Jake Rackliff, a Registered Maine Guide with deep roots in the Belgrade Lakes region, where a lifelong passion for the outdoors was forged early through hunting, fishing, and hands-on experience in the Junior Maine Guide program.
Now licensed in fishing, hunting, and recreation, Jake has turned that passion into purpose—guiding others through Maine’s woods and waters while teaching the fundamentals of tracking, ethical hunting, and fishing techniques in both open water and on the ice. Whether he’s working with seasoned outdoorsmen, first-time hunters, or youth eager to learn, Jake brings a practical, down-to-earth approach that makes the outdoors accessible to everyone.
Beyond guiding, Jake is dedicated to education, offering outdoor learning experiences for schools, homeschool groups, and organizations looking to reconnect with nature in a meaningful way.
He lives in Shapleigh, Maine, with his wife Katherine—an outdoor therapist and speech pathologist—and their children. When he’s not guiding, Jake is doing exactly what you’d expect: exploring Maine with his family, from camping trips and kayak runs to chasing fish and finding new trails.
This episode dives into Jake’s journey, his passion for conservation, and what it really means to live the Maine outdoor lifestyle.
