Bear Hunting in Maine: Joshua Reynolds’ Unforgettable Adventure
by Joshua Reynolds, Lansing SCI member and avid hunter
Chapter member Josh Reynolds recently hunted a bear in Maine with two bonus introduced species, here is his story!
We stalked within 45 yards and ran out of cover of a red deer that looked like it belonged on a New Zealand Outfitters brochure. It’s not what I would call a long shot but it wasn’t a short one either. My Mathews Monster felt good in my hands as I drew for the shot. The stag was slightly quartering away and my release felt good. The Grim Reaper mechanical performed perfectly taking out a lung and liver. After an approximate 100-yard dash the stag was down!
Definitely no ground shrinkage on this baby. SCI 584 4/8 making it the #1 for North American bow and arrow!
My First Bear of 2024
I was able to take my 1st ever bear using my Remington model 700 30-06 using a factory 180-grain Core-Locs. The bear’s gross weight was 185# and I was as happy as a seagull with a French fry to take it.
My last two days in Maine were spent trying for a spooky Fallow deer. On the evening of the last day, I took a nice one using my 30-06.
Grand Lake Hunt
The Maine hunt took place at Grand Lake Hunt in Danford, Maine. The owner of Great Lakes Hunts is Corey Lord, a 30-year US Army Veteran and a phenomenal person to hunt with. Great Lakes Hunts property consists of 800 acres with introduced:
- Elk
- Red- deer
- Bison
- Free-range moose
- Whitetail
- Bear
- Turkey
- Grouse
Thirteen bodies of water are within a 15-minute drive from the lodge so fishing is also available.
My 2nd Bear of 2024
The Maine trip was the 1st week of September and just before leaving received notice I successfully drew a Michigan bear tag. On October 4 th I took a 275# gross weight bear near Vanderbilt using my Mathews bow.
My 2024 fall season concluded at Monarch Rivers in Kampsville, Illinois on November 20th with a 10-point whitetail using my crossbow.
What a season!
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