Big Woods Outfitters is run by master Maine guide Hal Blood. Hal made his name as one of the foremost outfitters in the state of Maine. Hal's guiding career began in the late 80s, and after 25 years of unmatched success, he sold his business to take a break from the pace of a year-round business and to have the time to hunt more on his own. During that time, he took a position at Remington Arms Company, where he did a five-year stint working from home on gun testing for quality improvement. This kept him in the field by taking people on hunts to test new model guns.
Hal decided that his calling was still in the woods of northern Maine, so he decided to get back into the outfitting business. It is a natural fit that Big Woods Outfitters be part of the Big Woods Bucks team that Hal started with a partner, Chris Dalti. That, along with the many requests from our Big Woods Bucks followers for Hal to guide again. Hal will be joined by some of the Big Woods team members, who are also Maine guides, to provide the best big woods hunts in the state. These team member guides have been hand-picked by Hal for their knowledge and experience with big woods whitetails. You can trust that hunting with any of them will be a learning experience. Hal will also be guiding moose and bear hunters, as well as teaching his deer hunting clinics.
Big Woods Outfitters will be based out of Lake Parlin Lodge, 10 miles south of Jackman, Maine, and owned by team member Joe Kruse. The lodge was chosen for its superior lodging and dining facilities. Come join us for the big woods experience of a lifetime!
BWB-Outfitting
Big Woods Outfitters
Whitetail Deer
The Jackman, Moose River Valley area is located in the northwestern mountains of Maine, nestled against the Quebec border. This region holds some of the largest-bodied bucks in the state, with an average of one out of every five bucks tagged each year field dressing at over 200 pounds. These bucks have evolved to survive the harsh winters typical of the area. When hunting in the big woods, don’t expect to see large numbers of deer, as densities are lower than in farm country or suburban whitetail habitats. However, this area has a stronger deer population than much of northern Maine. What it lacks in numbers, it makes up for in quality and the unique experience of roaming vast woods where encountering another hunter is rare. If you come with the right attitude, you’ll experience something unmatched in the whitetail hunting world. Our team member guides will ensure you are in prime areas to hunt these big bucks.
Team Member/Guide - Lee Schanz
We will also offer an American Plan hunt for the more experienced hunter or those who feel confident roaming the big woods on their own. These hunts will include all-you-can-eat home-cooked meals and lodging, as well as the opportunity to swap stories and pick up tips from the team in the evenings while sitting around the fireplace in the lodge. What better hunting trip than to be able to hunt while getting a Big Woods education at the same time!
All hunts are 6 days and include meals and lodging.
2025 Rifle Season Dates November 1st to November 29th
Pricing (Per Person):
Guided 1x1
$3750Guided 2x1
$2500Guided 3x1
$2200American Plan: $1700 (Includes all meals, lodging, and advice on hunting locations).
Hal's Spring Deer Clinics
These clinics are designed to teach you everything you need to know about hunting bucks in the big woods. Spend three days with Hal in a remote camp, learning how to scout for and understand the habits of the bucks that roam the big woods. These clinics are held in the spring when the snow has just left the ground, so everything looks as it did in the fall. You will feel as though you are at hunting camp with Hal during this school. The classroom will be the woods during this hands-on clinic, where you will learn from Hal.:
• Map and Compass
• Woodsman Skills
• Land Navigation
• Where Bucks Travel
• Finding Signpost Rubs
• How/Where to Scout
• Tracking
• Still Hunting Techniques
• Woodsman Skills
• Land Navigation
• Where Bucks Travel
• Finding Signpost Rubs
• How/Where to Scout
• Tracking
• Still Hunting Techniques
These clinics are limited to 10 people per class to ensure a personal experience and include meals and tent camp lodging.
2025 Clinic Dates :
May 2nd to May 4th
May 9th to May 11th
May 16th to May 18th
All Women's Weekend
May 23rd to May 25th
May 30th to June 1st
Pricing (Per Person) :
3-Day Deer Clinic - $750
Bear Hunting
Hal has 25 years of experience guiding bear hunters and has developed a system for consistent success. Our hunting area holds a large population of bears that has seen very little hunting pressure. We don’t hunt our baits week after week; instead, we change our hunting areas weekly to avoid pressuring the bears into feeding only at night. We only hunt the baits that have trophy-sized bears coming to them, allowing us to manage the area and let the smaller bears grow. This is a remote camp hunt in a private gated area, limited to 4 hunters per week. There are cooking facilities at the camp, and hunters will bring their own food, making this an affordable hunt for anyone. Hal will take you to and from your stand and assist in the retrieval of bears. Brook trout fishing is also an option in the mornings during your hunt, with several trout ponds in the area. Bear hunting will take place in the afternoon and into the evening.
2025 Season Dates:
August 25th - September 20th
Pricing (Per Person):
6 Day Hunts Over Bait - $1800
Moose Hunting
Maine Moose hunting is a once in a lifetime experience. Maine has more Moose per square mile than anywhere in North America. Trophy Moose with spreads of over 50" and some over 60" are taken in the state each year. Hal has been guiding Moose hunters for 25 years and has an unmatched track record with finding and calling in his clients a once in a lifetime trophy. Moose hunting is by permit only and permits are drawn through a lottery system. Applications may be submitted from Jan through May and the drawing is held in June. There are also 10 permits drawn through a sealed bid auction that takes place in January to early February. Applications can be made at: www.maine.gov/ifw/. Contact Hal for information on zone choices where he will be guiding. If you're are lucky enough to draw one of these coveted permits Hal or one of his guides will take you into one of his remote areas in search of your trophy.
Pricing (Includes Sub-Permittee)
Trophy Bull Moose Hunt 1x1 - $6500
Cow Hunts 1x1 - $6000
2025 Seasons:
Bull: Sept. 22rd to 27th and Oct. 13th to 18th
Cow: TBA
Accommodations
Big Woods Outfitters will be based out of Lake Parlin Lodge 10 miles south of Jackman, Maine. The Lodge was chosen for its superior lodging and dining facilities. Come join us for the Big woods Experience of a lifetime!
