Oxbow Maine Bear Outfitting?

[SOLDIERII]

Anyone hunt with Oxbow? Been looking around for a bear hunt. Thanks Mark

[Bill Carlsen]

Mark: Be sure that they welcome trad bowhunters. Also, ask about stands and if you will be put on one stand for the whole week or if you will be able to change if your bait becomes inactive or is being used by a sow and cubs. Also ask when they start baiting. They can begin Aug.1, but many wait until a few days before hunting begins. Also, find out how many bait sites are available and how far apart hunters will be placed. You don't want to be within a mile or so of another active bait. I don't know about Oxbow, per se, but have heard horror stories about how trad bowhunters are treated by some. Get references, if  you can, from the outfitter from other trad bowhunters who have been with them.

[David Mitchell]

I agree with Bill.  I hunted with Eldon Jandreau--Hunters Point Guide Service--five trips, great outfitter.  At a local laundramat I met a guy and his son who were hunting with another "outfitter" in the area and he was steamed.  When taken to his stand, his "bait" consisted of a few apples.  The guy was buying Twinkies to bait his stand and he was not allowed to move--"This is your stand for the week."  

By contrast, Eldon had over 100 baits out all over the country that had been baited from the first day he could bait--every hunter is assured an active bait, and if things changed, or you just wanted to move, no argument at all.  Besides, Eldon is a dyed-in-the-wool traditional longbow hunter and loves having trad folks in camp.  He knows the needs we have.