Hunting Camp Expectations

As a professional hunting guide in Maine, I often expect to find myself dealing with the seasoned hunter; an individual who has hunted for many years, perhaps made a hunt or two out west or down south, and now is coming further north to hunt for species that have eluded him elsewhere. The seasoned hunter knows what firearms he needs and what equipment will be necessary – and he knows the ropes. The most noticeable thing about seasoned hunters is that they don’t seem to be lost souls. It’s obvious that they have done this before.

They generally bring one rifle in a hard case; it is sighted in, has a quality scope installed and a couple of boxes of extra ammunition are on hand. They also have a minimum of personal equipment, which is packed in two small duffels that will easily fit in camp. Proper footwear, cold weather and rain gear are in one of the duffel bags, and a super light camera is tucked in a shirt pocket. Perhaps the only items of obvious excess are the cell phone and other electronic gadgets prominent today.

Many first-time hunters are sure they know someone of the type I’m talking about. Furthermore, on their first hunt they are often positive I’ve described everyone else in camp – and not them.

The truth is very few hunters are the above-described ‘perfect hunter’.

Most hunters still bring too much gear, and they pack it in oversize gun cases and extra-large duffels or totes. New hunters to the north woods of Maine tend to pack everything but the kitchen sink and even experienced ones pack things they don’t need.

I think we (as hunters) probably come to expect this ‘perfect hunter’ persona of everyone, and all too often forget about the people who haven’t hunted in the north before. These hunters often are intimidated by what goes on around them. At last they are in Maine, Big Woods Country, and the place that hunting dreams are made of. It’s all new to them and sometimes, overwhelming. The size of the country, the remoteness, and the casual manner in which everyone treats the sprawling woods and quick changing weather is quite different from what they are used to.

They sometimes feel they do not fit in. They don’t ask questions for fear of looking ignorant, or maybe they just don’t know what to ask. It is obvious to me that many don’t book hunts, simply because they do not know what to expect. Others are willing to go, but only if they have someone along who has been here before. It is my hope that seasoned veteran hunters in camp mentor and offer advice to the younger, less experienced in camp. Similarly, novice hunters should seek the wisdom and experience of those who have “been there, done that.”

This dynamic of hunting camp is one that solidifies the hunting community and ensures that traditions pass down from generation to generation. Hunting camp is far more than a place to sleep when you aren’t on stand. It is a place of camaraderie, union of spirit and legacy building.

At Tucker Ridge Outdoors, we aim to capture the spirit of the traditional sporting camps of Maine lore. As hunters, we are all brothers (and sisters) in arms, from the astute woodsman to the greenhorn rookie. We all share the passion for the pursuit of game and all that nature reveals to us, deep in the solitude of the woods.

We hope you enjoy your time on Tucker Ridge. As you make new friends and swap tall tales, you’ll not only be participating in the richest of hunting heritage and tradition, you will be helping to build ours…