To all of our repeat and new clients

I, Frank Perkowsky owner of Bear Lane Guide service have decided to not attend any outdoor shows this year. I am focused on my repeat clients and gaining new clients through my website. I am focused on the quality hunters we have per week and not the quantity. We have bait hunting availability for weeks two (Sept 5th) and three (Sept 12th). All hound hunting is booked for this year.

I was not planning on guiding this year because of the passing of my wife Becky back in November.  However with the support of my repeat customers, friends, and family I have decided to continue guiding this year. Becky was the backbone of Bear Lane Guide Service. Little does everyone know how many tasks she took care of behind the scenes. We will take our best step forward and continue on in 2022.

About Your Hunt

Bear Lane Guide Service specializes in Maine Fall Bear Hunts. The Maine Master Guide Service is based on commitment to quality hunts and personalized service. The number of hunters per week is limited to insure you a great hunting experience. Hunting takes place in the “Down East” section of Washington County Maine. The area is made up of blueberry barrens, spruce, pine, fir forest, (thick) hardwoods, lakes, rivers, streams and swamps. The season normally starts the last Monday in August through the third week in September. Hunting will be in the afternoon unless you are dog hunting.

Bear Hunting Stands

Stands consist of 12 to 14 foot ladders and portable tree stands. If you don’t want to hunt from a tree stand, let me know in advance. A ground blind will be built for you. Tree stands are located 10 to 20 yards from the baits for bow and handgun hunters. (This is an up close and personal hunt.) Stands are 20 to 40 yards for rifle and muzzle loader hunters.

Bear Hunt with Hounds

The hunt starts early in the morning, so be prepared to do a lot of walking if necessary. The shot might be a bear laid up in the jack fur thicket or running across an old skid road. Iron sights are preferred or see-through mounts on scopes. (Limited to 3 hunters/week)

Bear Hunting Bait Sites

Bait sites are checked and refilled daily. Baits are guaranteed to be active to give you maximum opportunity to harvest a bear. If you see a sow with cubs more than once you will be moved to another site. We have numerous bait sites spread over a vast area to ensure you another bait if needed. The average bear weight is about 130 pounds, but 200, 300, 400 and even 500+ have been taken in this area.

Bear Hunting Prices

You must have a hunting license from the previous year or Hunter Education Certificate. You must obtain a Bear Hunt Permit with your license to hunt during the fall bear season.

The cost of the bear hunt is $2,500.00 for bait hunt and $3,000.00 for bear hunt with hounds, license not included. Included in the price is: meals, lodging, transportation to and from the stands, skinning and tree stands. $1,000.00 non-refundable deposit is required. The balance is due in cash upon arrival. Once your deposit is received a list of items you need to bring and directions to the cabins will be sent to you. If you have any other questions, please feel free to call.

What is your success ratio?

Everyone asks and here is my answer. It's all about the weather and the hunter. The weather we can't do anything about, however the hunter we can . All of the bait sites have camera's on them and we know what is coming in at what time. If a hunter goes in and sees nothing it is most likely the hunters new scent on the bait. It may take a day or two for the bear to get comfortable with the hunter's new scent. The other variable that you as the hunter has control over is movement and noise in the stand or ground blind. It is crucial to listen to the guide. You don't need a back pack full of snacks and unnecessary items. The noise and movement will ruin the bait site. 

In the end the hunter's that listen and take advice from their guide are the most successful ones. As far as the numbers game that everyone wants to know: sightings run 70%. Some weeks it could be 100% and others 20% depending on the weather, natural food supply available and temperature. Harvest rate is 50% on average. This directly correlates to the hunter being patient and how good of a shot they have under black bear adrenaline.

2023 Dates: Week 1: Aug 28th - Sept 1  (bait only)

           Week 2: Sept 4th - Sept 8 (bait only)

           Week 3: Sept 11th - Sept 15 (bait and hound week)

           Week 4: Sept 18th - Sept 22 (bait and hound week)