Meet Your Guides

Master Guide Bill Pidgeon has hunted and fished the Downeast Maine coast his entire life. Born in Bangor, he served as a Maine Game Warden for 25 years and has operated Eiders Down Guide Service since 1987. Bill’s experience, knowledge and skills instill confidence in beginners and appreciation in seasoned hunters.

“How do you know where the ducks are?”

It’s a question we’re often asked and the answer is simple. In fact, we never have to go “hunting” for ducks because we observe them year round, as guides in the winter and as fishermen in the summer. Lobstering, like sea duck hunting, is best around ledges and islands and a lifetime spent observing the habits and habitats of waterfowl means we always know where the ducks are.

It takes more than knowing where the ducks are to be a successful guide. The Licensed Maine Guides of Eiders Down combine guiding abilities developed over years of experience with seamanship, a thorough knowledge of the outdoors, and personal qualities that make your time with them enjoyable and your hunt successful on every level.
 

Keith Martin, Licensed Guide, with a trophy-quality Eider.

Galen Ruhlin, Licensed Guide, brings a lifetime of Maine hunting experience to Eiders Down.

In the off season, the guides repair and maintain the 50 hand-hewn decoys used during the hunts.

"I would like to take a moment to thank you both again for your hospitality and kindness this past week. The trip was great therapy for me. Ted, Doug & I will make this a tradition and hope you will tolerate us again. "

Gratefully,
Mark from Kentucky