C.A. Guide Service L.L.C. Information and Rates

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Fishing
Bird Hunting
Deer Hunting
Turkey Hunting
Cancellation Policy

There are few things I like better than escorting individuals down the river to catch the fish of a lifetime. The rewards I experience from river guiding are two fold.  First, is assisting a fly-fisherman and educating them about all facets of fly-fishing.  Second, is to supply them the best opportunity at a trophy fish while providing a great and safe experience on the river. My love for the Pere Marquette River started 15 years ago.  I now have the privilege to own and operate the Red Moose Lodge and C.A. Guide Service. I could have never guessed I would be here 15 years ago. I have been coming up to the Baldwin area for 20 years and have a vast knowledge of the snowmobile/ motorcycle trails, hunting (everything that walks or flies), and fishing for anything that swims. Included with my knowledge of the Pere Marquette River, I also have experience on the Muskegon, Manistee and White rivers as well. Book a trip and let's spend some time on the water.

Fishing

All gear, tackle and transportation will be provided. Here at C.A. Guide Service we offer fishing trips for Steelhead, Salmon, Rainbow, Brown and Brook Trout, Pike, Walleye and Bass.

There are two different boats to fish from. The first is a 2004 Hyde (McKenzie style drift boat). It is a safe, comfortable and durable river boat and a first class ride down the river. The second is a 2004 Lowe bass/walleye boat. It is 16.5’ with an 80” beam, aluminum deep V with a 40 hp Yamaha outboard motor and a trolling motor.  It is also equipped with a live well, fish finder and rod holders. It is also a nice boat to fish from.

You will want to come prepared with waders, polarized sunglasses, rain coat, camera, sunscreen, hat and gloves.  Most importantly, dress appropriately for current weather conditions. Although provided, you may also bring your own equipment, gear, lures, beverages and snacks.

Lunch or dinner is also provided.  The menu will be decided
either on the day your trip is booked or sometime before your
scheduled trip. Please be sure to let us know of any dietary restrictions or food allergies. The menu items available are as follows: Chicken (any cut), Pork (any cut), Beef Sizzler Steaks, Kabobs (chicken or beef), Hamburgers, Bratwurst or Hot Dogs (other items may be available for an additional charge). Side dishes that are available include: Potatoes (red skins w/butter & garlic or baked), Rice, Salad (garden, caesar, three bean or macaroni), Fresh Rolls and Butter. Stew and Chili are also available for the cold winter trips and Sub Sandwiches, salad and fresh Fruits for the warm summer trips. Beverages are also provided and can include:
soda, water, juice,coffee, tea or  cocoa. Alcoholic beverages can not be provided by the guide for Insurance reasons. With prior approval from the guide you may bring a limited amount.

There will be an extra charge for all flies, plugs and spinners that are used and/or lost during the trip.

Shipping and handling fees will be assessed to any rods or reels that are broken (all rods and reels have a warranty against breakage).  If a rod or reel becomes lost, the customer will be expected to pay for the missing equipment




lunch on the river

 Fishing Rates Are As Follows:

  • Full day trip  (8 to 10 hours)  $325.00  (*pricing is for 1 or 2 people) includes everything listed above.

  • Peak Season: March 15th - April 30th and September 1st - October 15th.

  • Half day trip  (4 to 6 hours) Only available during non-peak season $225.00 (*pricing is for 1 or 2 people) includes gear, tackle, transportation, snacks and beverages.

  • Drift and Dinner trips (4 to 6 hours) non peak season only  $225.00 (*pricing is for 1 or 2 people).. Great for a short getaway. Look at fall colors, bird/wild life watching and winter scenery.

  • * Please add an additional $100.00 for a third person addition (must be pre-approved by guide)

  • **Gratuity not included but is greatly appreciated.


Bird Hunting

Guided bird hunts for Ruffed grouse and Woodcock are also available through C.A. Guide Service. A State of Michigan DNR Small Game License is required.

We have two dogs available for the hunt, a Brittany and a Lab. One dog is an obvious pointer while the other is a flusher/retriever. While hunting wild Grouse & Woodcock in the Aspens, Pines and Cedar swamps of Michigan can be fun, it is also physically demanding. You will want to be in good physical condition and have very good safety/shooting skills. This is important in order to keep up with the guide, dogs and ultimately get good quality shooting opportunities at these elusive birds. You will want to come prepared with eye protection, orange hats/vest/gloves, waterproof boots, a shotgun (a backup gun is also recommened), choke tubes and shot size #8-#4.

Keep in mind that we can always plan a cast and blast trip for you as well!


Bird Hunting Rates Are As Follows:

  • Full day-with lunch-1 or 2 people          $325.00

Guided bird hunts are also available at a “Put and Take” ranch.  There is no license required for this type of bird hunt. The ranch provides pen raised Pheasant, Quail, Hungarian Partridge and Chucker for purchase.  This type of bird hunting is less physically demanding and helps fine tune safety and shooting skills. Hunting with a guide and dogs is great fun for all from young to old. Please keep in mind that this is not the forum in which to learn gun safety or shooting skills. The proper place for that is a gun range or at a hunters safety class.

  • Please contact us for “Put and Take” Bird Hunting rates!

Deer Hunting

Guided deer hunts are also available. A State of Michigan DNR Deer License is required.

There is a healthy deer population in the area and some quality bucks. We can supply up to two stands per person. We will also escort you to your stand, see that you are safely situated, help you get out of the stand, track, field dress and hang your deer. Deer hunts can be set up baited or non-baited. All deer hunts are fair chase, no fences.

We can also set up your blind/stand and keep it baited during the season. After meeting and scouting, we will make sure your stand/blind is in a safe location. We can bait as much as Michigan State Law allows or just enough to keep the deer interested. Your stand and location will be our secret. Baiting costs will be determined on an as needed basis and vary depending on amount and location.

Guided deer hunting can be fun and rewarding but please remember to adhere to good safety practices. A safety harness must be worn at all times when in a tree stand. Bow and firearm safety must be a priority as well, in and out of your tree stand or blind. It is important to get plenty practice before your hunt. Either with a bow and arrow or with a firearm, a deadly shot can only be had when a person has good aim and an accurate shot.

There is a taxidermist and a butcher located a short distance from the lodge. They can supply you with mounts, capes, skinning or processing if needed.

Your trip must be booked no less than one month before your hunting date. This will ensure your blind/stand is set up and ready for you when the date arrives.



Deer Hunting Seasons:

  • Bow and Arrow :: October 1st - November 14th and December 1 - December 31
  • General Firearm :: November 15th - November 30th
  • Muzzle Loader :: Mid December (date to follow)

Guided Deer Hunting Rates:

  • $150.00 per day-3 day minimum


Turkey Hunting

Guided Turkey hunting is also available. We will provide all blinds, decoys, calls and transportation. You should come prepared with a shotgun and ammuntion (no larger than #4 shot)or a bow and arrow, camophlage clothing (should be worn from head to toe) and good waterproof boots. Dress appropriately for current weather conditions. You must first obtain a license by lottery from the State of Michigan DNR for the Spring or Fall Season. You must also specify this area. There are"left over" licenses available at the end of the drawing in the Spring (it is a good season and is three weeks long). After applying you will be notified by March 15th if you were drawn for the first two
seasons (each is one week long).

After the above process, please contact us to reserve your hunting dates.

Keep in mind that we can always plan a cast and blast trip for you as well!

Turkey Hunting Rates Are As Follows:

  • Full day -1 or 2 people - $325.00 (2 day minimum) lunch is included.

Cancellation Policy


When booking a guided trip with C.A. Guide Service, a credit card number (Visa or Mastercard) will be required to hold your dates. If the need arises and you do have to cancel you trip, it must be done one month prior to your reservation date to assume no penalty. If the cancellation takes place after the one month period but before the two week point, a $150.00 per reserved day will be assessed. Lastly, if the trip is cancelled within two weeks of the trip, you will be assessed the full charge for all reserved days.

We realize that extenuating circumstances may arise. Although we will be charging you with the above fees in the event of a cancellation, we will also try to accommodate you by re-booking the trip during a non-peak season time equally agreed upon. There will be a limited time in which this trip must be booked (normally a 3 month period).

If adverse weather conditions or river conditions should arise, we will
contact you as soon as possible. We will also reschedule your trip at a
time that is equally convenient.