Northern Guide Services

Wayne Derby operates Northern Guide Services out of New Hampshire's North Country, offering guided hunts and fishing expeditions across the region's most productive waters and hunting grounds. Since 1993, he's built his reputation on one core principle: personalized service with groups of no more than four hunters at a time—and he's the guide on every trip. No subcontracting. No rotating staff.

Wayne is New Hampshire's state champion moose caller, and it shows in his results. He uses calling exclusively to take moose, often harvesting trophy animals in the 50+ inch spread category.

Moose hunting with Wayne differs from typical outfitter experiences. When a bull responds to the cow calls, you hear him coming—his grunts can carry over a mile. You'll hear him crashing through the woods, snapping saplings, barging through blowdowns as he thinks he's approaching a cow in heat. This is the most exciting way to hunt moose, but it also gives Wayne control over where the animal ends up, making the packout significantly easier than hunting moose where they naturally stand.

Wayne offers both fully guided moose hunts and semi-guided hunts with scouting reports to match your preferred style. Pre-season scouting days are as long and rigorous as hunt season days. Fair warning: moose hunting in mountainous northern New Hampshire terrain is physically demanding. Get in shape.

Moose Hunt Rates: - Archery: $475/person/day - Firearm: $450/person/day - Minimum 2 days

87% of animals Wayne has harvested since 1993 came via bow. He takes bowhunters seriously.

Every archery stand includes: - Baby Grand Summit strap-on ladder stand - Gorilla hanging bow holder - Buck Wing umbrella - Safety harness (required)

Some sites feature buddy stands for parent-child hunts. New Hampshire archery season for deer runs September 15–December 15, though you can bowhunt legal game during any open season.

Archery Hunt Rates: - Deer or Bear over bait: $450/person/day - Turkey fall archery: $425/person/day - Moose archery: $475/person/day - Minimum 2 days

Wayne has hunted turkeys in the North Country since 1995. He calls it the most addictive form of hunting—the adrenaline from calling in a tom is unmatched. New Hampshire's turkey flock is healthy and expanding; birds are becoming easier to locate each year. That said, a turkey's eyesight and hearing are extraordinary. The slightest unnatural movement or sound sends them the other way. Wayne uses decoys, patterns birds like dominant whitetails, and works as hard and long as necessary to achieve success.

Turkey Hunt Rates: - Spring firearm: $450/person/day - Fall archery: $425/person/day

New Hampshire's long deer season offers multiple tactical approaches: - Early archery season: Focus on natural travel corridors, funnels, staging areas, and food sources with natural baiting available - Pre-rut: Combine scents, calling, and rattling to attract bucks - Rut: Concentrate on doe bedding areas - Post-rut: Return to calling, rattling, and scent tactics as buck activity slows

Deer Hunt Rates: - Archery/over bait: $450/person/day - Firearm hunts: $425/person/day

Wayne offers multiple bear hunting approaches:

• •Baiting & Natural Food Sites (archery/pistol): Close-range, fast action from elevated Baby Grand tree stands in heavily wooded areas. High-danger, limited-weaponry hunting. You'll likely see other species—deer, coyote, fox, turkey, partridge—any of which may be legal depending on season.

• •Calling Bear: Ground hunting while calling predators is genuinely dangerous. The bear is hunting you as a food source while you hunt it. Bears often approach silently on padded feet, though some come in boldly, crashing through brush. You must stay alert and tuned to the woods. Other predators respond too—fisher cats, hawks, even bobcats have approached Wayne's calling setups.

• •Additional Methods: Travel corridors, funnel areas, natural feeding areas, spot-and-stalk, still hunting.

Bear Hunt Rates: - Archery/over bait: $450/person/day - Firearm hunts: $425/person/day

Similar danger level to bear calling. Winter is prime time as food scarcity brings predators in aggressively. Coyotes and foxes often come in boldly; other meat-eaters will respond to the call. You're essentially a competitor for the meal.

• •Connecticut River & Tributaries: Under-utilized fisheries stretching from northern headwaters (gravel riffles, boulder runs, dark pools) through the upper valley (wide slides, deep pools, gentle flow). Home to walleye pike, smallmouth bass, and trophy northern pike (40+ inches). Outstanding warm-water fisheries with gentle rolling farmland vistas. You'll see bald eagles, deer, moose, bear, mink, otter, and waterfowl.

• •Androscoggin River: Younger, faster, drops quickly in elevation. Multiple freestone sections support three trout species and landlocked salmon. Cold-water fishery with potential for the New Hampshire salmonid grand slam (brown, rainbow, brook trout, and landlocked salmon).

Drift Boat Rates: - Full day: $475 - Wildlife/birding/scenic drifts: $325

Access reaches inaccessible river sections, resulting in less pressure and wilder, less spooked fish. All trips include fly and lure selection, tailored instruction, and scenic opportunities.

Wayne takes wading anglers to high-pressure areas where others don't venture—fast mountain streams with minimal fishing pressure. The fish act naturally, offering higher-quality experiences than heavily stocked roadside rivers. Wildlife encounters are common: mink, otter, mother bears foraging with cubs, beaver.

• •Stream & Pond Rate: $475 full day

• •Wildlife/Scenic Photography: $475/person/day
• •Tree & Plant Identification: $525 per 5 people/day
• •Edible & Medicinal Plants: $525 one-day OR $275/person 3-day course
• •Leave No Trace Environmental Ethics: $1,525/person (7-day course, 5-9 people)
• •Wilderness Education Association Philosophies: $1,875/person (10-day course, 5-9 people)
• •Predator-Prey Relations: $525/person/day
• •Private Moose Tours: $350/vehicle (up to 4 people)
• •Day Hikes & Nature Walks: $475 half-day / $750 full day
• •Backpacking Trips: $750/day (up to 8 people) OR $1,675/day (9-15 people)
• •Speaking Engagements & Lectures: $225/hour
• •Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoe Excursions: Priced same as hiking

• •For Hunting: Camouflage clothes, orange vest (optional), waterproof outerwear, waterproof boots and socks. Synthetic layers wick moisture away. Weapons: bow (40 lb minimum, 60 lb for moose), muzzleloader (.45 caliber minimum), rifle (.308 or 30-06 minimum, .308+ recommended for moose). Soft-point premium ammunition—Nosler Partition preferred; no full metal jacket. Pack compass, map, matches, watch, flashlight, lighter, water, camera.

• •For Fishing: Rod recommendations vary by method (8-9' fly rod for 5-7 weight line; 6-7' spinning rod with 6-10 lb line). Equipment rental available ($25/person/day). Waders optional (felt soles only, no cleats). Chest waders or hip boots. Bring layers—New England weather changes radically in minutes. Polarized glasses, hat, insect repellent, sunscreen. No alcohol on trips per state law.

• •For Hiking: Long pants (wool or synthetic), hiking boots, sweater or pile jacket, wool shirt, rain parka, map, compass, flashlight, first aid kit, water, food, extra socks, light tarp. Add sleeping bag, tent, stove, fuel for overnight trips. Winter trips require extra warm clothing, balaclava, insulated boots, overmitts, snowshoes.

• •Reservation Deposits: 50% due within 7 days to hold dates. Balance due 30 days prior. No-show charged at full rate. Credit cards (Visa/MasterCard), personal checks, cash, money orders accepted.

• •Cancellations: Deposit non-refundable unless Wayne fills dates with another party (may apply toward future excursion). If Wayne cancels due to weather or unforeseeable situations, rebooks at mutually convenient time. Hiking/backpacking trips may be delayed by weather but must be completed as scheduled once underway—no refunds.

• •Meals: Add $20/person if meal provided.

• •Transportation: $0.80 per mile for speaking engagements, day hikes, backpacking trips, and landscape design services.

• •Licensing: All persons 16+ must purchase New Hampshire fishing license (outlets listed on NH Fish & Game website).

Wayne Derby: "In all of my hunts I prefer to work with one or two hunters. I can at times accommodate up to four. My strive to give very personalized service. I don't hire other guides; I'm the only person with whom you will be working. That is my trade mark and specialty."