Mainely Hunting and Fishing Guides

Mainely Hunting and Fishing Guides operates out of Bradford with owner Josh Hatley—a North Carolina native, Air Force veteran (AMMO troop), and certified hunting instructor who's hunted and fished across North America and beyond. His operation focuses on guided black bear hunts and smallmouth bass fishing on Maine's best waters.

The signature offering is a 6-day/7-night guided bear hunt for $1,800 (lodging and transportation included, meals separate). Hunts run during Maine's prime baiting season—typically late August through mid-September. Hatley pre-baits sites four weeks before season opens to ensure active stands. You'll hunt from portable ladder stands 12-14 feet high (shots 12-20 yards) or ground blinds for longer range work. Sites are re-baited daily, and you're encouraged to move after two days without a kill to maximize odds.

Maine has the largest black bear population in the Northeast

Hunts take place in the Greenbush, Howland, and Old Town areas. Lodging is at Passadumkeag Point Campground. Legal equipment includes rifle, handguns, muzzleloader, shotgun with slugs, bow (35 lbs minimum draw), or crossbow (100 lbs minimum draw).

Trips on the Penobscot River and surrounding lakes run May 1-August 20. Three daily departures (7:30 am, 12:30 pm, 5:30 pm) fit vacation schedules. Rates: $400 full day, $200 for any 4-hour half day (up to 2 people). The guarantee: catch fish or the trip is on us.

Average anglers land around 30 fish per day, ranging 1-4 lbs. Pick-up/drop-off at your lodging or boat ramp. Full-day trips include lunch, bottled water, snacks, and ice. Minimum age 10.

Hatley handles mammal mounts, bird work, fish taxidermy, and specialty pieces like bear rugs and euro mounts. He's partnered with local Amish processing to offer game prep:

Game is dropped at Mainely Taxidermy, weighed, cooled in a walk-in, then transported to the processing facility. You're notified when your finished product is ready.

Hatley served 6 years in the Air Force and earned the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Archery Instructor of the Year award (2007). He's a Registered Maine Hunting/Fishing Guide with certifications in Hunter Education, Muzzleloader, and Archery instruction. His experience spans North Carolina, Alaska, Idaho, Texas, Washington, Florida, South Carolina, Virginia, South Korea, and Guam—including a 2021 South African hunting safari.