The MDIWF (State of Maine Dept of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife) reports that the 2012 Maine whitetail deer season ended with a total harvest of 21,365 deer, representing an increase of 13% over the 2011 harvest of 18,839. Increases in the harvest were seen in all wildlife management districts. The highlight of the 2012 season, and testament to the recovering deer numbers, was the jump in the overall harvest of bucks between 2011 and 2012. A total of 15,271 adult bucks were harvested in Maine this past season, representing an increase of 2,473 deer over the 2011 season (i.e., 19% increase). Indeed, the overall buck harvest increased within all 29 Wildlife Management Districts (WMDs).

The health of the deer herd is good news for Maine’s hunting community, and it's good for hunting outfitters too. At Northern outdoors, we are pround of our 40 year tradition of Trophy Whitetail Deer Hunting and are pleased to showcase our expanded commitment to hunting and fishing through a newly launched, mobile-friendly website, at www.Mainedeerhunting.com. In addition to Trophy Buck Hunting, we are also excited to introduce this year custom bird & small game hunts and, moose hunting.   The new website features information on all Maine’s hunting seasons, Whitetail Deer, Moose, Bird, and Small Game, as well as information on bass, trout, & landlocked salmon fishing seasons. All inclusive professionally guided deer hunt packages start at $1050 for a week, $600 for 3 day hunts.

Jim Yearwood, Vice President noted “This past winter did not stress the deer population significantly, we believe this only supports the continued growth of Maine’s deer population in 2013. It's great news for sportsmen planning to hunt in Maine.”

About Northern Outdoors:

Established in 1976, Northern Outdoors has a 40-year tradition of Trophy Whitetail Deer Hunting from its lodge in The Forks. Northern Outdoors is a four-season adventure resort and winner of Yankee Magazine's 2011 Best New England Adventures Award. In addition to hunting and fishing, Northern Outdoors offers whitewater rafting, hiking, and ATV rentals in the summer and snowmobiling in the winter. The resort includes private cabins, riverside camping, and the Kennebec River Brewery, featured on the Maine Beer Trail. Northern Outdoors is located 2.5 hours from Portland Maine, 2.5 hours from Quebec City, Canada, and 4 hours from Boston, on Route 201, The Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway.

Nothern Outdoors--we've been with you every step of the way. It started when my Aunt asked us to go white water rafting with her, pre-helmets and pre-kids. Weeks before we arrived, she found out she was pregnant-LOL-her Dr. told her it was OK--so off we went on our camping-White Water adventure at the Kennebec. We were hooked.

As a combined family, we've made about 8 trips enjoying the Kennebec, Penobscot, and Dead Rivers. We've also experienced lots of different lodging opportunities, from camping to large house/cabin on the lake, to lodge living at the resort. All have been great.

This past trip we shared with our kids--first time two were able to row with us---best time ever. It started with a great dinner with Emily as our waitress. It was unanimous, we loved Emily and the food. The next day we went rafting with Victor as our guide. We love you Victor--knowledgeable, fun, and yes strong (thanks for helping two old ladies back in the raft).

Next time we plan to do two rivers. We can't wait.

Thanks Northern Outdoors for providing us with a lifetime of memories. You rock.

Cheryl M
Hudson, New Hampshite

Rating: 5 *****

Family whitewater rafting adventures in Maine

I came up from MA with a group of six. Some seasoned rafters and some new. Our guide was Zach and from the start we all felt really comfortable as he seemed like a very seasoned guide. We expected a professional and safe experience due one member of our group being a former employee and Kennebec rafting vet (She recommended Northern).

What we didn't expect were all of the little added extras that really put this trip over the top. My first impression was the staff and guides all LOVE what they do and they have FUN doing it. All of the male guides growing mustaches as a goof is just one small example. I understand that they raft this river daily, but their fun spirited nature made is seem like this was their first time on the Kennebec as well. Their professionalism and excellent rafting ability of course leads one to believe otherwise.

Zach was an excellent guide. He had a great knowledge not of just the Kennebec but of all of Maine and rafting / kayaking. The pictures for the slide show and the video that is put together is excellent and hilarious. One of the guides does a bit of a comedy routine while all of the rafters watch once back at Northern, and he had me doubled over a few times with laughter. Lunch on the Kennebec offered fresh grilled Salmon that rivals most restaurants.

Great time and great memories; the smiles on our faces in the attached photos should say it all. We'll be booking our trip for next year in the near future!

Mark M
Bellingham, Massachusetts

Rating: 5 *****

Maine Whitewater Rafting Trip

Nick Menounos really captured the intensity and the beauty of the Penobscot River on his trip this past spring with Northern Outdoors. If you want to see what the river "feels" like from an "in-the-boat" perspective, through some of the biggest rapids and most dramatic scenery, watch this!

WOW! Thanks Nick for capturing this. The Penobscot river is located in northern Maine near Mt. Katahdin, in Millinocket. It is a 6 hr drive from Boston, and worth every mile to get there. Remote, rugged, intensely beautiful, and with Class III to Class V whitewater action from Ripogenous Gorge down through the lower Penobscot.

Yankee Magazine rated the Northern Outdoors Penobscot River rafting trip one of New England's Best Adventures in 2011.  Is it on your bucket list? Learn more about Penobscot Rafting here.

Here's the video link here (or click on the image above): http://vimeo.com/52460261

Dear Russell & Fellow Staff..we had a blast on this trip.

Everything was above our expectations from the condo to the people to the rafting. We totally enjoyed ourselves and are already trying to plan a trip for next year. We all agreed that everyone was just so nice and energetic and we couldn't believe how organized you had everything. Great Job Northern Outdoors.

I bought one of your moose stickers and put it on my Xterra to help advertise a little. Also, I haven't stopped raving about your place since we came back. I work in a super busy Diner in town that has been there 58 years. It's the kind of place where if you want to know anything about anything you come to Zip's. So I am spreading the word to all of my customers that it is totally worth the fivehour ride. Oh yeah, we tried the "Deer in the head lights" beer as well...pretty tastey!!!

Thank you all again for making our vacation Excellent!!!

Jaime S
Danielson, Connecticut

Rating: 5 *****

New England Whitewater Rafting

we had the greatest time. i can't wait to go again. i've been telling anybody i run into. YOU GOT TO DO THIS. your staff is amazing, informative and fun. i love how your staff works together and your guides are the most confidant people i have ever met. the lunch that was prepared for us shows you all take pride in what you serve and that coyboy coffee is the best dam coffee i've every had. change nothing ( IF IT AINT BROKE DON'T FIX IT) see ya 0n the river. ED

ed h
wolfeboro, new hampshire

Rating: 5 *****

Maine Whitewater Rafting

My boyfriend and I are from Boston and we went up to The Forks to go on a white water rafting trip with Northern Outdoors on September 15th. Neither of us had been rafting before but this will definitely be the first of many experiences. Not only were the accommodations adorable and comfortable (we stayed in a one bed cozy cabin) but the food and bar in the lodge were great, and the staff were nothing but absolutely pleasant.

Our rafting guide was Dave and he was extremely knowledgeable and made us feel like we were in good hands. He was very good at making sure we all knew what we were doing and had fun at the same time.

The weather was great, not too hot or cold, and the lunch that they barbecue for you on the river was DELICIOUS! The options and quality of the food was beyond belief.

Overall I have recommended Northern Outdoors to all of my friends and coworkers since I returned. We will definitely be back!!!

Megan S
Brighton, Massachusetts

Rating: 5 *****

Maine Fall Whitewater Rafting Adventure

I've been hiking on Maine trails, sailing on the beautiful Maine coast, enjoying the seafood and the lovely people but I'd never imagined going white water rafting and that so many possibilities exist in Maine to do this! Our outfitter, Northern Outdoors, does a superb job where all details seem to be taken very good care of. I felt very safe with our amazing guide Emilie! That this was possible to do and so much fun just adds to my long list of reasons to love Maine!!

Janet R
Stockholm, Sweden

Rating: 5 *****

Whitewater Rafting in Maine

On first Arrival, after an 8 1/2 hour drive from Cape Cod, we encountered a stress test... Kudos to front desk for professionally dealing with a potentionally awful situation. I made reservations weeks ahead for a definite 5, stating at the time I could bring 3 to 5 more who were trying to get time off work. We brought 3 more...all raft virgins. Figured it would be no problem since it was a week day. Wrong. I was told "sold out". This was my 14th year rafting, my daughter's 7th, her boyfriend's 1st.... PROBLEM....

The front desk asked me to be patient and made some calls... 20 mins of hell later... Smiles across 8 Faces! A new raft located! Dinner N beer ordered up ASAP! Camp set up for 3 days of fun! Trevor was guide -host with the most for the white-water rips! Fun dude! Our 2nd trip wth mr. Hip!

Thx Northern!

Peter B
Brewster. Massachusetts

Rating: 5 *****

Kennebec River Whitewater Rafting

My husband David and I are from a very small town in Kansas and he was planning a surprise trip to Maine for our anniversary for months. He told his sister, Abigail, that he wanted to go whitewater rafting and she found Northern Outdoors and set it up.

I was very scared and nervous at first but it was the best experience I've ever had! We had such a great time rafting down the river and being surrounded by the beautiful scenery. You don't get views like that in Kansas. While we were floating down the river we were truly basking in God's glory. It was absolutely wonderful.

The staff was great and helpful during our whole stay and rafting trip. All we've been talking about since we got home is our next rafting trip! I would recommend Northern Outdoors to anyone and can't wait to come back!

David & Briana C
Hiawatha, Kansas

Rating: 5 *****

Maine Rafting

Kennebec River Trip

Northern Outdoors Deserves a big congratulations for making my party of 8 whitewater adventure a MAJOR SUCCESS!

The trip was so fun we have already expanded our next trip to several rafts.... More people more fun right?

The trip was amazing and a true delight. The shore lunch was out of this world and way beyond expectations! Our river guide "DAWN" was a absolute professional and the best river guide I have ever went white water rafting with, kudos to DAWN!

Loved the trip, well organized and exceeded expectations by 3

A big THANKS to Northern Outdoors for sharing this awesome experience with the best staff and services.

Regards,
Scott

Scott A

Rating: 5 *****

Kennebec River Whitewater Rafting

We have been up to Northern Outdoors three times now. We have done everything from camp with Tents, used our RV/Horse Trailer, and rented their beautiful Town Houses overlooking a private pond. The Facilities are as good as they get for a adventure-focused operation. The main lodge has a HUGE hot tub, heated swimming pool (with indoor in-out for wintertime), and their own Brewery! (We love the whitewater-wheat). The staff is talkative and willing to help in whatever way they can.

The rafting itself could not be any better. The guides are trained and vetted and know the rivers well enough to direct the raft without help of the paddlers at all. The lunch on the Kennebec is outstanding. They cook your steak, chicken, salmon, or Veggie burger right there along with rice and pasta salad. Hydration in the form of water, ice tea, lemonade, hot cocoa and cowboy coffee are also available while on the river.
This is a top-notch operation, and any adventure-seeking family will find all they want at whatever price-level.

We plan on returning to this great week-end getaway (for us) multiple times.

Jess H

East Falmouth, Massachusetts
 

Rating: 5 *****

Family Whitewater Fun

I visited Northern Outdoors facility in the Forks, ME with a friend in July 2012 for a few nights of camping and a day of rafting on the Kennebec. Let me start by saying that I have never been whitewater rafting before so I have no other experiences to compare to, but we had a fantastic time! I don't have a single negative thing to say. Northern Outdoors has a great reputation for being the best and I believe they lived up to that.

Our time on the river was great, we had a blast, lunch on the river oustanding, the whole day was handled beautifully by the staff at NO. We were impressed at how efficiently the staff managed to feed 100 people on the river in 45 minutes, nicely done! The staff there is fantastic, very accomodating and friendly, great with kids.

I was drawn to Northern Outdoors because of their on-site brewery, I am a homebrewer and appreciate good craft beer. Every beer they had on tap was excellent, especially the nut brown ale! The food was very good too. Great atmosphere at the restaraunt as well.

Overall, we had a great experience at Northern Outdoors and will definitley be back with a bigger group! Thanks again!

Name: Shawn McGillveary
City: Agawam
State: MA
Activity: Kennebec River Rafting
Activity2: Camping
Rating: 5 *****

Maine Rafting

Kennebec River Brewery

I have nothing but good things to say about my white water rafting experience. All of the guides were superb. I felt safe at all times, even when the we hit level 5 waters. I had the time of my life.

I would suggest camping out the night before however. My party came up to Maine very last minute and had to stay at a hotel in a near by town. This place was not easy to find at 6:30 in the morning. The camp grounds looked beautiful and welcoming. If you can get there the day before and save yourself the early morning hassel, I would recommend it.

Alec
Boston, Massachusetts

Rating: 5 *****

Maine Whitewater Rafting

What an amazing twofer whitewater weekend, with great friends, weather and amazing guides.

Weekend started for the eight of us when we arrived at the Twin Pines Cabins on Millinocket Lake. We settled into our cabin around 2 and enjoyed the lake and sights of Katadin. After a great dinner and fire we tucked in early for an even earlier rise. 6:00 came early on Saturday and headed over to the Penobscot Outdoor Center for a little debriefing and gear collection, then we hit the best River, in my opinion, in the Northeast. The beautiful weather made for a great day and Alex, our guide, kept us in the heat and meat of the river all day long. We surfed, got jostled about a little and made some great lines into the best rapids around. No one left the raft or dumping on this day, but there was always tomorrow.

We closed the day by laughing at the video replay while enjoying a beer at the bar and then heading back to the cabin. We got a good dinner in and again hung out by the fire until we decided it was time to turn in. Tomorrow was going to be another great day on the Penobscot.

Another early wake up and checking out of the cabins was done and we on our way down the road again. Went through our briefings and we were on the river in no time for another brilliant day. This time, Luke was our guide and he did not let us down. Tough to beat the previous run with Alex but Luke was up to the challenge. We hit every line, spot on and even got some surfing in on a couple of areas we hadn't before. We experienced some great action, took one lots of heavy water and even survived the "darkroom" for a few of our friends. I was even launched out of the front row on the last run of the day on The Falls.

This year's trip has been our best yet over the last 5 years of running all of the rivers Northern Outdoors has to offer, including High Water, and already stoked for next year. It was a great weekend, with great weather and only made better by some awesome whitewater and guides. This trip was an EPIC success!

Thank you again to the folks at Twin Pines, Alex and Luke, and the whole crew of Northern Outdoors for making our annual getaway one for the ages.

Kevin L
Pelham, New Hampshire

Rating: 5 *****

Penobscot River Whitewater Rafting

Twin Pines Cabins on Millinocket Lake

Growlers' popularity is growing gangbusters over the last 3 years since Maine loosened up it's Growler law.  The Maine Growler Bill passed on September 12, 2009, creating much happiness for local breweries and brewpubs and their devoted patrons. A Growler is half-gallon (64 ounces) glass jug that consumers buy upfront and then refill for a relatively nominal fee. Not only are Growlers a financially fit method of buying and selling your favorite brew, but, they are eco-friendly and a fantastic means of buying local.

So, how do you keep a Growler clean?
To keep your Growler fresh for the next “filler up please,” upon pouring your last savory drop of brew, rinse the thick glass jug with hot water – give it some sturdy swirls – and then dry upside-down. It’s a good idea to wash the cap with hot water as well.

We are pretty big here at KRB at telling our guests to avoid using dish detergent, as it contains surfactants, which are non-biodegradable components that leave behind particles which can (and do) accumulate over time. If you find funkiness (ie: organic matter) in your Growler, don’t fear – but, don’t ignore it either. Give your bottle another hot soak and use a bottlebrush to scrub away the matter.

Those feeling the need for uber-cleaning can use environmentally friendly home-brewing cleaning products like 5-Star PBW (Powered Brewery Wash) (http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/powdered-brewery-wash.html) or try Star San (http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/star-san.html). Northern Brewer carries bottle brushes as well, and we have also found that Sigg's high performance bottle brush works in our Growlers too.

Growlers come in different styles, and can be clear glass or brown glass. Northern Outdoors had clear glass Growlers initially, and we switched over to Brown Growler jugs this season. (Look at our KRB page on FB for more pictures.)

Enjoy that Growler!

Kennebec River Brewery
Our KRB Beers (All are available for Growlers!)
Kennebec River Brewery on Facebook
Raft n Brews: Octoberfest Whitewater Rafting and KRB Weekend
 

My experience with Northern Outdoors could not have been a better one! In all aspects of the river experience on the Kennebec, the service and staff, the lodge itself, as well as the surrounding natural beauty, I was very impressed.

Everyone else on my raft was equally surprised to learn that our guide, Elliot, had never been a guide before this summer. Having never rafter before myself, I was a little anxious about the Kennebec but Elliot as well as the other guides injected just the right note of humor into their extremely professional safety talk, and seemed to balance being approachable, friendly, and funny with being mindful of their own customers' safety as well as the other boats around them. The guides seem to enjoy themselves as much as the guests on the river, obviously working hard to keep track of things but with a constant smile! Elliot was very knowledgable and provided all kinds of information about local history, flora and fauna, and all aspects of the river itself. His obvious passion for the Kennebec, for Northern Outdoors, and for being a river guide was apparent in everything he did. Much like a good teacher who really loves their subject, that passion is infectious and added another dimension to the rafting experience beyond just the rapids (which were also, of course, very exciting)! Elliot seemed like the perfect balance of all the things a river guide should be, both to me as a beginner and to the more seasoned whitewater rafters in the group. It's hard to believe he is so young and hasn't been guiding for years.

I was also impressed with the extremely efficient lunchtime process, and the slide show at the end of the day in the lodge. The lunch on the river was very well organized as well as fresh, hot, and tasty. The video in the afternoon was a fun piece that I hadnt expected- the guide who narrated the slide show (nick maybe? With a moustache) was very funny and seemed to engage both the kids and adults. It was also nice to have a chance to dry off and get a drink/snack before sitting down again.

I thought the lodge was clean, beer was very good, and all of the guides/staff around the lodge were very friendly and helpful. Overall this was a fantastic experience and I would absolutely recommend Northern Outdoors to others. Thank you for an awesome introduction to whitewater!

Cynthia
Taylor, Michigan

Rating: 5 *****

Maine Adventure Vacation

The rafting was awesome, the guides were great fun to be around. Nick, and James for day 2. The pub was fun, great beer - the whitewater wheat was my favorite.

The cabin was cramped for 8 people with the awful fold out mini bed. I would highly recommend an upgrade on that fold out, it's only fit for kids.

Made a nice go-pro video from the rafting - feel free to use it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=0zpigEIveNY

Justin B
Manchester, Connecticut

Rating: 5 *****

Kennebec River Whitewater Rafting

I organized a white water rafting trip with 7 friends of mine from both college and high school. We expected to have a blast, but our expectations were exceeded; it was an absolute unforgettable experience.

On the road trip back home we couldn't stop talking about all the memories we made in just two nights. Our guide was Kris, and he was just the absolute man. Not only was he extremely good at his job, but was also extremely knowledgable. From questions about white water to the history of Maine, Kris had an in-depth and intelligent response for us. Kris and the rest of the staff at Northern Outdoors are all great.

You folks at Northern Outdoors really do things the right way and we're counting down the days until our next trip with you!

Dan F
Boston, Massachusetts

Rating: 5 *****

College Reunion Rafting Trip

Penobscot River Whitewater Rafting

We know that whitewater, wilderness, and an honest-to-goodness real microbrewery is indeed a fantastic combination - we get to live that threesome every day from May into October! (We substitute snowmobile trails for whitewater in winter.) Northern Outdoors is not only the only rafting company or adventure resort in Maine with its own microbrewery onsite, but it's the only one in New England, and (sources close to us suggest, but have not confirmed yet), all of the US!

Maine whitewater rafting on the dam-controlled Kennebec, Penobscot, and Dead Rivers rivals the best whitewater anywhere. These rivers are big (4800CFS and more), technical in the right places (think Penobscot Cribworks Class V section!), and offer guaranteed water all season long according to their scheduled dam releases.

Maine has more trees than people. That's a shortcut way to say Maine has vast forests and mountainous regions, along with untouched rivers and pristine lakes that offer unparalleled outdoor recreation adventures. Add to whitewater and wilderness our very own Kennebec River Brewery, featured on the Maine Beer Trail, and located at our adventure resort - and you have a getaway made in heaven for beer enthusiasts and adventurous souls.

Read more about this unqiue brewery, wildernesess and whitewater combination in this our recent press release here.

There's still time to get in on whitewater, wilderness, and the Kenenbec River Brewery - now through October 7th for this season!