Maine's Black Bear Country
Maine is home to roughly 36,000 black bears — one of the largest populations in the Lower 48. Up here in the north woods, bears roam across vast stretches of unbroken forest, feeding on beech nuts, berries, and whatever else the woods provide. This is real bear country, and it has been for as long as anyone can remember.
I've been guiding bear hunts in these woods for over 40 years. I know where the bears travel, where they feed, and how they move through the timber at different times of the season. Whether you want to sit over bait in late August, run dogs through the hardwoods in October, or still-hunt the ridges during firearms season, I can put you on bears.
Maine allows multiple methods for bear hunting, which means you can pick the style that suits you best. Every hunt includes lodging at Wadleigh Mountain Camps and home-cooked meals. You come here to hunt — we handle everything else.
2026 Maine Bear Season Dates
Youth Bear Days
Dates: August 28, 2026 – August 29, 2026
General Season
Dates: August 31, 2026 – November 28, 2026
Hunting with Bait
Dates: August 31, 2026 – September 26, 2026
Bait may be placed starting August 1
Bear Trapping
Dates: September 1, 2026 – October 31, 2026
Youth Day with Dogs
Dates: September 12, 2026 – September 12, 2026
Hunting with Dogs
Dates: September 14, 2026 – October 30, 2026
Training season July 1 - August 27
Season dates are subject to change. Verify with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
How We Hunt Bear
Over Bait
The most popular method in Maine. We set and maintain bait sites starting August 1, placing them on active bear trails and feeding areas. You sit in a stand or blind and wait for bears to come in — typically late afternoon into the evening.
With Dogs
Running bears with hounds is an adrenaline-filled hunt. The dogs pick up a fresh track and chase until the bear trees or bays up. Dog training season runs July 1 through August 27, so the dogs are sharp and ready when the season opens September 14.
Still Hunting
Walk the ridges, old logging roads, and hardwood cuts looking for bears feeding on beech nuts and berries. This method takes patience and woodsmanship, but there's nothing quite like coming face to face with a bear on foot in the big woods.
The Camp Experience
When you book a bear hunt at Wadleigh Mountain Camps, you're getting the full experience. You stay right at camp in comfortable lodging — no driving back and forth to a motel in town. The hunting grounds are all around you, and you can be on a bait site or in the woods within minutes of leaving camp.
Meals are included — a big breakfast before you head out, something to carry with you for lunch, and a hot supper when you come back in. After a long evening sit over a bait station, there's nothing better than coming back to a warm meal and swapping stories with the other hunters at camp.
Bear hunting is a great experience for hunters of all skill levels. If you've never hunted bear before, hunting over bait is a great way to start — you'll see bears up close and learn their behavior. For experienced hunters, the dog and still-hunting options offer a real challenge in some of the best bear habitat in the Northeast.
What's Included
Experienced Guide
Over 40 years of bear hunting experience in northern Maine. Bob knows where the bears are and how to get you on them.
Lodging at Camp
Comfortable accommodations at Wadleigh Mountain Camps, right in the heart of bear country.
Home-Cooked Meals
Three meals a day — hearty food to fuel long days and evenings in the woods.
Bait Sites
Established and maintained bait stations set on active bear trails and feeding areas well before the season opens.
Bear Dogs
For dog hunts, experienced bear hounds trained and conditioned during the July training season.
Field Care
Help with field dressing, skinning, and getting your bear taken care of after the hunt.
Plan Your Bear Hunt
Ready to hunt black bear in Maine? Have questions about methods, season dates, or what to expect? Give me a call or send a message — I get back to everyone.