During the last full week of September and the second full week of October, hunters who have been lucky enough to win a Maine moose permit get their chance for a freezer full of meat. Moose hunting is a matter of logistics. Some hunters choose to ride the road until they find one of these brutes standing in or close to the road, in my opinion not much fun but it works. Others choose to hunt the old fashioned way, by canoe. This can be a pleasurable experience right up until the moose lies on the ground, all 1,000 lbs of him. Now comes a lot of hard work for everyone.

Maine moose season is by permit only. Go on line to www.state.me.us/ifw/

The Maine moose drawing was yesterday, June 18, 2011.  Three of our past guests got drawn for our area and have made reservations already.  We will be glad to see them again.  I have been thinking of some spots they will want to check.  It's a little early to be tying them up but I hope to have several bulls located before the September hunt.

I have been guiding Maine moose hunters for the past 25 years and I get a real kick out of having my hunter get a nice bull.  Regina and I have lived in the woods in either Zone 1 or Zone 5 for all those years and we are here all year-round.  Most of my guiding has been in either Zone 1 or 4 but I have guided moose hunting parties in Zones 2 and 5 also.  In those 25 years I have had two parties who did not get their moose.  They both had opportunities but elected to pass and that is alright by me. I have covered a lot of ground in that time and I look forward to covering a lot more, but I have to admit, I am slowing down.  Time has a way of doing that

Regina did not get drawn again this year so she will be doing the cooking as usual.  Two years ago I drew a cow permit; she was excellent eating.   I was hoping Regina would get drawn this year but no such luck.

If you were lucky enough to get drawn for Zones 1, 2, 4 or 5, you will likely be getting a letter from us.  If you don't get one, you can read below.

   
                                           MAINE MOOSE HUNTING FROM McNALLY'S CAMPS

Greetings to all you lucky September, October and November Maine moose hunters. 

McNally’s Camps are located on Chemquasabamticook Stream (Ross Stream) in T-12, R-13, 8 miles Northeast of Clayton Lake (DeLorme Atlas, Map 61).  The camps are in Zone 1, however, we are only 10 miles from Zone 4 and 20 miles from Zones 2 and 5 so we can serve hunters who have drawn any of these zones during the moose hunt.

We have five guests’ cabins capable of accommodating from 2 to 4 people.  All the camps have full bathrooms for your convenience.  The camps can be reached by 2-wheel drive vehicle, yet are located in the middle of some of the best moose hunting in the state.  Though we do not send out fancy DVD’s about our moose hunt and simply send this one page information letter, over the years McNally’s has experienced 80% to 100% success rate overall..  We feel a DVD would not improve our percentage.  In 2009 we had 100% success;  last year (2010) we had two groups that had to leave early in the week, leaving without their moose, giving us 80% success. 

On arriving at McNally’s, we will work with you on a plan for how and where to hunt.  Be sure to have a moose call and know how to use it.  Once you have your moose down we can be of help if needed.  We have ropes, snatch blocks, chain saws, chain saw winches, four wheel drives and trailers.  While we do charge for this service, we try to keep our prices reasonable.  When you get your moose out, we can arrange for butchering in Millinocket or Greenville, or you can haul it home whole packed in ice. 

While you may get your moose 10 minutes into the season, it is more likely to take a few days so you should plan on staying for at least a few days.  Your cabin will be available to you for the entire moose hunt, including the Sunday before the hunt begins.   September equals trout fishing.  October is grouse hunting.  Both can be quite good near camp.   If you get your moose early, you may want to do a little fishing or bird hunting. 

Meals are served family-style in the main lodge.  During moose season we have breakfast early so you can be out for first light.  Bag lunches are packed for you and dinner is well after dark.  The rate is $110/day per person plus tax ($117.70 per day/per person).  There is a 4-day minimum stay during moose season.   Guide service is available with advance notice.

We are happy to accommodate special dietary needs or preferences if we have advance notice prior to your stay.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 254-241-1704 (satellite phone) or e-mail us at   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it     These camps fill up fast so if you are interested, we suggest you get in touch as soon as possible. 

 

Thank you for considering us,

John Richardson & Regina Webster, Owners & Operators