directory/hunting
Hughley Guide Service
Onamia, MN
•4.6 (8 reviews)
•Hughley Guide Service has been guiding bear hunts since 1984, operating out of Isle, Minnesota on the east side of Lake Mille Lacs (hunting areas 45 and 51). The family-owned operation has harvested over 400 bears and maintains membership with the Minnesota Bear Guides Association. They run 5-day hu...
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Hughley Guide Service has been guiding bear hunts since 1984, operating out of Isle, Minnesota on the east side of Lake Mille Lacs (hunting areas 45 and 51). The family-owned operation has harvested over 400 bears and maintains membership with the Minnesota Bear Guides Association.
They run 5-day hunts from September 1-5 only. Hunts are over-bait operations—you'll hunt active bait sites from ground blinds, ladder stands, or portable tree stands. Archery, muzzle loader, shotgun, and rifle are all allowed (handguns are not). This isn't trophy hunting; it's about opportunity and putting yourself in front of active bears.
Pricing: $1,800 for the 5-day hunt - $200 non-refundable deposit to reserve - Final payment due August 31st at the required pre-hunt meeting - Includes supper every evening and nightly BBQ
Field processing is part of the package. They retrieve your bear from the woods and handle: - Skinning - Gutting and field dressing - Quartering - Meat cooling in a freezer truck - Prep for taxidermy
They can also refer you to custom meat cutters and taxidermists if needed.
| Step | Deadline | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | April 1 - May 4 | Apply for MN DNR bear permit lottery |
| 2 | Before hunt | Request waiver form, complete and return |
| 3 | By August 1 | Purchase bear hunting license |
| 4 | August 31, 6pm | Attend required pre-hunt meeting & BBQ (final payment due) |
| 5 | Before hunt | Book your own lodging (resorts listed below) |
| 6 | September 1-5 | Hunt days—guides assigned at meeting |
Second Lottery Alert: If you don't draw in the first lottery (deadline first Friday in May), a second lottery opens August 3rd. This fills fast—check the DNR website regularly.
West Side of Lake: - Rocky Reef Resort: (320) 532-3431 - Little White Fish Resort: (320) 692-4531 - Mille Lacs Kathio State Park (campground)
East Side of Lake (closer to hunts): - Appledorn's Resort: (320) 676-8834 - Hunter Windfield's Resort: (320) 676-9927 - Father Hennepin Park (campground)
Book early. Labor Day week availability is limited.
- •Not a trophy hunt. You can't predict Mother Nature. This is about hunting active bait sites with experienced guides.
- •Transportation is on you. You provide your own transport to and from your assigned bait each day.
- •Limited guides per season. They limit hunter numbers to maintain quality and high opportunity rates.
- •Guides have harvested bears. All guides have extensive experience both as hunters and as guides.
- •Attendance is mandatory. Everyone attends the August 31st 6pm pre-hunt meeting and BBQ.
Dave Hughley (Owner/Guide): (612) 390-7739 Josh Hughley (Owner/Guide): (320) 676-0290 or (320) 267-3585 Ruth Hughley (Business & Hunt Organizer) Tina Hughley (Business & Hunt Organizer)
They also note: This is dedicated to the memory of their son Jeff Hughley, a great bear guide.
Address: 35175 30th Ave, Isle, MN 56342 (hunt location) 90 minutes north of Minneapolis/St. Paul Hours: Monday-Sunday, 9am-9pm
Email: [email protected] Phone: (320) 267-3585 or (612) 390-7739