Article
Deer Hunters
Preparing for your guided deer hunt with Maine Guide
I want to take this opportunity to welcome you to your
upcoming
deer hunt with Maine Guide Outfitter and share a few thoughts and
recommendations that I believe will help make your experience both enjoyable
and successful. Gratuities, of course, are always appreciated especially
when I assist in tracking, field dressing and dragging deer, but never
expected.
As a Master Maine Guide and former Maine Game Warden, I’ve spent
many years observing deer behavior and learning what contributes to a
successful hunt. One thing I’ve learned is that success depends on considerably
more than simply placing a hunting blind in a good location.
Preparation and Blind Placement
I’ve spent considerable time preparing for the upcoming season,
placing blinds in areas where deer have historically traveled, fed, or
otherwise frequented. I also maintain trail cameras in various locations that
provide me with current information about deer activity.
Although no guide can guarantee that a hunter will harvest a
deer, I want you to know that considerable thought and preparation have gone
into selecting your hunting location.
Once you’re in the blind, however, several factors affecting
your success are largely in your hands.
Scent Control
A deer’s sense of smell is remarkable, and scent control can
make a significant difference.
I strongly encourage you to wash your hunting clothes in
scent-free detergent and avoid using scented soaps, deodorants, colognes, or
other products before your hunt.
Ideally, hunting clothing should be stored in a clean,
scent-free container or bag and put on shortly before entering the field.
Smoking while wearing hunting clothes, or even smoking in the
vehicle while transporting those clothes, can introduce odors that may
compromise your hunt.
Although legal scent attractants may be used in Maine, there’s
no need for you to place additional scents on the ground or around the blinds.
I will manage attractant placement when I believe conditions warrant their use.
Please no smoking in the blinds, as the insulation may retain
the smoke scent for the season.
Movement and Noise Within the Blind
One of the greatest advantages of hunting from an enclosed blind
is the opportunity to remain concealed while observing deer activity. However,
that advantage can quickly disappear with unnecessary movement or noise. The
blinds will also contain most of your scent, but not all.
Move slowly and deliberately, especially when opening or closing windows
or
preparing for a shot. Avoid unnecessary conversation, loud noises, and
excessive movement.
I recommend bringing binoculars for observing deer at a
distance, along with a small knapsack containing water or other nonalcoholic
beverages, snacks, and any personal necessities. Quiet packaging is preferable.
Dress appropriately for the weather. Even enclosed blinds can
become cold during long periods of inactivity. Blaze orange clothing is
required during firearm season. A hat and a vest or jacket is required that can
be visible 360 degrees They do allow camo blaze.
Firearm Safety
Your safety is my highest priority.
I take considerable care in selecting blind locations and
considering safe shooting directions. However, the ultimate responsibility for
safely handling and discharging your firearm rests with you.
Always maintain control of your firearm, keep the muzzle pointed
in a safe direction, and keep your finger off the trigger until you are
prepared to shoot.
Never take a shot unless you have positively identified your
target and are certain of what lies beyond it. Shots must be confined to safe
directions and areas we have discussed.
Be especially careful when maneuvering a firearm inside the
blind or through a window.
Ground-Level and Elevated Hunting Blinds
Maine Guide Outfitter utilizes both ground-level enclosed blinds
and elevated enclosed blinds positioned approximately 12 to 16 feet above the
ground. The elevated blinds require climbing a ladder to enter and exit.
If you are uncomfortable with heights, climbing ladders, or
hunting from an elevated blind, please let me know in advance so that I can
take that into consideration when assigning hunting locations. Most of my
blinds are insulated and have the option to be heated with a buddy heater. I
prefer to go unheated, for better scent control. Yet turning it on for a couple
minutes to bring the blind up to a comfort level should be fine.
One safety requirement that I cannot emphasize strongly enough
is that all firearms must be completely unloaded before climbing into or
descending from an elevated blind. This means no ammunition in the chamber or
magazine. The firearm must remain unloaded until you are safely situated inside
the blind. The same requirement applies when leaving the blind.
I strongly recommend using a gun sling, so you can use both
hands on the ladder.
Once you are safely inside your blind, your firearm may be
loaded, but the safety must remain engaged until you have positively identified
your target, determined that you have a safe shot, and are ready to fire.
Never attempt to determine whether your firearm’s safety is
engaged by pulling the trigger. Unfortunately, this is a mistake that occurs
more often than many people realize and can have tragic consequences.
Familiarize yourself with your firearm’s safety mechanism before arriving for
your hunt and always verify its position visually or by the manufacturer’s
recommended method.
Please exercise particular caution when moving a firearm inside
an enclosed blind, especially when positioning it near a window. Always
maintain muzzle control and never point a firearm toward another person.
Your safety, and the safety of others, is far more important
than any opportunity to harvest a deer.
Evening Hunts and Leaving the Blind
Some of you may choose to remain in your blind until the end of
legal shooting hours, which for Maine deer hunting is generally one-half hour
after sunset.
I strongly encourage you to **carry a small flashlight or
headlamp** for safely returning to your vehicle after dark.
The light should be used for navigating your way out, not for
sweeping fields or attempting to locate deer. Maine’s night-hunting laws must
be respected, particularly when a firearm or bow is in your possession.
Please make sure your firearm is unloaded before leaving your
blind and follow all applicable transportation and hunting regulations.
Communication and Deer Recovery
I encourage you to keep me informed of deer activity during your
hunt, and I will do the same.
I have cellular trail cameras positioned in various areas that
transmit photographs to me, sometimes almost immediately. Most of my blind
locations also have reasonably good cellular reception.
If you take a shot at a deer, whether you believe you hit or
missed, please contact me as soon as practical.
If a deer does not immediately go down, make a careful mental
note of its location, direction of travel, and reaction to the shot. Avoid
immediately following it or disturbing the area until we’ve had an opportunity
to discuss the circumstances and determine the best recovery approach.
Depending upon the circumstances, I may provide each hunter with
a small location-tracking device to carry in their knapsack. This would allow
me to locate you more readily if you leave the blind, need assistance, or
become involved in recovering a deer. I’ll explain how the device works and
when it will be used.
Please don’t leave your assigned blind to track a deer or change
hunting locations without notifying me first.
Respect for the Property
Many of my hunting opportunities depend upon the generosity and
cooperation of private landowners.
Please respect property boundaries, gates, equipment, and the
surrounding land. Carry out anything you bring in and avoid unnecessary
disturbance of the hunting area.
Arrival and Liability Waiver
Upon arrival, I’ll review the hunting arrangements, safety
considerations, property conditions, and expectations with each of you.
Each hunter will also be asked to read and sign a prepared
acknowledgment and liability waiver before participating in the hunt.
Please arrive with the appropriate Maine hunting license and any
required permits, and be familiar with the regulations that apply to your hunt.
What to Bring for Your Deer Hunt
To help make your hunt as comfortable, safe, and enjoyable as possible, I
recommend bringing the following items. Since you may be spending several hours
in an enclosed hunting blind, a little preparation can make a considerable
difference, especially during Maine's colder November weather.
Maine Hunting License: A valid Maine hunting license. **Any-Deer
Permits:** Any additional antlerless deer permits you have obtained, if
applicable. Make sure you have access to your permit information.
Small Knapsack or Backpack: Something convenient to carry
your personal supplies into the blind.
Flashlight or Headlamp: Preferably with fresh batteries,
since you may be entering or leaving the woods in darkness. It must be
directed toward the ground, not scanning the fields or forest. If you
should shoot a deer during the last few minutes of the hunt in the evening,
unload your weapon and you can search broader with light. You will likely
call me and I can assist, if I’m not busy with another client.
Drinking Water: Enough to remain hydrated
throughout your hunt.
Snacks or a Light Lunch: Particularly if you plan to
remain in the blind for an extended period.
Portable Urinal Container: A leakproof, resealable
container suitable for use inside the blind, if needed. Please plan to
carry it out with you.
Warm Clothing: Dress in layers, including
insulated underwear, warm socks, gloves, and a winter hat. Remember that
sitting still for several hours can feel considerably colder than walking.
In most of the blinds there is a buddy heater that will take the chill off
quickly, but use it sparingly, as it will fog the windows. It’s great to
take the edge off at times. A small rag or paper towels to wipe windows is
helpful.
Blaze Orange Clothing: A blaze orange hat and vest or
jacket that meet Maine's legal requirements for firearm deer hunting. They
allow camo orange.
Waterproof, Insulated Boots: Comfortable footwear with good
traction for walking through wet leaves, snow, or icy conditions.
Cell Phone: Fully charged, preferably with a
portable battery pack.
Hand Warmers: Optional : Disposable hand and
toe warmers can make a cold morning much more comfortable.
Personal Medications: Any prescription medications or
other medical necessities you might require during the hunt.
Binoculars: Optional, but useful for
identifying deer and observing wildlife without pointing a firearm.
Tissues and a Small Trash Bag: Please take all personal waste
and wrappers out of the blind when you leave.
One final suggestion: Avoid bringing unnecessary equipment or bulky bags
into the blind. Space
is limited, and keeping the area around your firearm clear helps ensure a safe
and comfortable hunt.
Please let me know in advance if you have any mobility
limitations or concerns about climbing into an elevated blind. I have both
ground-level and elevated blinds and will do my best to accommodate your needs.
A Final Thought
Deer hunting requires patience, discipline, preparation, and sometimes a little
luck. Even when everything is done correctly, the deer don’t always cooperate.
My responsibility is to do everything reasonably within my
control to provide you with a safe, well-prepared hunting opportunity in an
area with a history of deer activity. Your responsibility is to arrive
prepared, hunt safely, remain patient, and make the most of that opportunity.
One of the greatest rewards I receive from guiding is the satisfaction of
watching my sports enjoy a successful hunt, particularly when they have the
opportunity to harvest the game they’ve worked so hard to pursue. The same
holds true for my fishing adventures. I continue to offer these services
because I genuinely enjoy sharing my experience,
knowledge, and love of the outdoors with others. I’m certainly not in this
business to make a fortune, as you may have noticed from my rates, which are
often considerably lower than those of other outfitters. My goal is to provide
you with an enjoyable, safe, and hopefully successful experience, recognizing
that no guide can guarantee the cooperation of wildlife. I will always give you
my best effort. In return, I ask only that you judge my services by that effort
rather than whether you happen to fill your tag. However, if you sincerely feel
that I have fallen short of my responsibilities or failed to provide the
services I’ve promised, I am willing to leave the final half of your guiding
fee to your discretion.
Above all, I want you to leave with good memories, knowing that I did
everything reasonably within my ability to make your time in the Maine woods
worthwhile.
I look forward to sharing the upcoming season with you and hope that,
regardless of whether you harvest a deer, you’ll leave with an enjoyable and
memorable Maine hunting experience.
Good hunting, and I’ll see you this fall!
**Please call me at 207-446-8980 a couple days
prior to you scheduled hunt to discuss arrival time.**
Roland Tilton
Master Maine Guide
upcoming
deer hunt with Maine Guide Outfitter and share a few thoughts and
recommendations that I believe will help make your experience both enjoyable
and successful. Gratuities, of course, are always appreciated especially
when I assist in tracking, field dressing and dragging deer, but never
expected.
As a Master Maine Guide and former Maine Game Warden, I’ve spent
many years observing deer behavior and learning what contributes to a
successful hunt. One thing I’ve learned is that success depends on considerably
more than simply placing a hunting blind in a good location.
Preparation and Blind Placement
I’ve spent considerable time preparing for the upcoming season,
placing blinds in areas where deer have historically traveled, fed, or
otherwise frequented. I also maintain trail cameras in various locations that
provide me with current information about deer activity.
Although no guide can guarantee that a hunter will harvest a
deer, I want you to know that considerable thought and preparation have gone
into selecting your hunting location.
Once you’re in the blind, however, several factors affecting
your success are largely in your hands.
Scent Control
A deer’s sense of smell is remarkable, and scent control can
make a significant difference.
I strongly encourage you to wash your hunting clothes in
scent-free detergent and avoid using scented soaps, deodorants, colognes, or
other products before your hunt.
Ideally, hunting clothing should be stored in a clean,
scent-free container or bag and put on shortly before entering the field.
Smoking while wearing hunting clothes, or even smoking in the
vehicle while transporting those clothes, can introduce odors that may
compromise your hunt.
Although legal scent attractants may be used in Maine, there’s
no need for you to place additional scents on the ground or around the blinds.
I will manage attractant placement when I believe conditions warrant their use.
Please no smoking in the blinds, as the insulation may retain
the smoke scent for the season.
Movement and Noise Within the Blind
One of the greatest advantages of hunting from an enclosed blind
is the opportunity to remain concealed while observing deer activity. However,
that advantage can quickly disappear with unnecessary movement or noise. The
blinds will also contain most of your scent, but not all.
Move slowly and deliberately, especially when opening or closing windows
or
preparing for a shot. Avoid unnecessary conversation, loud noises, and
excessive movement.
I recommend bringing binoculars for observing deer at a
distance, along with a small knapsack containing water or other nonalcoholic
beverages, snacks, and any personal necessities. Quiet packaging is preferable.
Dress appropriately for the weather. Even enclosed blinds can
become cold during long periods of inactivity. Blaze orange clothing is
required during firearm season. A hat and a vest or jacket is required that can
be visible 360 degrees They do allow camo blaze.
Firearm Safety
Your safety is my highest priority.
I take considerable care in selecting blind locations and
considering safe shooting directions. However, the ultimate responsibility for
safely handling and discharging your firearm rests with you.
Always maintain control of your firearm, keep the muzzle pointed
in a safe direction, and keep your finger off the trigger until you are
prepared to shoot.
Never take a shot unless you have positively identified your
target and are certain of what lies beyond it. Shots must be confined to safe
directions and areas we have discussed.
Be especially careful when maneuvering a firearm inside the
blind or through a window.
Ground-Level and Elevated Hunting Blinds
Maine Guide Outfitter utilizes both ground-level enclosed blinds
and elevated enclosed blinds positioned approximately 12 to 16 feet above the
ground. The elevated blinds require climbing a ladder to enter and exit.
If you are uncomfortable with heights, climbing ladders, or
hunting from an elevated blind, please let me know in advance so that I can
take that into consideration when assigning hunting locations. Most of my
blinds are insulated and have the option to be heated with a buddy heater. I
prefer to go unheated, for better scent control. Yet turning it on for a couple
minutes to bring the blind up to a comfort level should be fine.
One safety requirement that I cannot emphasize strongly enough
is that all firearms must be completely unloaded before climbing into or
descending from an elevated blind. This means no ammunition in the chamber or
magazine. The firearm must remain unloaded until you are safely situated inside
the blind. The same requirement applies when leaving the blind.
I strongly recommend using a gun sling, so you can use both
hands on the ladder.
Once you are safely inside your blind, your firearm may be
loaded, but the safety must remain engaged until you have positively identified
your target, determined that you have a safe shot, and are ready to fire.
Never attempt to determine whether your firearm’s safety is
engaged by pulling the trigger. Unfortunately, this is a mistake that occurs
more often than many people realize and can have tragic consequences.
Familiarize yourself with your firearm’s safety mechanism before arriving for
your hunt and always verify its position visually or by the manufacturer’s
recommended method.
Please exercise particular caution when moving a firearm inside
an enclosed blind, especially when positioning it near a window. Always
maintain muzzle control and never point a firearm toward another person.
Your safety, and the safety of others, is far more important
than any opportunity to harvest a deer.
Evening Hunts and Leaving the Blind
Some of you may choose to remain in your blind until the end of
legal shooting hours, which for Maine deer hunting is generally one-half hour
after sunset.
I strongly encourage you to **carry a small flashlight or
headlamp** for safely returning to your vehicle after dark.
The light should be used for navigating your way out, not for
sweeping fields or attempting to locate deer. Maine’s night-hunting laws must
be respected, particularly when a firearm or bow is in your possession.
Please make sure your firearm is unloaded before leaving your
blind and follow all applicable transportation and hunting regulations.
Communication and Deer Recovery
I encourage you to keep me informed of deer activity during your
hunt, and I will do the same.
I have cellular trail cameras positioned in various areas that
transmit photographs to me, sometimes almost immediately. Most of my blind
locations also have reasonably good cellular reception.
If you take a shot at a deer, whether you believe you hit or
missed, please contact me as soon as practical.
If a deer does not immediately go down, make a careful mental
note of its location, direction of travel, and reaction to the shot. Avoid
immediately following it or disturbing the area until we’ve had an opportunity
to discuss the circumstances and determine the best recovery approach.
Depending upon the circumstances, I may provide each hunter with
a small location-tracking device to carry in their knapsack. This would allow
me to locate you more readily if you leave the blind, need assistance, or
become involved in recovering a deer. I’ll explain how the device works and
when it will be used.
Please don’t leave your assigned blind to track a deer or change
hunting locations without notifying me first.
Respect for the Property
Many of my hunting opportunities depend upon the generosity and
cooperation of private landowners.
Please respect property boundaries, gates, equipment, and the
surrounding land. Carry out anything you bring in and avoid unnecessary
disturbance of the hunting area.
Arrival and Liability Waiver
Upon arrival, I’ll review the hunting arrangements, safety
considerations, property conditions, and expectations with each of you.
Each hunter will also be asked to read and sign a prepared
acknowledgment and liability waiver before participating in the hunt.
Please arrive with the appropriate Maine hunting license and any
required permits, and be familiar with the regulations that apply to your hunt.
What to Bring for Your Deer Hunt
To help make your hunt as comfortable, safe, and enjoyable as possible, I
recommend bringing the following items. Since you may be spending several hours
in an enclosed hunting blind, a little preparation can make a considerable
difference, especially during Maine's colder November weather.
Maine Hunting License: A valid Maine hunting license. **Any-Deer
Permits:** Any additional antlerless deer permits you have obtained, if
applicable. Make sure you have access to your permit information.
Small Knapsack or Backpack: Something convenient to carry
your personal supplies into the blind.
Flashlight or Headlamp: Preferably with fresh batteries,
since you may be entering or leaving the woods in darkness. It must be
directed toward the ground, not scanning the fields or forest. If you
should shoot a deer during the last few minutes of the hunt in the evening,
unload your weapon and you can search broader with light. You will likely
call me and I can assist, if I’m not busy with another client.
Drinking Water: Enough to remain hydrated
throughout your hunt.
Snacks or a Light Lunch: Particularly if you plan to
remain in the blind for an extended period.
Portable Urinal Container: A leakproof, resealable
container suitable for use inside the blind, if needed. Please plan to
carry it out with you.
Warm Clothing: Dress in layers, including
insulated underwear, warm socks, gloves, and a winter hat. Remember that
sitting still for several hours can feel considerably colder than walking.
In most of the blinds there is a buddy heater that will take the chill off
quickly, but use it sparingly, as it will fog the windows. It’s great to
take the edge off at times. A small rag or paper towels to wipe windows is
helpful.
Blaze Orange Clothing: A blaze orange hat and vest or
jacket that meet Maine's legal requirements for firearm deer hunting. They
allow camo orange.
Waterproof, Insulated Boots: Comfortable footwear with good
traction for walking through wet leaves, snow, or icy conditions.
Cell Phone: Fully charged, preferably with a
portable battery pack.
Hand Warmers: Optional : Disposable hand and
toe warmers can make a cold morning much more comfortable.
Personal Medications: Any prescription medications or
other medical necessities you might require during the hunt.
Binoculars: Optional, but useful for
identifying deer and observing wildlife without pointing a firearm.
Tissues and a Small Trash Bag: Please take all personal waste
and wrappers out of the blind when you leave.
One final suggestion: Avoid bringing unnecessary equipment or bulky bags
into the blind. Space
is limited, and keeping the area around your firearm clear helps ensure a safe
and comfortable hunt.
Please let me know in advance if you have any mobility
limitations or concerns about climbing into an elevated blind. I have both
ground-level and elevated blinds and will do my best to accommodate your needs.
A Final Thought
Deer hunting requires patience, discipline, preparation, and sometimes a little
luck. Even when everything is done correctly, the deer don’t always cooperate.
My responsibility is to do everything reasonably within my
control to provide you with a safe, well-prepared hunting opportunity in an
area with a history of deer activity. Your responsibility is to arrive
prepared, hunt safely, remain patient, and make the most of that opportunity.
One of the greatest rewards I receive from guiding is the satisfaction of
watching my sports enjoy a successful hunt, particularly when they have the
opportunity to harvest the game they’ve worked so hard to pursue. The same
holds true for my fishing adventures. I continue to offer these services
because I genuinely enjoy sharing my experience,
knowledge, and love of the outdoors with others. I’m certainly not in this
business to make a fortune, as you may have noticed from my rates, which are
often considerably lower than those of other outfitters. My goal is to provide
you with an enjoyable, safe, and hopefully successful experience, recognizing
that no guide can guarantee the cooperation of wildlife. I will always give you
my best effort. In return, I ask only that you judge my services by that effort
rather than whether you happen to fill your tag. However, if you sincerely feel
that I have fallen short of my responsibilities or failed to provide the
services I’ve promised, I am willing to leave the final half of your guiding
fee to your discretion.
Above all, I want you to leave with good memories, knowing that I did
everything reasonably within my ability to make your time in the Maine woods
worthwhile.
I look forward to sharing the upcoming season with you and hope that,
regardless of whether you harvest a deer, you’ll leave with an enjoyable and
memorable Maine hunting experience.
Good hunting, and I’ll see you this fall!
**Please call me at 207-446-8980 a couple days
prior to you scheduled hunt to discuss arrival time.**
Roland Tilton
Master Maine Guide