Rick Estes

Owls Roost Outfitters is owned and operated by Rick Estes of Ossipee, N.H., a native of the Granite State, born and raised in the Lakes Region. His life-long passion for fishing was first taught to him by his mother and later influenced by world famous fly tyers like Jim Warner, Lefty Harris and Ellis Hatch. It all started in his hometown of Wolfeboro, NH. Rick started tying flies at an early age and has been doing so in earnest for over 40 years. He now offers clinics, where he ties everything from pupae to dries and everywhere in between.

Rick spent 28 years with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department as a game warden, a career that took him to every nook and cranny of the Lakes Region and the White Mountains. He fine-tuned his wilderness skills not only in fishing but also in wilderness navigation and survival during his tenure. Because of his work in the search and rescue community, Rick was named N.H. Fish and Game team leader for the state’s specialized search and rescue team, and he was instrumental in implementing GPS technology into search and rescue operations.

Beginning in 1992, Rick’s passion for the outdoors extended to the great state of Maine where he and his wife, Pat, bought a camp. As a result, Rick has spent many years with his family exploring Maine’s wilderness, finding remote fishing ponds and navigating the big rivers that the state has to offer. This exploration has laid an excellent foundation for guiding fishermen into the “Big Woods” of Maine.

Wilderness Navigation

Navigation skills are as important as knowing how to make a fire…maybe even more so. If you can read a map and compass, you can often get yourself out of many of the dangerous circumstances that can suddenly develop in the backcountry, no matter how well prepared you are.

Today, most people rely on GPS technology to plot their way through city streets, highways, or mountain trails. While a GPS unit is an important navigation tool, it’s not a magic wand. In the backcountry, batteries fail; satellite signals are interrupted. And, if you don’t know how to properly use a map and compass, then GPS positioning and readings will mean very little to you.

We’ve designed our two-day course to teach you the age-old methods of wilderness navigation and how to incorporate these skills with modern technology. The first day of class focuses exclusively on learning how to read a map and compass, as separate tools and in tandem with each other. Each in-class discussion will be followed by practical, hands-on exercises in the field.

On the second day of class, we’ll add a GPS unit into the equation, demonstrating how to best incorporate the satellite data with your map readings. Significant time will also be spent in the field honing your technique.

Rick Wilcox, president of an all-volunteer search and rescue organization in the Mount Washington Valley, has commented: The GPS has become an essential tool for search and Rescue. Rick’s course was on the money and has become the standard for Mountain Rescue Service.

Whether you’re interested in day trips or multi-day adventures, this course will help you navigate and become more comfortable in the backcountry.

Each class is held in Ossipee, N.H. at Owl’s Roost Outfitters and includes instruction; handouts; coffee, tea and doughnuts; and lunch both days. If you’d like to host a group clinic on a particular set of days at your own facility, we can often arrange to travel to your location. For the past couple years, Owl’s Roost has instructed classes at Bosebuck Mountain Camps also.

What to bring: Compass, GPS unit (not mandatory if you do not own one), Suitable clothing for spending time outside.

Price: Please email or call for prices. Includes two full days of instruction at Owl’s Roost Outfitters. The class will be limited to 10 students, and a minimum enrollment is required for it to be held. Should you just need to brush up on your skills, Rick does offer individual instruction.

Fly Tying Instruction

Master Fly Tyer Rick Estes was exposed to world famous fly tyers, like Jim Warner, and Lefty Harris, at a young age, and it helped fuel a passion for a craft he has been practicing for the past 40 years. Ellis Hatch became Rick’s mentor and friend more than 35 years ago. Ellis has been a Master Tyer for 53 years and is a legendary figure in the fly fishing industry. In 2002, Rick completed a Traditional Arts Apprenticeship sponsored by New Hampshire State Council on the Arts. Rick shares his expertise in beginner workshops for those just taking on the art and intermediate workshops for those with some experience but who may be looking to improve their technique.

Not only will you enjoy the camaraderie of fellow anglers during class, but you will have the opportunity to tap decades worth of tying experience and learn about the history behind some of the flies you tie. This class promises short cuts to tying you cannot find anywhere else and guidance on material selection, revealing the secrets behind why certain materials are used for particular flies.

Each class is held in Ossipee, N.H. at Owl’s Roost Outfitters and includes instruction, tying materials, handouts, coffee, doughnuts, and lunch. You need only bring your tying tools. If you are a beginner who does not have tools, arrangements can be made with advanced notice.

If you’d like to host a group clinic on a particular date at your own facility, we can often arrange to travel to your location.

Price: Please email or call for prices. Includes a full day of instruction. The class will be limited to 10 students, but a minimum enrollment is required for it to be held. Special offsite group pricing is also available. Should you just need to brush up on your skills, Rick does offer individual instruction.