Maine’s premier Big Game Outfitter, Spaulding Lake Outfitters, offers black bear hunting that’s truly the adventure of a lifetime. We have exclusive access to 150,000 acres—234 square miles—of Northern Maine’s prime black bear wilderness. We’re committed to using only quality bait at our sites, feeding bears peanuts, pastries, granola with molasses, trail mix, cookies, and grain—never unsanitary bait. Game cameras help us monitor each site, tracking which ones produce quality bears and the times they visit. Most trophy bears arrive at the very end of legal shooting light, so patience in the stand is key. To keep hunting pressure low, we limit the number of hunters, focusing on quality over quantity. With many bait sites available, we offer bear-over-bait hunts from late August to mid-September and thrilling hound hunts from mid-September through October’s peak foliage season. Our team values run deep—you’ll arrive as a client but leave as a friend. We’ll involve you in daily operations, from checking bait sites to hauling supplies, so you can experience firsthand the passion and dedication behind what we do. Over the years, we’ve learned a lot about outfitters and guides in Maine—and we’ve seen the shortcuts, rudeness, and lack of loyalty we refuse to tolerate. That’s why we do things differently, with respect, teamwork, and integrity.
Our Maine black bear hunting season starts as soon as the logging roads are dried up from our long spring, we take the time to visit each and every bait site clearing fallen trees from the harsh winter. The last Saturday in July is when Spaulding Lake Outfitters can start putting our quality bait out at our predetermined site locations. Prior to August 1st we are brushing out our sites preparing for the upcoming black bear season, cleaning up deadfall trees or branches that have fallen over in the winter are part of our pre bait routine. During the month of August Spaulding Lake Outfitters will feed our black bears an abundance of pastries and attractants to get the bears in our area, and in surrounding areas to funnel to our bait sites. Maine black bear are like humans, they will go and frequent where the meals are the best and they will keep returning there. For your black bear hunting trip, you have plenty of weapon options, from the traditional rifle, Archery to a crossbow. Spaulding Lake Outfitters sets up tree stands or ground blinds tailored to each type of hunter. Some locations are designed specifically for archery hunters, while others are set up exclusively for rifle hunters. We encourage you to choose the weapon you prefer, which you’ve already shared with us in the questionnaire sent months before your Maine black bear hunt. This questionnaire helps us get to know you before you arrive, covering everything from weapon choice and food preferences to emergency contact details, so we can make your stay as comfortable and relaxing as possible.
After a huge Sunday feast, we’ll hold an informational and safety meeting about your upcoming hunt. We’ll cover topics like tree stand safety and legal shooting times for your hunting week. We pride ourselves on controlling every detail we can—our famous home-cooked meals, the cleanliness of our lodge, cabins, bathhouse, and grounds, spotless pickups, and top-notch, organized equipment. Spaulding Lake Outfitters is proud to be Maine’s premier big game outfitter.
We also suggest bringing large coolers to transport your black bear quarters home. If you prefer, we have an excellent butcher and taxidermist nearby to take care of your trophy needs.
Byron Charles
1-207-769-0144
We offer a 6 Day HUNT/ 7 NIGHT STAY Maine black bear hunting adventure. We would like to have our clients arrive at the lodge by midafternoon on Sunday where we can spend some time getting to know each other around the campfire. We can also make sure your weapon of choice for your Maine black bear hunt is still as accurate as it was when you left home. The comradery of hunting season is something all of us will treasure through friendships developed that last a lifetime, if we think about how special it is to gather at a sacred place year after year enjoying people with common interests.
Bear Hunting with Hounds
Spaulding Lake Outfitters offers thrilling Maine black bear hunts using trained bear hounds, a method our clients find both exciting and adventurous, often booking years in advance. The rush of hearing skilled hounds work a bear track is something that can only be experienced firsthand. Hound season runs from mid-September through late October, overlapping with the last two weeks of bait season in late September. We offer bait hunting only, hound hunting only, or the option to enjoy both. Our well-trained hounds have proven themselves across multiple states and receive exceptional care. If an evening bait hunt doesn’t yield a bear, you can switch to hound hunting the next morning or combine the two in a single day. Just remember, only one black bear may be harvested.
A stay at Spaulding Lake Outfitters/Umcolcus Sporting Camps during bear season begins with a delicious Maine home-cooked meal on Sunday evening. After dinner, we’ll go over a brief itinerary for your week-long bear hunting adventure. Then, you can unwind by the stream at the campfire, enjoy a game of cribbage, dominoes, checkers, or cards on the porch, or relax in the lounge by the massive stone fireplace watching TV or a movie. Even though we’re tucked away in a remote location, Starlink keeps us connected so we never miss the big game.
In the morning, a hearty breakfast with plenty of fresh coffee awaits. Spend some time fishing, try early-season goose hunting, or simply relax until the mid-day meal, after which your bear hunting experience begins.
Owned by Spaulding Lake Outfitters since 2018, Umcolcus Sporting Camps has been part of Maine’s history since 1917, offering top-notch lodging and home-cooked meals that are truly second to none.
Contact: Byron "Chuck" & Lisa Charles
207-769-0145
207-769-0144
All Bear Trapping Combinations give the Hunter/Trapper an opportunity at 2 Bear Harvests, One by Trapping and One by Bait or Hounds.
All Packages include a 6 DAY HUNT/ 7 NIGHT STAY, Comfortable lodging, home cooked meals, a registered Maine Guide and daily transportation to and from the hunting area. Also included are daily gate fees into the North Maine Woods. We also offer 3 Day Bear Hunts over bait or with dogs, call for pricing.
Not Included
PLEASE SEE OUR "RATES" PAGE FOR DETAILS REGARDING CANCELATION POLICY!!
Contact: Byron "Chuck" & Lisa Charles
207-769-0144
207-769-0145
Contact: Byron "Chuck" & Lisa Charles
207-769-0144
207-769-0145
