Vol. 2 - Northwoods in Jackman: A Maine Deer Camp Story
Words & Photos: Joey Davis, Northwoods Whitetails
Northwoods Whitetails is dedicated to the art of tracking whitetail deer and inspiring the next generation to appreciate the vital role of sustainability in our forests. Led by native Vermonter Joey Davis, who built his passion for the outdoors around the stories of legendary local hunters, the team relies on Johnson Woolen Mills as their trusted wool outerwear partner. This partnership is built on a shared respect for nature and the American-made quality required to get out there and carry these traditions forward. View the Northwoods x 1842 Collection.
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Backed up to the Western Maine Mountains and the Canadian border lies Cedar Ridge Outfitters in Jackman, Maine. Also referred to as the "Switzerland of Maine," Jackman is known for its scenic wilderness and as the gateway to 3.5 million acres of the North Maine Woods.
As you travel into northern Maine, there is a specific moment at the height of land on Route 201 where the world suddenly opens up. It’s at that point you realize you’ve arrived. From the faint ridgetops of the Western Maine Mountains to your west and the vast wilderness and lakes stretching as far north as the eye can see, you slowly descend into the outdoor paradise known as Jackman.
The owners of Cedar Ridge, Ron and Lynda Hamilton, were gracious enough to invite Northwoods Whitetails and Johnson Woolen Mills to stay at their 5-star lodge for the opening week of the 2025 Maine regular season. To say we were spoiled is an understatement. We ate like kings and slept like babies every night, fueled by some of the best home-cooked meals imaginable.
Once we unpacked and settled into camp, it was time to put together a game plan for the next morning. This was the first time any of us had hunted this ground, so we were heading into the vast terrain blind and ready for the challenge. We all gathered in the same room to throw ideas at one another and paired up with one goal in mind: to cover as much ground as possible and locate some big bucks.
As the 3:30 AM alarm sounded, we arose like it was Christmas morning. The trucks were cold and slow to start, but the 4 AM breakfast at the lodge was hot, and we were not about to miss it. As daylight broke, we all filtered out into the unknown.
Day 1: Into the Unknown
Day 1 was filled with laughter and excitement, but also confusion as to where the bucks were hiding. We covered countless miles and saw some new country, but with the warm weeks leading up to the season, the bucks just had not been on the move yet.
Watch a recap of Day 1 and follow Northwoods Whitetails on Youtube to catch the rest of the series.
Day 2: Casey Breaks the Silence
Day 2 was much of the same until Casey Moore broke the silence in a group text with “BUCK DOWN!” As each of us filtered into cell service, the text chain became filled with elation for Casey’s success. Most people know Casey as the primary wool cutter at Johnson Woolen Mills—the man who literally shapes the gear we wear. So we were all extremely eager to get back to camp to see the buck and hear the story. He harvested a beautiful 9-point, 188-pound buck. After dinner that evening, we shared a few celebratory beverages and got even more excited for the days ahead.
Day 3 & 4: Waiting on the Great Equalizer
Day 3 was slow as we spent time exploring new roads in preparation for the next day. The forecast finally held a chance of snow.
Day 4 was filled with anticipation as we glanced out to see a light dusting on the trucks. It was game on. We knew from scouting the previous days where there would be some tracking snow. We all got on buck tracks and had a few close encounters, but just couldn’t pull the timing together for a shot.
Day 5: Tipping the Scales
By Day 5, some headed back to where we found bucks the day before with another inch of snow on the ground. Within a short amount of time that morning, both Brent and I managed to get on big buck tracks and were able to bag two beautiful bucks. I took a 207-pound 8-point and Brent took a 174-pound 9-point. We met up at the local deer check-in station to weigh them, surrounded by other hunters who stopped to see what the scales would tip.
Day 6: Camp Camaraderie
Day 6 was the final day. The rest of the crew found great bucks but just couldn't connect. It takes the right situation with the right timing to connect the dots in this style of hunting. One thing is certain: the memories we made, the laughs we shared, and the accommodations we received made it one of the most enjoyable deer camp experiences any group of hunters could ask for.
Beyond the big buck success or the miles tracked through the Maine mountains, we left Jackman with something more permanent. Standing in the quiet expanse of these woods, you can’t help but feel a sense of awe and responsibility for a wilderness this vast. It’s a reminder of why we do what we do—to preserve these forests and the ethical traditions of the hunt so they remain intact for the next generation. We’re grateful for the time spent at Cedar Ridge and the camaraderie shared around the campfire; we’re coming home with the kind of stories that we hope will inspire young hunters and all who enjoy outdoor recreation, to get out there and become stewards of this land themselves.
