Welcome to our Web site!
Visit us on
We invite you to preview our fish taxidermy
work, and get the scoop on "Bear Camp", our Bear guide service.
Ice fishing Guide Services and Ice Shack rentals also available.
Here are photos of some of our work:    (above) 2 stringer mounts. 6 Walleye stringer (stacked) and 5 perch stringer. Completed Jan. 2011
 
 
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_ ICE FISHING
.jpg)
The Teeter Pig Spring Bobber: Designed and
manufactured at Maple Ridge.
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BEAR Guide Services
 
Michigan Bear Season has 3 hunt periods. 1st
season is a 5 day hunt from September 10 - 14 and is a no dogs
period. Second season begins September 15, and 3rd season begins
September 25. The final hunt day is October 25. Permit
applications for the Bergland area need to be submitted to the State of
Michigan in early spring (see
www.michigan.gov/dnr ), with results generally posted by June 30.
On receiving news of a successful permit, phone Gus
at Maple Ridge (906) 365-5050. Beginning 2010 The U.S. Forest
Service requires all guides on Forest Service land to be licensed and
insured and to pay land use fees. We are fully licensed and
insured! The State of Michigan now has similar requirements for 2011.
GUS WILL NEED TO KNOW:
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Which hunt period you have and how many are
in your group
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Your lodging needs
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Your weapon of choice
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Are you left or right handed
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Type of stand or blind you prefer
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If any in your group have special medical needs or
issues
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If any in your group is a smoker
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Other pertinent details
Baits: Gus runs his
bait line over a 100 mile loop. Each bait is selected for optimum hunter
concealment, for use during various wind conditions. We utilize ladder
stands, camouflage tents, and occasionally ground blinds, as appropriate to the
location. Some baits are located within short walking distance, others a
bit further in. With all of these variables, we run significantly more
baits than we have hunters, to assure a quality location which can be customized
to your individual needs.
Bear Camp:
Hunters generally arrive the afternoon prior to their hunt. This
allows time to settle in and get the full scoop on our (and bear)
activity to date. It is also a good time to get acquainted with
your stands, guide, and fellow hunters. Our Guest Kitchen is the
hub of activity during bear season. Hunters share experiences, and
Gus provides information and insights to help give you your greatest
opportunities for a successful hunt.
We offer several hunt options
and packages to suit your needs and budget.
The Full-Service
Package provides a comprehensive, worry free 5 day hunt.
Package includes up to 5 nights lodging at Maple Ridge Motel or
by special arrangement at one of several private vacation homes.
You are invited to share our late evening meal following each
night of your 5 day hunt. When you make your
kill shot, you will contact Gus at Maple Ridge in a pre-arranged manner
(cell phone or nearest public phone, etc.). Guide will determine
how many people are needed to track and transport your kill. Guide
will track and field dress your bear and transport
back to the game cooler at Maple Ridge. Skinning for
taxidermy and processing your bear meat are the hunter's responsibility,
although we do have contacts that will perform these services for a
reasonable fee.
Back at Maple Ridge, You are
invited to share our late evening supper.
These are basic fare often like stews, BBQ sandwiches, brats, lasagna,
casseroles and such (with all the trimmings), which can be kept warm, for a time, during all the activity,
or re-heated as needed.
Balanced menus are followed, with some type of light dessert added.
If you prefer, you may use the guest kitchen to prepare your own meals.
Supper time finds a re-hashing of the days events as each hunter recalls
his experiences. This is an important time and helps your guide to evaluate needs for
the next day. Our full service package offers the best value by bundling
all of these services at a discounted rate. Rate for
the full 5 day hunt with lodging and all the amenities is $1175 per
person, based on one hunter per room. $1150 per person with 2
hunters to a motel room. $1150 per person when 4 hunters lodge in
one of our private vacation homes. (Rate quote may be adjusted for
additional lodging options).
Abbreviated
Full-Service Package offers the same Full Service
Amenities but for, up to, a 3 day hunting period & up to 3 nights
lodging. Your odds of success do drop with a shorter hunting
period and is not recommended, however, this is sometimes the only
option a hunter may have. We strive to provide for all situations.
Rate for the Abbreviated Full Service Package is: $1050 per person
per room. $1025 per person with 2 hunters per room. (Ask for
quote for Additional lodging options).
Bear Baiting Service
falls at the other end of the spectrum of amenities offered. This service
is ideal for the hunter who really wants the experience of "Doing it Yourself",
but can't be here in advance to set up and maintain baits and stands during the
critical month before the hunt begins. You may select your own 2 bait
locations, or allow us to choose for you. Baits and our stands or
tents will be set up in accordance with our normal high standards, and baited in
the same manner as our other baits. Baiting Service is concluded on your
arrival. You take over from there. Rate for basic bear
baiting service is $700. If you are able to bring your own stands or tents
to Maple Ridge, prior to September 1, we will set them up on schedule and you
take them down at departure. Rate using your stands is $600.
Non-refundable deposit is required to book
your hunt, and varies according to service booked. Deposit may be
charged by credit card number over the phone, check by mail, or cash.
Credit card number may also be used to HOLD your booking (without actual
charge for up to 7 days) allowing time for your check to arrive.
To determine the deposit amount needed to book your specific hunt, phone
Gus at (906) 365-5050.
Full Service Package hunters are given first
priority for lodging, based on length of stay. Should we have
additional lodging available, standard rates apply. Full service
package hunters are encouraged to book during the 1st week following tag
(drawing results) posting, to ensure lodging.
Walk-in game cooler is included in Full
service packages. Others may use cooler at a rate of $10 per
night, space permitting.
SOME THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW: Bears have noses many
times more sensitive than a bloodhound. It is important to shower and wear
clean clothing before each hunting day. Sportsman's cleaning products are
recommended. DO NOT smoke anywhere near your stand or in your vehicle
during transport. Bring a urinal for use during your hunt (and don't dump
it in the area of your stand). Use a harness if you will be in a ladder
stand. Check and follow all hunter safety regulations and be sure to wear
hunter orange as required. Don't field dress your bear at the bait.
It will deter other bears from returning to the area.
We look forward seeing to our returning hunters, and to making new
friends of our new clients, as well. Direct Guide Service questions to
Gus' Phone line (906) 365-5050 or email him at
. For lodging reservations, phone Nettie at
(906) 575-3545. Hunts and lodging are booked by phone or in person only,
not by email. HAPPY
HUNTING FOLKS!!!
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Maple Ridge
35802 Hwy. M-28, Merriweather, MI 49947
Lodging or Nettie (906)
575-3545
Gus' Number (906) 365-5050
Have questions? Email
us at:
906mapleridge@gmail.com
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