5.0(2 Reviews)Private Sea Duck Hunting in Belfast, Maine
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Bird hunting
Threeday private sea duck hunting experience in coastal Maine watersLicensed local guide targets hightraffic waterfowl areas during peak seasonSmall group capacity accommodates two to six experienced hunters maximum
When you're looking for world-class sea duck hunting along Maine's rugged coastline, Black Stream Outfitters delivers the kind of guided experience that keeps hunters coming back season after season. This 3-day private hunt puts you right in the heart of Belfast's productive coastal waters during peak waterfowl season, targeting birds in their prime feeding and staging areas. With Jared Hughes as your guide, you'll hunt spots that most guys never even know exist – productive waters where sea ducks raft up in serious numbers from November through January.
Each morning kicks off at 9:00 AM, giving you plenty of time to get your gear sorted and grab some coffee before heading out. This isn't your typical puddle duck setup – we're talking serious saltwater hunting where weather and tide conditions dictate everything. Your guide knows these waters like the back of his hand, rotating between high-traffic areas based on wind direction, tide tables, and recent bird movement patterns. The group size stays tight at two to six hunters max, so you're not competing for shots or dealing with a circus on the water. At $1,200 per person for the full 3-day experience, you're getting access to prime hunting grounds that would take years to figure out on your own. Just bring your shotgun, shells, and personal gear – everything else gets handled by folks who've been doing this for years.
Sea duck hunting along the Maine coast is all about reading water conditions and bird behavior. Unlike inland waterfowl hunting, these birds work differently – they're constantly moving between feeding areas and open water roosts based on weather patterns. Your guide uses layout boats and specialized decoy spreads designed specifically for saltwater conditions, positioning the spread to take advantage of current and wind. Steel shot is mandatory here, and most experienced hunters bring 3-inch loads in BB or BBB for the longer shots that saltwater hunting often demands. The rocky coastline and tidal changes mean you're constantly adapting your approach – one day might have you hunting protected coves, while the next puts you on exposed points where birds funnel past during weather fronts. Understanding how sea ducks use these coastal waters is what separates successful hunts from cold days on the water, and that local knowledge is exactly what you're getting with this top-rated outfitter.
"Highly recommended Jared for chasing sea ducks . He gave us the opportunity to chance to mark a few birds off the UWC. Good times" - Ryan
"Have hunted with several outfitters, Jared Hughes with Black Stream Outfitters is definitely at the top of the list, highly recommended. Always has a game plan no matter the weather." - ChristinaMike
Common Eider are the bread and butter of Maine's sea duck hunting scene, and for good reason – these birds are absolute units when it comes to size and challenge. Mature drakes can push four to five pounds, making them one of the largest ducks you'll encounter in North American waters. What makes eider hunting so addictive is their behavior patterns during winter months. They stage in massive rafts offshore, sometimes numbering in the thousands, before breaking into smaller groups to feed along rocky shorelines and mussel beds. Peak season runs from late November through January when birds are concentrated and predictable in their daily movements. Eiders are notorious for their ability to absorb shot, thanks to incredibly dense feathers designed for harsh saltwater conditions – which is why experienced hunters swear by larger shot sizes and precise shooting. The drakes are absolutely stunning birds too, with their distinctive black and white plumage that makes them easy to identify even at distance. When you connect on a big drake eider, you'll understand why hunters travel from across the country to hunt Maine's coastal waters. These birds represent everything that's challenging and rewarding about saltwater waterfowl hunting.
This customer favorite hunting experience fills up fast during peak season, and for good reason. You're getting three full days with a renowned guide who knows exactly where and when to find birds, plus access to hunting spots that most hunters only dream about. The combination of Jared's local expertise, prime seasonal timing, and productive coastal waters makes this one of the best trips available for serious sea duck hunters. Early reservations are your best bet for securing dates during the heart of the season when bird numbers peak. Don't wait until the last minute – the guys who book early get first pick of the prime November through January dates when the hunting is absolutely phenomenal.
This rugged 24-foot Great Lakes Duck Boat cuts through Maine's coastal waters with authority, powered by a reliable 250HP Yamaha that gets you to prime sea duck spots fast. Built for serious hunters, she handles choppy waters with ease while her shallow draft design accesses those hidden marshes and protected coves where the ducks gather. The spacious layout comfortably seats your hunting party of six, with plenty of room for decoys, gear, and your harvest. GPS navigation locks onto productive locations while the VHF radio keeps you connected to harbor conditions. The fish finder doubles as a depth sounder, crucial for navigating Maine's rocky coastline and finding those productive ledges where sea ducks feed. At 50 mph, you'll spend more time hunting and less time traveling between spots along Belfast's prime waterfowl areas.
Common Eiders are the heavyweights of sea ducks - mature drakes can hit 5-6 pounds with that distinctive black and white plumage. These birds stick to rocky coastlines and shallow bays where they dive for mussels and sea urchins, usually in 10-20 feet of water. Peak hunting runs November through January when flocks move through our coastal waters. What makes eiders special is their size and the challenge - they're wary birds that require good calling and decoy spreads. The meat's rich and dark, perfect for those who appreciate wild game flavor. Here's the key: set up near mussel beds at first light. Eiders feed heavy in early morning, and if you can position between their roost and feeding areas, you'll see consistent action.
5.0 out of 5.0Highly recommended Jared for chasing sea ducks . He gave us the opportunity to chance to mark a few birds off the UWC. Good times
Have hunted with several outfitters, Jared Hughes with Black Stream Outfitters is definitely at the top of the list, highly recomm...
Maine