Bear Hunting with Hounds in the North Maine Woods

If you want a fast-paced, adrenaline-filled bear hunt, nothing compares to running hounds in the Northwoods.

Set deep in the remote wilderness of the North Maine Woods, this hunt is built for hunters who want to be in the action - cutting fresh tracks at daylight, listening to the race unfold, and closing the distance on a mature black bear.

This isn’t a passive sit. It’s an active, boots-on-the-ground hunt led by experienced guides, a seasoned houndsman, and a pack of well-trained hounds that know how to get the job done.

Each morning starts early, with your guide and crew already scouting and checking trail cameras to locate the right bear. The focus is on mature boars - smart, pressured bears that have made it through previous seasons. When a track is cut, the hounds are released, and the race begins. From there, it’s a true team effort - working terrain, staying on the dogs, and getting you into position for a shot.

Once your bear is harvested, your guide will immediately begin recovery. Depending on location and conditions, your bear will either be packed out whole or quartered and cared for on-site to preserve both meat and hide. Trophy care and cold storage ensure your harvest is handled right from the start.

This hunt is intense, exciting, and incredibly rewarding. It’s also one of the most effective ways to target mature black bears in big country.