Staff Writer
ASHLAND – Whether you’re a hunter or newlywed, considering a one-night getaway or a week’s vacation, why not check out Hunter’s Point Lodge, formerly known as Deer Point Lodge, located on the Wrightville Road.
“We’re in the process of finalizing the purchase and hope to have that completed by early in 2008,” said co-owner Andrew “Andy” Doyon.
Doyon, along with his wife, Betsy Doyon, and their business partner, Dencil Cole, have plans to upgrade the facility, including remodeling projects in the main building.
“We want to do new window treatments, possibly remodel the kitchen and dining area a bit, maybe add a counter,” said Doyon.
The facility features four cabins and can accommodate up to 20 people.
“We’re loaded with options, with programs to fit anyone’s needs. We offer rentals by the day, week, month – whatever is desired,” he said.
Beginning Wednesday, Oct. 7, the business will be accepting all major credit and debit cards.
With the facility located not far from the Aroostook River, in a wooded area teaming with wildlife but accessible by road and recreational trails, Doyon said it’s ideal for year-round enjoyment.
“We’re open all year long. We’ve been working extensively with the Ashland Snowmobile Club to connect a trail right to our doorstep. We walked the trail on Halloween and will soon begin preparing it for use,” said Doyon.
Doyon said he’s already been in discussion with officials with NMDC about including the lodge as part of a three-day event.
“I’ve been talking with the folks at NMDC – trying to put together a three-day trip. The first day would involve participants staying at a lodge in Millinocket, the second day would be here, with the event concluding on the third day at a facility in the Madawaska area,” said Doyon.
In addition to the traditional use of the lodge for recreational purposes, such as hunting, fishing and snowmobiling, the facility can also serve a number of other uses.
“We can do banquets, complete with such items as chili, hotdogs and hamburgers. That’s something we’ve talked to the snowmobile club about. The main building can also handle receptions, birthday parties. We’d love to do those types of things, especially in the summer. The front lawn could be decorated for weddings and various celebrations,” said Doyon.
At this time of year, Doyon said the lodge is an ideal spot for the outdoor sportsperson.
“We’ve got some of the best deer hunting in the area,” he said. “There’s also bear and moose in the area – fishing is available in the Aroostook River across the road.”
A Maine guide for several years, Doyon said this isn’t his first venture in the lodging business.
“I’ve been a Maine guide since I was 18, mostly in the north country – Allagash area quite a bit. I’ve also done this line of work – been in this line of business (lodging) before. Up here, I like to tell folk ‘this is where the world begins.’ It’s beautiful country in Aroostook County,” said Doyon.
Doyon said although he’s served as a guide for a number of years, disabilities have hindered his ability to do that line of work lately. Running the lodge will allow him to stay in touch with other sporting enthusiasts, so he’ll still be involved in the lifestyle, just in a different capacity.
“Disabilities limit my ability to hunt and fish. This will keep me in touch with my interests,” said Doyon.
Doyon hopes to pass along one of his interests – fly tying – to anyone interested in learning, with free classes to anyone who asks.
“If anyone wants to learn how to tie flies, all they have to do is get in touch with me to set up a time for a lesson. I do it free because I love it and love to teach others,” said Doyon. “I’m a master fly tier and have some pretty basic versions for the novice.”
Doyon’s experience with disabilities has lead him to pursue talks with various officials on creating a program to help other disabled individuals.
“I’ve been working with Congressman Mike Michaud’s office. I’d like to help out with paraplegics coming home from Iraq with some type of summer program – give them a place to hang out. I’ve worked with handicapped individuals before, setting up ground blinds for those who couldn’t climb,” said Doyon.
Nestled on five acres in a wooded area just a few miles off Route 11 in Ashland, Doyon said the facility is ideally situated for outdoor enthusiasts to access by road or by recreational trail. He hopes to work with others in the area to promote outdoor recreation.
“There’s an excellent trail behind the lodge – about a mile long. I haven’t walked it without seeing wildlife of all kinds,” said Doyon. “I’m hoping neighbors in the area will work together to encourage and promote outdoor recreation – be it hunting or snowmobiling.”
With the increased popularity in kayaking, Doyon hopes his proximity to the Aroostook River will attract water-loving individuals.
“The lodge is close to the river, so if you like to kayak or canoe, we’re a convenient distance from the water. When it snows, we’re close to trails that connect to other trail systems in the area. For hunters and fisherman, we’re in a great location as well. We’ve got something for everyone, year-round,” said Doyon.
Doyon’s wife, Betsy, will be joining him shortly, once their home in Winslow sells.
“We’ve been together for 36 years. She loves the place and has a lot of great ideas for it. She’s back at the house tying up loose ends but I’m hoping she’ll be up here soon,” he said. “She enjoyed the hunters’ breakfast we held – the chance to meet all the hunters. She’s used to me and all my hunting adventures.”
Doyon hopes to attract more women and families to the facility, with plans to build a sauna.
“We’d like to build a sauna that includes a hot tub. We want this to be a place the whole family can enjoy, no matter their age or interest,” said Doyon.
For more information or to make a reservation, contact 435-7055.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
COZY CABINS await visitors to Hunter’s Point Lodge, located off the Wrightville Road in Ashland.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
A RUSTIC INTERIOR and homey atmosphere welcome guests staying at Hunters Point Lodge on the Wrightville Road in Ashland, as they enjoy a warm meal and good company in the main building.
