Maine has been the setting for two MeatEater hunts. Both showcase the unique challenges of hunting in Maine.

The popular YouTube channel, Podcast, and Netflix series, MeatEater, has paid Maine a could visits in recent years. In both cases, the footage has been on display on YouTube. Most recently, legendary Maine Master Guide, Hal Blood, showed the MeatEater crew how it's done in the Big Woods of Maine.

The series, Deer Country, explores the different styles of deer hunting used across America. Host of the Wired to Hunt Podcast, Mark Kenyon, explored the vast big woods of Maine with deer tracking legend Hal Blood. The episode was filmed last season.

In the episode, Hal gives Mark a crash course in tracking 200+ pound bucks. It's a daunting task in the big woods of Maine. After his lessons, Mark sets out on his own for the rest of his time in Maine. While he manages to find a good track, the wise ol buck was illusive.

Listeners of the Big Woods Bucks podcast have known about the upcoming episode from MeatEater since last season, when Mark talked about his time with Hal and the BWB crew on their podcast. Episode 091 gives a behind the scenes look at what it was like for Mark to make an attempt at a Maine big woods buck. Listen above. If you want to get your feet wet in the art deer tracking, Hal's book, Hunting Big Woods Bucks, is a must read. Hal also hosts deer seminars in the spring, getting hunters in the big woods, and showing how it's done.

The second hunt in Maine was filmed back in 2020, as an episode of Cal In The Field. The MeatEater cast member visited for a bird hunt. Ryan Callaghan joined Brent West of the High Peaks Alliance to discuss the complex issue of public recreational land use in Maine. The non-profit organization is comprised of local hunters, hikers, loggers, fishermen, snowmobile and ATV riders, registered guides, cross-country skiers, mountain bikers, among others, that work to ensure continuing public access to western Maine’s High Peaks Region.

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Cal, being a western hunter, got a crash course on how Mainers hunt the big woods. The differences of hunting in Maine compared to other states were quickly apparent to Callaghan, as he attempted to line-up snap shots at grouse and woodcock in the thick woods. After a few days in the woods, feathers flew, birds went down, and were shared over a campfire.

The star of the MeatEater crew, Steve Rinella, hasn't filmed a hunt in Maine, he certainly knows we make some wicked good canoes. The outdoorsmen shared a picture of his red Old Town canoe on Instagram back in January. The post wasn't specific to his canoe preferences, rather focused on a wildlife habitat issue impacting the Tongass National Forest in Alaska. Rinella has a cabin, affectionally known as his "fish shack," in Alaska. A few episodes of MeatEater on Netflix were filmed at the fish shack. Viewers with a sharp eye may have noticed his red Old Town canoe in the episodes.

15 Must-Have Items For Ice Fishing Season In Maine

Ice fishing is an excellent way to embrace the cold winter months in Maine. It will get you outdoors for some fresh air, it's family friendly, and a successful day could yield a tasty dinner. If you're new to the sport, we put together a list of gear you'll need for a fun, comfortable, and successful day on the ice. Some of these items are more essential than others. Some gear may not be essential at all, depending on how you plan to fish. Again, the items we listed are geared towards those who are new to ice fishing.

Before we get to the list, remember to dress appropriately for the cold weather. We didn't put warm outerwear on the list, but it's definitely a must-have. Dressing in layers is important to ensure you're warm enough throughout the day on the ice. If you start getting too warm, you can simply take a layer off. Hand warmers are also worth packing.

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