[Aces'nEights]

Going to take a grouse/woodcock trip to Me. this fall, solo (unless things change, usual pard can't make it).
I've never been and would like any input from those of you who have.....lots of questions so I'll number them for some clarity.

1. Where can I get my pup into good numbers of birds that I can then miss and cuss at? Don't mind driving to Allagash area, but if I don't have to go that far even better.
2. Looking for a reasonable cabin rental w/ preferably indoor crapper and shower....tv a bonus but not necessary.
3. Seems like the last 2 weeks of October are about right?
4. Any and all info you guys could share from experiences would be great.

It's a long trip and I'm doing a lot of internet research, etc. but there's no substitute for experience. Thanks.

 

[PossumBackstrap]

I stayed here with a group of guys http://wildernessescape.com. It was ok, birds were plentiful, but I have also heard good things about http://bulldogcamp.com

I have a lot of advice on where birds are within a given cover, hard to explain without a ton of typing, maybe I'll try to draw a quick sketch.

 

[twistedoak]

make sure its dog friendly
not all are

 

[Vonfoust]

http://www.huntingpa.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=4074137&page=1

Might be worth a PM.

 

[Aces'nEights]

Thanks both.......pm sent to Josh.

 

[KLL]

If you are considering a DIY type hunt Maine is a great place to go. I have stayed in the Jackman area, Greenville area, Island Falls area, Northwoods area and eventually built a camp near-ish to Danforth. Land access in Maine is a bit different than what is common for Pennsylvania. See here for an idea http://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1174&context=mpr
If you are looking to the Moosehead lake region consider hunting Plum Creek (now Weyerhauser land) http://www.wy.com/download_file/31765/ Rentals in Greenville are pricey but Kokadjo is more reasonable. http://www.kokadjo.com/
If you are considering the Allagash look here for links to land and cabins http://www.northmainewoods.org/aboutus/whatisnmw.html
Google will be your friend to research the Jackman area.

If you know what good cover looks like you will have an easy time hunting Maine.

Best of luck.

 

[Aces'nEights]

Thanks KLL! DIY is exactly what I'm looking for. Good info, much appreciated!

Weird, of the two places around Kokadjo I found, neither allows dogs! I'd think places would be willing to accommodate dogs in bird country.

 

[Aces'nEights]

Thanks....Bulldog looks nice........dog friendly. W.E. a little pricier......going solo so I'm paying for the 2 person minimum most places I guess......

 

[Aces'nEights]

Thanks everyone for the help.........landed on Sky Lodge Cabins in Jackman......look very nice and reasonably priced.

 

[tdd]

Keep us posted on how this turns out. A buddy of mine is up in Maine, and he's been telling me to bring my dog up to hunt grouse with him some fall. I have a new pup coming soon, so it won't be this fall (2016), but I'm thinking of going next fall (2017) with both dogs.

I won't need to find lodging, as I'll be able to stay with him, but I'm curious how this trip turns out, just for reference. I'm also trying to think through how I make a 10-12 hour drive with two knuckleheads in the truck with me, lol.

 

[Aces'nEights]

If I had a buddy and free lodging in Me. I'd have already been tdd, I'd be a nusiance,lol.......Will do.

As for the drive, lots of stops.

 

[tdd]

He's been mentioning it to me for a bit now, but I'm so much of a deer hunter that it's tough for me to give up my yearly out of state deer hunt in exchange for a bird hunt, lol. (I wouldn't be able to take two hunting trips in one year...both work and wife would kill me, lol)

I do want to do a trip up there for grouse, though. I think by fall 2017 my new pup will be about ready....he comes home on Saturday, and we will start up with hunt training late in the summer, most likely. I'll work with him through the year, and I would think he'll be ready by the following fall, unless something real unexpected happens.

 

[bwire]

I've been following this thread and I just booked a trip to the Jackman area for the 2nd week in October. Just me and two out of my three dogs. Nittany will be 12 this fall and I don't push him too hard any longer. I'll be using the bulldog lodge.

 

[Aces'nEights]

Good deal, Bwire.....I chose a little later in hopes the leaves will be down, but will likely miss some woodcock you'll have a crack at. Good luck and let me know how you do. Bulldog looked like a nice place too.

 

[bob kudile]

look into bosebuck mountain camps. located near the rangley region.

 

[Aces'nEights]

Thanks...I did but Sky Lodge had kitchens in the cabins. I really liked the idea of a less "structured" agenda made possible by cooking for myself.

 

[bwire]

Sure thing, Aces. My work schedule changed and I have that week off in October so I didn't have much of a choice in when to go. Good luck on your adventure!

 

[Aces'nEights]

Thanks man.....good luck on yours as well.

 

[jimbridger]

I am pretty sure the cabins on first Roach pond in Kokadjo allows dogs. Never stayed there but met some guys that did and they had hounds.
If everything works out I will spend the month of October in a tent camp in that area once again this year. Waugh!