you've been drawn (all legal). This year's application process is over with the drawing in June. I will second Bill's recommmendation to call Eldon Jandreau- if you draw, it would be well worth your money to go with a guide like him- he knows the area and what it takes to get you close.
Correction: You can still apply ONLINE until May 15.
QuoteOriginally posted by String Cutter:
I think I read the stats on these moose lottery hunts last year??? If I recall right there has "never" been a Non-Res drawn for a moose tag in that state??? Please correct me if I am wrong?? But that is how I remember reading it??
I drew one 4 years ago.....tough draw but it does happen
QuoteOriginally posted by Biggie Hoffman:
QuoteOriginally posted by String Cutter:
I think I read the stats on these moose lottery hunts last year??? If I recall right there has "never" been a Non-Res drawn for a moose tag in that state??? Please correct me if I am wrong?? But that is how I remember reading it??
I drew one 4 years ago.....tough draw but it does happen [/b]
You can call Eldon, but I think he's booked up for 5 or 6 years.
I drew 9 years ago after putting in for 20 years .I also hunted with Eldon.
Lots of land, lots of campsites and lodges. Don't know what the ratios of out of state applicants to draw is but there is no real prefrence point system. Over time you earn more "tickets" Been applying for twenty years and no tag yet. Know some who have been drawn several times. Good luck if you try. It is beautiful country. The further you get away from the main roads, the fewer people you will see and the more moose you will find. Most people hunt in large groups cruising the roads looking for a moose to shoot near the road for easy loading.
Zone #1 is my first choice. Ive seen the largest amount of moose in that area. Doesn't seem to be as much competition in that area like some of the southern zones.
Don't put in for the November seasons.The zones that these permits are for have lower #s of moose and less moose habitat. The moose aren't responsive to calling during this time and your chances of getting into bow range would be very small.
Contact Squawpan Mountain Outfitters. Tony is a great guy and also a trad ganger,(MEGuide) Jim
Dusty, Yes you have to stop and pay a daily and nightly gate fee. They take your plate number. I guide moose hunters in zones 3,6,5, mostly. We live on the edge of the north maine woods in farm country. Great moose hunting! Non residents take 10% of the tags per year. Please let me know if you have anyother questions!
Tony
It's true that Eldon is booked for a few years but that has to do with his ability to get tags. If you are lucky enough to get a permit in his area he can guide you. He has a number of excellent guides that work with him (check out the website). Again, if you draw a tag for his area you can arrange for him to guide you. If you get drawn call him immediately.
Eldon worked his butt off for me....I didn't get a moose but that was my fault 8-(
I've never seen a guy put in more effort than he did that week and obviously, the weeks leading up to my hunt.
He's a PBS Regular and a deadly longbow shooter. He knows what it takes.
Here is what Cory Mattson has to say about Eldon...something to think about...
"Friends, Eldon is the hardest working, no excuses, never give up outfitter there is. He runs excellent success on his bear hunts which are accessible and affordable to most bowhunters no matter what yourskill level is. Eldon's moose hunts are the best value and the best hunting there is. Many people do not realize this but you will see at least five times more moose on your hunt for moose with Eldon, than you would on any other Canadian or Alaskan moose hunt of equal time length. Eldons level of woodsmanship and what he brings to a hunt will make you a better bowhunter."
What is the price for one of Eldon's guaranteed tags? What about the cost just to guide for someone who draws a tag? Didn't see any pricing on his website.
Maine Guide,
Thanks for posting up! I can't think of any other questions currently but I'll PM you if I do.
Dusty
Anytime! These guys are also right. Eldon is a great guide! Hard worker!Thanks for the kind words JPE!I LOVE MY LIFE!!!!