Professionally Guided
Maine Hunts
Real Woods, Unforgettable Experience —
The Way Hunting Should Be.
Professionally Guided Maine Hunts
Real Woods, Real Experience.
The Way Hunting Should Be.
Professionally Guided
Maine Hunts
Real Woods, Unforgettable Experience —
The Way Hunting Should Be.
70+ Successful Guided Maine Hunts
70+ Successful Guided Maine Hunts
Introduction
Introduction
Introduction
Welcome to Backroads Guide Service
Welcome to Backroads Guide Service
Welcome to Backroads Guide Service
With over 30 years of experience in Maine’s woods, we guide hunts shaped by real conditions, local knowledge, and the individual hunter.
Every hunt is personal and immersive, built around the client’s goals and hunting style. The day is spent scouting, tracking, making calls in the field, and when everything lines up, doing what you came there to do.
With over 30 years of experience in Maine’s woods, we guide hunts shaped by real conditions, local knowledge, and the individual hunter.
Every hunt is personal and immersive, built around the client’s goals and hunting style. The day is spent scouting, tracking, making calls in the field, and when everything lines up, doing what you came there to do.
Schedule a Hunt
Schedule a Hunt
Schedule a Hunt
Real Woods Immersion
✲
Generational Knowledge
✲
Persinalized Experience
✲
Guided with Intention
✲
Rooted in Maine
✲
Real Woods Immersion
✲
Generational Knowledge
✲
Persinalized Experience
✲
Guided with Intention
✲
Rooted in Maine
✲
Real Woods Immersion
✲
Generational Knowledge
✲
Persinalized Experience
✲
Guided with Intention
✲
Rooted in Maine
✲
Why Choose Maine?
30K+
Black Bear Population
30K+
Black Bear Population
355 lbs
Heaviest Deer (Field Dressed)
355 lbs
Heaviest Deer (Field Dressed)
60K+
Moose Population
60K+
Moose Population
76 lbs
Heaviest Bobcat Recorded
76 lbs
Heaviest Bobcat Recorded
Why Choose Maine?
Why Choose Maine?
30K+
Black Bears in Maine
30K+
Black Bear Population
355 lbs
Heaviest field dressed deer recorded in Maine
355 lbs
Heaviest Deer (Field Dressed)
60K+
Moose in Maine
60K+
Moose Population
76 lbs
Heaviest bobcat recorded in Maine
76 lbs
Heaviest Bobcat
Large Game Hunts
Small Game Hunts
Small Game Hunts
Large Game Hunts
Small Game Hunts
Large Game Hunts
What Our Clients Say
What Our Clients Say
What Our Clients Say
James Hopkins
Not exactly sure where to start. I highly recommended Backroads Guide Service. My son (he’s 11) had won a Bear Hunt with Matt and his crew at a hunting show in Massachusetts. From the minute we met Matt we had become instant friends. When we arrived in Maine for the hunt we were met by Matt. He provided us with a beautiful place to stay and made sure we had everything we needed. Ron and Matt set us up with all the information we needed for a successful hunt and placed us in a beautiful spot. Although we did not harvest a bear, the experience together with my son was unbelievable. I could not have asked for more. We knew going into this that harvesting a bear was not guaranteed, but the experience and memories were worth more than the harvest thanks to Matt and his crew. These guys work year round placing baits, hiking hundreds of miles, and making sure everything is in place for an enjoyable experience to their clients. We have already scheduled another trip for this year and hope to make it a yearly memory for my son and I. Thank you Matt, Ron, and the rest of your crew for all you hard work and efforts to provide such a wonderful service.
Michael Lee
Definitely I had a great time up there. You put me on a monster black bears!! I had a great time!!
mason mardino
Went on a hound hunt with backroads guide service and had a great time with great success Matt and his friend Kyle have some damn good hounds and will go above and beyond to get you whatever you are trying to harvest will be back again soon!
Styles
Excellent houndsman and hunting guide. Bear and moose hunts in Maine are always a great experience with him. Great dogs, great guide, great hunts.
Derek Gee
I have taken both of my daughters on successful bear hunts with Matt and his amazing group of hounds. My older daughter was 10 the first year we went with Matt and she shot a beautiful bear on the first morning. My younger daughter was 8 when she got her bear on the 5th day of the hunt after several trips up and down the hills of Maine. Both trips were so enjoyable thanks to Matt going above and beyond to put smiles on all of our faces, including his! I have never had a guide put in the time and effort like Matt did to make sure his operation ran like a well oiled machine. -Derek G.
Cameron Kenny
Hunting with matt should be top of the priority list. Wether it be bears or bobcats hes the guy to call. Highly recommend
Richard Evans
It’s been an awesome trip.. Nothing beats the cry of the hounds when on a track.. the excitement the moment they hit a strike makes your hair stand on end .. The legs are hurting now for sure but what a week with both you and Kyle.. Couldn’t ask for better .. Now just a long ass flight back home to the UK
carl bowers
Matt and kyle are both grade A guides. Went for a fall bear over bait hunt with four other buddy's in 2025, and everyone saw a bear at some point. They will both bust there asses to put you on a bear and are not afraid to move you spots to put you on a bear. I was moved twice and my third spot was absolutely stunning. Two of our guys killed bears, I missed and the other two just didn't have enough light time to make a legal harvest. More so than the hunt Matt will make you feel like family and unlike other places the man will drink with you and hang out. Which in my opinion is the best part of bear camp is making new friends and having a kick ass time. Already have a trip booked for 2026 and can't wait!!
Pat Nash
Had an awesome experience with Matt and Kyle. I’ve been on several bear hunts and never saw an outfitter go to the lengths these guys do to give the hunter the best chance of getting on bears. My 14yr old daughter killed a bear on her first night and had lots of encounters over the rest of the week. There’s plenty to do in the mornings too. The house we were in was better than most vacation homes. Matt made sure we felt like we were his number one priority at all times, but also hung out like one of us. Had a blast and can’t wait to get back!
brian wilson
A true houndsman, he works his butt off to get you on a bear.
Doug Kenny
Thank you for taking the time to pass on your knowledge. My brother and I are thankful! The both of us are impressed with both you and your dog Drifter.
Colton Mattle
Had an awesome bear hunt with BackRoads Guide Service. Matt and Kyle were knowledgeable, hardworking, and genuinely great guys to hunt with. They know the area extremely well and put in the effort to give you the best possible experience. Highly recommend them if you’re looking for a professional, well-run bear hunt.
Nick Chacharone
My friend that I met Matt and Kyle at the outdoor show in Springfield in 2025 and they could not have been any more helpful and answered all of our questions while we were talking to them about booking a trip. Over the course of the next few weeks, Matt did a good job of explaining pricing and everything involved with a bear hunt with dogs Booking the trip could not have been any easier When it came time for a hunt, Matt was clear with his communication and set us up with a nice place to stay during the week. Being our first bear hunt, we did not know what to expect but I can tell you the first day out, we were on a bear within a few hours and already back in the truck with the first days trophy. Day two was much of the same and their scouting was on point. Two days in we were already tagged out. They assisted us in every way from field dressing, driving us to the tagging station and then going with us to the local butcher. You might not get a big fancy hunting lodge, but what you do get are knowledgeable guides that know the area, have great hunting dogs and are committed to providing you with the top experience We look forward to hunting with Matt again in the future
Tony Thomad
Back roads guid service is an amazing experience with an exceptional owner Matt York he does all he can to make your hunt as memorable as possible I bait hunted and had bear at the bait every evening just after shooting light he said be patient it will come together for you and on the 4th day at 230 it did I shot my bear at the barrel as we was walking in can’t wait for September to get here to be back at backroads again
James Hopkins
Not exactly sure where to start. I highly recommended Backroads Guide Service. My son (he’s 11) had won a Bear Hunt with Matt and his crew at a hunting show in Massachusetts. From the minute we met Matt we had become instant friends. When we arrived in Maine for the hunt we were met by Matt. He provided us with a beautiful place to stay and made sure we had everything we needed. Ron and Matt set us up with all the information we needed for a successful hunt and placed us in a beautiful spot. Although we did not harvest a bear, the experience together with my son was unbelievable. I could not have asked for more. We knew going into this that harvesting a bear was not guaranteed, but the experience and memories were worth more than the harvest thanks to Matt and his crew. These guys work year round placing baits, hiking hundreds of miles, and making sure everything is in place for an enjoyable experience to their clients. We have already scheduled another trip for this year and hope to make it a yearly memory for my son and I. Thank you Matt, Ron, and the rest of your crew for all you hard work and efforts to provide such a wonderful service.
Michael Lee
Definitely I had a great time up there. You put me on a monster black bears!! I had a great time!!
mason mardino
Went on a hound hunt with backroads guide service and had a great time with great success Matt and his friend Kyle have some damn good hounds and will go above and beyond to get you whatever you are trying to harvest will be back again soon!
Styles
Excellent houndsman and hunting guide. Bear and moose hunts in Maine are always a great experience with him. Great dogs, great guide, great hunts.
Derek Gee
I have taken both of my daughters on successful bear hunts with Matt and his amazing group of hounds. My older daughter was 10 the first year we went with Matt and she shot a beautiful bear on the first morning. My younger daughter was 8 when she got her bear on the 5th day of the hunt after several trips up and down the hills of Maine. Both trips were so enjoyable thanks to Matt going above and beyond to put smiles on all of our faces, including his! I have never had a guide put in the time and effort like Matt did to make sure his operation ran like a well oiled machine. -Derek G.
Cameron Kenny
Hunting with matt should be top of the priority list. Wether it be bears or bobcats hes the guy to call. Highly recommend
Richard Evans
It’s been an awesome trip.. Nothing beats the cry of the hounds when on a track.. the excitement the moment they hit a strike makes your hair stand on end .. The legs are hurting now for sure but what a week with both you and Kyle.. Couldn’t ask for better .. Now just a long ass flight back home to the UK
carl bowers
Matt and kyle are both grade A guides. Went for a fall bear over bait hunt with four other buddy's in 2025, and everyone saw a bear at some point. They will both bust there asses to put you on a bear and are not afraid to move you spots to put you on a bear. I was moved twice and my third spot was absolutely stunning. Two of our guys killed bears, I missed and the other two just didn't have enough light time to make a legal harvest. More so than the hunt Matt will make you feel like family and unlike other places the man will drink with you and hang out. Which in my opinion is the best part of bear camp is making new friends and having a kick ass time. Already have a trip booked for 2026 and can't wait!!
Pat Nash
Had an awesome experience with Matt and Kyle. I’ve been on several bear hunts and never saw an outfitter go to the lengths these guys do to give the hunter the best chance of getting on bears. My 14yr old daughter killed a bear on her first night and had lots of encounters over the rest of the week. There’s plenty to do in the mornings too. The house we were in was better than most vacation homes. Matt made sure we felt like we were his number one priority at all times, but also hung out like one of us. Had a blast and can’t wait to get back!
brian wilson
A true houndsman, he works his butt off to get you on a bear.
Doug Kenny
Thank you for taking the time to pass on your knowledge. My brother and I are thankful! The both of us are impressed with both you and your dog Drifter.
Colton Mattle
Had an awesome bear hunt with BackRoads Guide Service. Matt and Kyle were knowledgeable, hardworking, and genuinely great guys to hunt with. They know the area extremely well and put in the effort to give you the best possible experience. Highly recommend them if you’re looking for a professional, well-run bear hunt.
Nick Chacharone
My friend that I met Matt and Kyle at the outdoor show in Springfield in 2025 and they could not have been any more helpful and answered all of our questions while we were talking to them about booking a trip. Over the course of the next few weeks, Matt did a good job of explaining pricing and everything involved with a bear hunt with dogs Booking the trip could not have been any easier When it came time for a hunt, Matt was clear with his communication and set us up with a nice place to stay during the week. Being our first bear hunt, we did not know what to expect but I can tell you the first day out, we were on a bear within a few hours and already back in the truck with the first days trophy. Day two was much of the same and their scouting was on point. Two days in we were already tagged out. They assisted us in every way from field dressing, driving us to the tagging station and then going with us to the local butcher. You might not get a big fancy hunting lodge, but what you do get are knowledgeable guides that know the area, have great hunting dogs and are committed to providing you with the top experience We look forward to hunting with Matt again in the future
Tony Thomad
Back roads guid service is an amazing experience with an exceptional owner Matt York he does all he can to make your hunt as memorable as possible I bait hunted and had bear at the bait every evening just after shooting light he said be patient it will come together for you and on the 4th day at 230 it did I shot my bear at the barrel as we was walking in can’t wait for September to get here to be back at backroads again
James Hopkins
Not exactly sure where to start. I highly recommended Backroads Guide Service. My son (he’s 11) had won a Bear Hunt with Matt and his crew at a hunting show in Massachusetts. From the minute we met Matt we had become instant friends. When we arrived in Maine for the hunt we were met by Matt. He provided us with a beautiful place to stay and made sure we had everything we needed. Ron and Matt set us up with all the information we needed for a successful hunt and placed us in a beautiful spot. Although we did not harvest a bear, the experience together with my son was unbelievable. I could not have asked for more. We knew going into this that harvesting a bear was not guaranteed, but the experience and memories were worth more than the harvest thanks to Matt and his crew. These guys work year round placing baits, hiking hundreds of miles, and making sure everything is in place for an enjoyable experience to their clients. We have already scheduled another trip for this year and hope to make it a yearly memory for my son and I. Thank you Matt, Ron, and the rest of your crew for all you hard work and efforts to provide such a wonderful service.
Michael Lee
Definitely I had a great time up there. You put me on a monster black bears!! I had a great time!!
mason mardino
Went on a hound hunt with backroads guide service and had a great time with great success Matt and his friend Kyle have some damn good hounds and will go above and beyond to get you whatever you are trying to harvest will be back again soon!
Styles
Excellent houndsman and hunting guide. Bear and moose hunts in Maine are always a great experience with him. Great dogs, great guide, great hunts.
Derek Gee
I have taken both of my daughters on successful bear hunts with Matt and his amazing group of hounds. My older daughter was 10 the first year we went with Matt and she shot a beautiful bear on the first morning. My younger daughter was 8 when she got her bear on the 5th day of the hunt after several trips up and down the hills of Maine. Both trips were so enjoyable thanks to Matt going above and beyond to put smiles on all of our faces, including his! I have never had a guide put in the time and effort like Matt did to make sure his operation ran like a well oiled machine. -Derek G.
Cameron Kenny
Hunting with matt should be top of the priority list. Wether it be bears or bobcats hes the guy to call. Highly recommend
Richard Evans
It’s been an awesome trip.. Nothing beats the cry of the hounds when on a track.. the excitement the moment they hit a strike makes your hair stand on end .. The legs are hurting now for sure but what a week with both you and Kyle.. Couldn’t ask for better .. Now just a long ass flight back home to the UK
carl bowers
Matt and kyle are both grade A guides. Went for a fall bear over bait hunt with four other buddy's in 2025, and everyone saw a bear at some point. They will both bust there asses to put you on a bear and are not afraid to move you spots to put you on a bear. I was moved twice and my third spot was absolutely stunning. Two of our guys killed bears, I missed and the other two just didn't have enough light time to make a legal harvest. More so than the hunt Matt will make you feel like family and unlike other places the man will drink with you and hang out. Which in my opinion is the best part of bear camp is making new friends and having a kick ass time. Already have a trip booked for 2026 and can't wait!!
Pat Nash
Had an awesome experience with Matt and Kyle. I’ve been on several bear hunts and never saw an outfitter go to the lengths these guys do to give the hunter the best chance of getting on bears. My 14yr old daughter killed a bear on her first night and had lots of encounters over the rest of the week. There’s plenty to do in the mornings too. The house we were in was better than most vacation homes. Matt made sure we felt like we were his number one priority at all times, but also hung out like one of us. Had a blast and can’t wait to get back!
brian wilson
A true houndsman, he works his butt off to get you on a bear.
Nick Chacharone
My friend that I met Matt and Kyle at the outdoor show in Springfield in 2025 and they could not have been any more helpful and answered all of our questions while we were talking to them about booking a trip. Over the course of the next few weeks, Matt did a good job of explaining pricing and everything involved with a bear hunt with dogs Booking the trip could not have been any easier When it came time for a hunt, Matt was clear with his communication and set us up with a nice place to stay during the week. Being our first bear hunt, we did not know what to expect but I can tell you the first day out, we were on a bear within a few hours and already back in the truck with the first days trophy. Day two was much of the same and their scouting was on point. Two days in we were already tagged out. They assisted us in every way from field dressing, driving us to the tagging station and then going with us to the local butcher. You might not get a big fancy hunting lodge, but what you do get are knowledgeable guides that know the area, have great hunting dogs and are committed to providing you with the top experience We look forward to hunting with Matt again in the future
Doug Kenny
Thank you for taking the time to pass on your knowledge. My brother and I are thankful! The both of us are impressed with both you and your dog Drifter.
Colton Mattle
Had an awesome bear hunt with BackRoads Guide Service. Matt and Kyle were knowledgeable, hardworking, and genuinely great guys to hunt with. They know the area extremely well and put in the effort to give you the best possible experience. Highly recommend them if you’re looking for a professional, well-run bear hunt.
Tony Thomad
Back roads guid service is an amazing experience with an exceptional owner Matt York he does all he can to make your hunt as memorable as possible I bait hunted and had bear at the bait every evening just after shooting light he said be patient it will come together for you and on the 4th day at 230 it did I shot my bear at the barrel as we was walking in can’t wait for September to get here to be back at backroads again
Introduction
Introduction
Meet our Hounds
Meet our Hounds
Our dogs come from proven hunting bloodlines bred for trailing game by scent. They have the nose, drive, and endurance to stay on a track through Maine’s terrain and are raised, trained, and handled by the same family that guides the hunt.
On hound-assisted hunts, the dogs locate and trail game while the guide and hunter follow and make decisions as the hunt unfolds. Use of hounds is optional and depends on the species, season, and hunt plan.
Our dogs come from proven hunting bloodlines bred for trailing game by scent. They have the nose, drive, and endurance to stay on a track through Maine’s terrain and are raised, trained, and handled by the same family that guides the hunt.
On hound-assisted hunts, the dogs locate and trail game while the guide and hunter follow and make decisions as the hunt unfolds. Use of hounds is optional and depends on the species, season, and hunt plan.
Learn More
Learn More
Introduction
Meet our Hounds
Our dogs come from proven hunting bloodlines bred for trailing game by scent. They have the nose, drive, and endurance to stay on a track through Maine’s terrain.
On hound-assisted hunts, the dogs locate and trail game while the guide and hunter follow and make decisions as the hunt unfolds. Use of hounds is optional and depends on the species, season, and hunt plan.
Learn More
Customized Hunts
Each hunt is planned around the client’s experience level, target species, season, and preferred hunting method.
With or Without Hounds
Flexible hunt options, including hound-assisted hunts when appropriate for the species, season, and client preference.
Done Right
Hunts are tailored to the species, season, and hunter, using methods that respect the land, the animal, and Maine’s hunting traditions.
Customized Hunts
Each hunt is planned around the client’s experience level, target species, season, and preferred hunting method.
With or Without Hounds
Flexible hunt options, including hound-assisted hunts when appropriate for the species, season, and client preference.
Done Right
Hunts are tailored to the species, season, and hunter, using methods that respect the land, the animal, and Maine’s hunting traditions.
Customized Hunts
Each hunt is planned around the client’s experience level, target species, season, and preferred hunting method.
Done Right
Hunts are tailored to the species, season, and hunter, using methods that respect the land, the animal, and Maine’s hunting traditions.
Customized Hunts
Each hunt is planned around the client’s experience level, target species, season, and preferred hunting method.
With or Without Hounds
Flexible hunt options, including hound-assisted hunts when appropriate for the species, season, and client preference.
With or Without Hounds
Flexible hunt options, including hound-assisted hunts when appropriate for the species, season, and client preference.
Customized Hunts
Each hunt is planned around the client’s experience level, target species, season, and preferred hunting method.
Done Right
Hunts are tailored to the species, season, and hunter, using methods that respect the land, the animal, and Maine’s hunting traditions.
Meet our Hounds
Meet our Hounds
FAQ
FAQ
FAQ
Frequently Asked
Frequently Asked
Do I need prior hunting experience or my own equipment?
What license do I need to hunt with a guide?
How physically demanding are the hunts?
What is your perspective on animals and ethical hunting?
What role does the guide play during the hunt?
What happens after a successful harvest?
How do you view and care for your hounds?
Do I need prior hunting experience or my own equipment?
What license do I need to hunt with a guide?
How physically demanding are the hunts?
What is your perspective on animals and ethical hunting?
What role does the guide play during the hunt?
What happens after a successful harvest?
How do you view and care for your hounds?
Do I need prior hunting experience or my own equipment?
What license do I need to hunt with a guide?
How physically demanding are the hunts?
What is your perspective on animals and ethical hunting?
What role does the guide play during the hunt?
What happens after a successful harvest?
How do you view and care for your hounds?
View Maine State Hunting Regulations
View Maine State Hunting Regulations
View Maine State Hunting Regulations