Maine Experience Guide Service

Maine Experience Guide Service, run by Captain Jay Farris, specializes in guided waterfowl hunting across Maine. The operation focuses heavily on Maine saltwater black duck hunts—a specialty that checks off a required species for hunters pursuing the North American 41 waterfowl slam.

Black ducks flock by the hundreds to Maine's coastal bays and saltwater marshes from late November through December when inland waters freeze. According to Ducks Unlimited, Maine and Nova Scotia have the highest breeding densities of American black ducks. The saltwater environment produces noticeably larger and darker birds than inland populations, likely due to the specialized invertebrate diet and lack of mallard competition in salt marshes.

• •Black Duck & Sea Diver Hunts (November–December)
• •Hunts on tidal water ledges at first light
• •Modern decoy spreads with up-to-date equipment
• •Guides position you for low-flying incoming birds
• •Retrievers ready for the work
• •Black duck limit: 2 per hunter
• •Diver ducks can be taken simultaneously

• •Mallard & Wood Duck Hunts (October–December)
• •Hunts backwoods bogs, meadows, lakes, and rivers
• •Guided from modern blinds over decoy spreads
• •Guides call (or you're welcome to) as ducks come in fast or cupped up

• •Canadian Goose Hunts (September)
• •Large agricultural field hunts in Maine
• •September limit: 8 geese per hunter
• •Mix of resident and migratory geese
• •Modern blinds and well-maintained decoy spreads
• •Guides focus on calling birds to the X

American Plan includes: 3 days guided hunting, 3 nights lodging, fresh continental breakfast, lunch with hot homemade soup or chowder and dessert, transportation, bird cleaning, and taxidermy prep (taxidermy at extra charge).

Goose hunts require: Maine 3-day small game license ($50), Maine waterfowl endorsement ($7.50), and Federal duck stamp.

Testimonials emphasize Captain Jay's knowledge of Maine waters, commitment to hunter safety even in severe weather, and ability to position hunters on productive birds. He communicates well before and during trips, goes the extra mile, and makes hunts enjoyable without compromising safety.

• •Contact: Call or text Captain Jay at 207-215-3828 to book your Maine waterfowl hunt.