Maine Blackwater Outfitters

For residents of Maine and avid outdoors enthusiasts, the vast wilderness of the Pine Tree State offers unparalleled opportunities for hunting, fishing, and connecting with nature. Known for its expansive forests, abundant wildlife, and rugged beauty, Maine is a prime destination for those seeking a true outdoor adventure. In the remote yet captivating town of Masardis, Maine Blackwater Outfitters stands as a dedicated outfitter and lodging provider, specializing in guided hunting experiences and offering a comfortable base for exploring the North Woods. This article will provide a detailed overview of Maine Blackwater Outfitters, highlighting its unique offerings, accommodations, location, and why it is a suitable choice for locals and visitors alike seeking an authentic Maine outdoor experience.

Maine Blackwater Outfitters operates as a comprehensive hunting and outdoor adventure service rather than a traditional public campground. While they do offer lodging, their primary focus is on providing guided hunting trips for various game species, coupled with comfortable accommodations. This distinction is crucial for prospective visitors to understand, as it sets them apart from typical recreational campgrounds. They cater to hunters and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a structured, guided experience in Maine's prime hunting grounds. Their services are designed to maximize the chances of a successful hunt while providing a comfortable and knowledgeable environment.

The provided customer reviews offer a dual perspective on Maine Blackwater Outfitters. One review highlights "amazing" guides, their extensive knowledge of Maine black bears, and "nice clean cabins with TV and Internet." The positive feedback on "amazing food" and successful harvests underscores their expertise and the quality of their all-inclusive hunting packages. However, another review from a law enforcement officer raises significant concerns about professionalism, guide licensing issues, and animal treatment. This mixed feedback emphasizes the importance of direct communication with the outfitter to address specific questions and ensure expectations align before booking an experience, especially when involving minors.

Maine Blackwater Outfitters is located at 1670 Masardis Road, Masardis, ME 04732, USA. Masardis is a small town nestled in Aroostook County, often referred to as "The County," in the remote wilderness of Northern Maine. This region is renowned for its vast tracts of undeveloped forest, pristine lakes, and rivers, making it an ideal location for hunting, fishing, and outdoor pursuits away from populated areas.

While Masardis itself is a small, rural community, its location provides access to some of Maine's most productive hunting zones. The lodge and cabins are strategically positioned on the borders of hunting zones 5, 6, and 2, which are known for their moose and bear populations. The Masardis Road offers the primary access to the outfitter.

Accessibility to Masardis typically involves driving through more remote areas of Maine. While it might be a journey from Southern Maine's major cities like Portland or Bangor, the remote nature of the location is precisely what appeals to serious hunters and outdoor adventurers seeking untouched wilderness. The nearest larger towns might include Ashland or Presque Isle, which offer more extensive services like airports (e.g., Northern Maine Regional Airport in Presque Isle), larger grocery stores, and other amenities. For those flying in, arrangements for transportation from these regional hubs would likely be necessary. The very remoteness contributes to the quality of the hunting experience by ensuring abundant game and a truly wild environment.

Maine Blackwater Outfitters specializes in providing comprehensive, guided outdoor adventures, primarily focusing on hunting, but also offering other wilderness experiences. Their services are designed to be all-inclusive for hunting packages.

• Guided Hunting Trips: They offer guided hunts for several big game and small game species in Maine, including:
  • Maine Black Bear Hunting (over bait and with hounds): This is a prominent offering, with packages often including 5 days of hunting and 6 nights of lodging.
  • Maine Moose Hunting: Offered by permit only, with packages often including lodging and meals.
  • Maine Coyote Hunting: Available over active baits from heated box blinds or chased with dogs.
  • Maine Rabbit (Snowshoe Hare) Hunting: Available with their hounds or clients' own hounds.
• Lodging: They provide comfortable accommodations in recently renovated log cabins. Each cabin is equipped with 4 or 5 beds, its own bathroom, kitchen, Direct TV, and broadband internet.
• Meals: Hunting packages typically include meals, often described as "amazing food" that leads to gaining "5 lbs." This implies hearty, home-cooked meals suitable for hungry hunters.
• Guide Services: Professional guides with extensive knowledge of the Maine woods and local game populations accompany hunters, assisting with tracking, baiting, setting up stands, and field dressing. One review mentions "Dickey, Cole, Josh" as "amazing" and knowledgeable guides.
• Meat Processing: Services like quartering meat are provided, making it ready for transport or further processing by a butcher or taxidermist.
• Snowmobiling Trips & Rentals: In addition to hunting, they offer snowmobiling trips and provide a warm and comfortable camp lodge for snowmobilers in "The County," with access to over 2300 miles of groomed trails.

Maine Blackwater Outfitters offers several key features and highlights that draw outdoor enthusiasts and hunters to their establishment:

• Expertise in Maine Hunting: With over 30 years in business (according to a review), the outfitter, particularly "Dickey," boasts extensive knowledge and experience in hunting Maine black bear and other game, contributing to high success rates.
• All-Inclusive Hunting Packages: The packages typically include lodging, meals, and professional guide services, providing a comprehensive and convenient experience for hunters.
• Clean and Comfortable Cabin Accommodations: The recently renovated log cabins are a significant highlight, featuring private bathrooms, kitchens, satellite TV, and internet, offering a comfortable retreat after a day in the woods. Reviewers praise the cabins as "very clean."
• Delicious Home-Cooked Meals: The "amazing food" is frequently mentioned, contributing to a satisfying and enjoyable stay for guests.
• Variety of Game Species: The outfitter offers hunts for multiple species, including bear, moose, coyote, and rabbit, catering to different hunting interests.
• Option for Hound Hunts: For bear and rabbit hunting, they offer exciting hound hunts, which are highly regarded for their intensity and selectivity.
• Prime Location for Game: Situated on the borders of major hunting zones (5, 6, and 2), the outfitter has access to abundant wildlife, enhancing the hunting success rate.
• Snowmobiling Opportunities: During the winter, the location serves as an excellent base for snowmobiling, with access to a vast network of groomed trails in Aroostook County.
• Personalized Attention: Being a smaller operation, there's a potential for more personalized service, allowing guides to focus on small groups of hunters.

It is important to note the critical review that mentions concerns such as "extreme amount" of cursing, vehicles smelling of marijuana, a guide driving over 80 mph with a child in the car, and issues with guide licenses and animal treatment. Prospective visitors, particularly those planning to bring children or who have specific expectations regarding professionalism and safety, are strongly advised to discuss these types of concerns directly with the outfitter prior to booking to ensure all aspects of the trip align with their preferences and standards.

For Maine locals and out-of-state visitors interested in booking a hunting trip or learning more about the outdoor opportunities at Maine Blackwater Outfitters, direct contact is essential.

Address: 1670 Masardis Road, Masardis, ME 04732, USA

Phone: (207) 540-4101

Mobile Phone: +1 207-540-4101

It is highly recommended to call the outfitter directly to discuss specific hunting packages, available dates, pricing, and any questions regarding accommodations or trip details. Given the nature of guided hunting trips, direct communication allows for clarification of expectations and ensures that the experience is tailored to your needs. Inquiries about guide licensing and safety protocols, especially in light of the critical review, should also be addressed during this initial contact.

For Maine locals with a passion for hunting and outdoor adventure, Maine Blackwater Outfitters in Masardis offers a specialized and often highly successful experience in the heart of the state's prime wilderness. Its suitability stems from its deep expertise in local game, comprehensive packages, and a commitment to providing a true Maine outdoor escape.

The outfitter's long-standing presence and the extensive knowledge of its guides, particularly in black bear hunting, make it an attractive option for those seeking a guided and productive hunt. The all-inclusive nature of their packages, which typically cover comfortable lodge accommodations, hearty meals, and expert guiding, simplifies the planning process for hunters. This means less time worrying about logistics and more time focusing on the thrill of the hunt and the beauty of the Maine woods.

While the critical review highlights areas for potential concern regarding professionalism and safety, the numerous positive testimonials about successful hunts, clean cabins, and good food demonstrate that many clients have highly satisfying experiences. For discerning Maine residents who prioritize a guided hunting adventure and are prepared to engage directly with the outfitter to ensure their comfort with all aspects of the trip, Maine Blackwater Outfitters provides a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the state's rich hunting tradition and wild landscapes. The added bonus of snowmobiling opportunities further diversifies its appeal for local outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year.

Maine Blackwater Outfitters

1670 Masardis Road, Masardis, ME 04732, USA