Kayak Trips

Master Maine Hunting Guide

Moose Hunts All Inclusive $3500.00

Moose hunting in Maine is by permit only, done through a state run draw system. If you are interested in drawing a permit for the Maine Moose Hunt, please contact Dave.

Modern day moose hunting in Maine began in 1980. The state skipped a year to work out some bugs in the system and it has run consecutively since 1982. Dave is the only guide in Maine that has guided in every moose hunt from 1980 to today. He is on his way to be the first guide in modern history to successfully complete 100 moose harvests for his clients. No other outfitter in Maine can say this.

Dave guided his first hunt in 1980. He personally killed his first Maine moose in 1982 by the use of calling during the Maine moose hunt. He learned the art of calling from his Great-grandfather who was a successful market hunter in Maine when it use to be legal. Dave since that time has been a student of moose language, first studying under the late Marion Pepin of Buck Expert Research Center and then on his own through Buck Expert Research Center. Dave has since cataloged 29 sounds that moose make to communicate with each other throughout the entire year. Dave has since provided information on why some female moose have calves and others don’t. This current study is ongoing in Northern Maine.

Since 1980 Dave has hunted in New Hampshire, Vermont, New Brunswick, and three regions in Quebec other than Maine. His knowledge of moose and their vocalizations is second to none. Universities and fish and game departments have used Dave’s input for their research.

He works part-time for the largest wildlife research facility in North America, Buck Expert Research Center. Dave was very instrumental in the research and development of the moose decoy that is in place today. His knowledge prompted him to write the definitive book on moose hunting, Moose Hunting, Calling, Decoying and Stalking. To date no other book has opened more insight into the behavior of moose. To Dave moose hunting is not a sport, it is a religion! It is often said that Dave speaks two languages, English and moose!

Our hunts are all inclusive. Lodging, meals, and guide. Given the weather during the moose hunt Dave will quarter and de-bone the rib cage of your moose to minimize meat loss due to heat while you either get it home or to a local butcher.

Contact us for moose application information. To get your name included on multiple applications contact us. To find out how to swap your permit to hunt in our zones, again, contact us we can make it happen. You have waited a long time for this chance. DON”T let it slip by.

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Fishing

Dave guides for Maine’s newest addition to the region’s sport fishing world, the muskellunge. This predatory fish was introduced by the Quebec Government into Lac Frontier, the headwaters for the Northwest Branch of the St. John. Today the fish have spread throughout the entire St. John watershed.

Dave has fished much of the upper river in search of muskies. He knows the deadwaters that hold fish consistently. Many of these sections of river will only see Dave fishing them along with his guests. While on the river you will be entertained by Dave with his vast knowledge of the river and the history that made this region one of the more prosperous regions of Maine in times past.

The muskie in the St. John are not monsters. The State Record is in the 28 pound class. To offset the size of fish that can be caught, numbers are the reason that anglers fish with Dave. 5 to 10 muskie a day is not uncommon. The fish range in size from 24 to 40 inches with the average being 33 inches. Because of the river environment, the fish are strong.

Muskie fishing is best when the water is low during the mid-summer period (but good fishing can be experienced all season). This also means that getting to the fish can require some work on the part of anglers and guide. Dave’s knowledge of the road system can get you relatively close to most good sections but portages and dragging are often required.

Wade fishing is possible on some sections and is often the best way to approach some pools. Kayaks are another approach. Hooking a muskie and having it actually tow you around the river is worth the experience. (Please contact Dave for pricing on Kayak fishing)

Fishing for muskie is best done with medium heavy to heavy bait casting and spinning gear. Because the fish are concentrated during low water periods, fly fishing is not only possible but effective. Many visiting muskie fishermen come here for the chance to catch a muskie on fly tackle. Dave has found a way that improves your odds considerably!

Dave offers the following options for muskie fishing;

One-day Back Country Fishing; Stay in Fort Kent at the Northern Door Inn. Drive into the back country for day of fishing either by wading or canoe and return to your hotel that night. Trip includes lodging, guide service, tackle* and lunch. For one or two people. $ 525.00

North Maine Woods Gate fees $10.00 per person.

This trip was featured on ESPN 2 with Charlie Moore on the Beat Charlie Moore Show and NESN on the Charlie Moore Outdoors Show in 2009.

Overnight Back Country Fishing: Leave Fort Kent on morning one. Fish for muskies in the back country either by wading or by canoe. Over night campout (all camping equipment except sleeping bags provided). Fish for muskies on day two and return to Fort Kent that evening. Trip includes camping gear, meals during the camping trip, and tackle*.

Per person cost is $625.00 based on double occupancy. (Anglers traveling alone contact Dave for pricing.)
Gate fees at North Maine Woods $30.00 per person for two days, one night.
Trip with hotel room night before the trip and night after the trip. $ 825.00
Additional nights camping and fishing $300.00 per person plus gate fees.
Don’t want to stay in a tent on this trip? Add $160.00 per night for remote camp rental.

Business Traveler Muskie Fishing Special: Fish the St John River in the Fort Kent Area for an evening after work or a morning before your appointments. Four (4) hours of fishing, tackle* provided. $250.00 for one or two people.

* Tackle- We have bait casting, spinning and spincasting rods and reels and lures for clients to use. Fly fishermen should bring their own fly rods; flies will be supplied along with leader material. We recommend 8 to 10 weight fly casting tackle. Anglers wishing to bring their own casting rods should bring medium heavy to heavy rods with a minimum of 20 pound test line.

We can handle parties up to six (6). Two (2) anglers per canoe.

For those anglers wishing to come here but do not have a lot of time, consider flying into Frenchville, ME on New England Air Transportation. www.flyneat.com. This private airline flies from Portland ME to Frenchville, ME only minutes from Fort Kent. Airport pick-up or car rental can be arranged.

Fishing trips for wild brook trout can be arranged as well. We fish back country ponds and flowing waters. Most of the waters we fish have never been stocked. We offer a back country trip the weekend before Memorial weekend annually. This trip can be both a muskie and brook trout trip. Please contact Dave for pricing and details.

Are you interested in fishing the Fort Kent International Muskie Derby? www/fortkent-muskie.com Dave can help you out. Any type of trip can be arranged to meet your needs or expectations. Should you come in first through third Dave will waive all fees associated with the trip!

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St John River Kayak Trips

Have you ever wanted to kayak the St John River and experience camping out on the river? Now you can!

We offer kayaking trips on the St John River that includes camping over night. We offer 1, 2, or 3 night trips during the summer months June through September.

During the summer the St John River is normally too low to make a canoe trip possible. Kayaks can still make it down the river with a minimum amount of effort. Carrying all your camping gear in a kayak can be difficult at best and all the luxury items that make camping more enjoyable need to be left behind. Well not any more!

Dave will accompany you down the river. Along the way you will see the historic sites, old logging camps and remainders of an era gone by. Wildlife is spotted along the way and the opportunity to fish for muskie is available if you so desire.

Linda will transport the camping gear to the next overnight spot by truck and have dinner started when you arrive.

This is a leisurely trip and can be done by most anyone with basic flat water experience. We choose to do the St John during the summer for these trips because of the lack of other people on the river when compared to the Allagash Waterway. We have extensive knowledge of the road system along the river and know what camp sites we can reach by vehicle.

The cost of the trip includes transportation from Fort Kent into the North Maine Woods to the St John River. All camping gear (except sleeping bags), meals and snacks during the trip and transportation back to Fort Kent are included. Pack your clothes and come prepared to have fun and experience what most people never see.

Camping gear provided: Two person dome tents, inflatable sleeping pads, battery lanterns, ground cloths, dry bags for day use in your kayak, and folding chairs.

Meals are cooked by Master Maine Guides Linda and Dave. We have a standard menu we use but will make adjustments for any dietary concerns. We are master cooks over an open fire and will make all of your meals a delight to remember. Dave’s Guide Coffee is a staple at both breakfast and dinner. Guide Coffee can also be requested as a morning break on the river during your trip.

Trips are based on per night
Party of two- $350 per person per night.
Parties of three or more- $250 per person per night.
Tax and Gratuity not included.

Day use and camping fees for North Maine Woods are not included. Kayak rentals are available.

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Northern Door Inn

Want to learn more? Feel free to contact Dave Kelso.