Maine Guided Hunts

Steve Beckwith runs Maine Guided Hunts as a Master Licensed Registered Maine Hunting Guide. His credentials include hunting alongside legendary trackers like Lane Benoit from Vermont, learning big buck tracking and turkey calling techniques that shape how his guide service operates today.

All deer hunts run in District 20 (York County, Southern Maine) with a maximum of 2-4 hunters per week. The operation uses tree stands, tree seat stands, and ground blinds positioned on known game trails.

Semi-Guided Deer Hunts: - 3-day hunt: $850 (3 nights lodging) | $250 deposit - 5-day hunt: $1,250 (6 nights lodging) | $450 deposit - Morning and afternoon stand rotations provided

• •Fully-Guided Apprentice Hunts (one-on-one instruction):
• •3-day apprentice: $1,200 | $450 deposit
• •5-day apprentice: $1,900 | $800 deposit
• •Age 18+, beginners welcome

• •Youth Day Hunts: One parent/guardian + youth, morning/afternoon/all-day options from $500-$850, includes overnight lodging for two.

Season Dates (2026): - Regular Archery: Oct 3-30 - Firearms: Nov 2-28 - Muzzleloader: Nov 30-Dec 5 (specific dates)

Bear hunting runs over bait in Athens, Maine (20 minutes north of Skowhegan) through partnership with Cedar Mill Farm & Cabins. The operation pre-baits sites 30 days before the season, clears brush, grooms shooting lanes, and places digital cameras on every location.

Semi-Guided Bear Over Bait: - 5-day hunt: $1,500 | $300 deposit - Week #1: Aug 30-Sept 5 - Week #2: Sept 6-12 - Ground blinds with chairs for left/right-handed shooters - Supports bow, crossbow, handgun, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader

• •Bear Trapping: $1,500/week for licensed trappers (Sept 1-Oct 31)

• •Dual Hunt & Trap: $2,500/week (hunt one bear by day, trap one by night)

• •Apprentice Trapping: $600 for first 3 days + $200/day thereafter (guide required at all times)

Cabin costs at Cedar Mill Farm: $32/person/night (rustic, gas heat, outdoor privy, hot showers at main lodge)

Fully guided spring and fall turkey hunts with all-day/half-day morning options. Maine allows 2 bearded birds in spring, 5 birds (either sex) in fall on a $20 permit.

Spring Turkey (1/2-day morning hunts): - 1 day: $650 | 1 night lodging - 2 consecutive days: $750 | 2 nights lodging - 3 consecutive days: $950 | 3 nights lodging - $200 deposit required

• •Spring Cast & Blast (Turkey + Lake Trolling): 5 days/6 nights, max 2 people, $1,950 each | $500 deposit

Fall Turkey (Sept 18-Nov 7): - 1 all-day hunt: $600 | 1 night lodging - 2 consecutive 1/2-day hunts: $750 | 2 nights lodging - 3 consecutive 1/2-day hunts: $950 | 3 nights lodging - $200 deposit required

Hunting hours: sunrise to 1 hour before sunset; guided hunts typically sunrise to noon-1 PM.

Moose hunts available by zone during regular Maine moose season (specific dates available on website).

Located at 37 Depot Road, Lebanon, Maine (by appointment only). New facility (opened 2021) includes: - Bunk room with single and double/queen beds - Efficiency kitchen (refrigerator, microwave, countertop oven, hot plate) - Full shower and bathroom - Lounging area with TV - Lodging included FREE with all hunt packages - Clients provide: food, bedding/sleeping bags, pillows, towels

All hunters must provide proof of: - Valid Maine Big Game Hunting License (firearm or archery) - Completed hunter safety or archery safety course (or previous license, or apprentice license) - All required permits and tags

The operation checks all licenses and permits before hunts begin. Hunters responsible for purchasing all licenses online through Maine IF&W.

• •Field dressing assistance
• •Deer/game extraction from woods
• •Help getting to tagging stations
• •Pre-season scouting (year-round for turkey)
• •Stand/blind preparation and maintenance
• •Digital camera monitoring of bait sites (bear hunts)
• •Guidance through processing (additional fee for hands-on instruction)

What's NOT Included: - Licenses and permits (hunters' responsibility) - Meals (except lodging accommodation) - Tip (20% guide/cabin tips suggested)

• •Non-refundable deposit required at booking
• •Full payment due in cash upon arrival (no checks or credit cards accepted for final payment)
• •Cancellations for medical reasons may receive future hunt credit
• •Contact before purchasing to confirm availability

Steve Beckwith also operates: - MaineHuntersTV.com (hunting videos/content) - Steve's Guided Fishing Trips (fishing outfitting) - Attic Lodge Outdoor Learning Center - Guide classes, Map & Compass, GPS, orienteering courses, and the 3-day Maine Guides School - Live bird cams on website