Learn About Your Host

About Silverton Sporting Ranch

In the Beginning:

Your host, Denise Powers Murchison grew up in, Presque Isle, Maine where a love of the outdoors came naturally. With winters far longer than summer, if you didn't get outside in the winter, you didn't get out much at all. Animals were also a very important part of life especially dogs and horses. Summers were spent riding and showing horses and at camp boating, swimming, and exploring the woods.

Denise attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst with a BS in Animal Science, and spent many hours in the equine program and competing with the intercollegiate equestrian team. After graduation, Denise moved to New Jersey and shortly thereafter started a veterinary diagnostic laboratory. While in New Jersey, Denise also pursued retriever training and working at upland hunting preserves.

The Growing Years:

After many successful years in New Jersey it was time to return to Maine. Many trips home to look at property resulted in finding the property in Canaan. The first year and a half were spent cleaning up and building and the result is an infrastructure that serves nearly any type of event or activity a customer would like. While there are some things that were in the original business plan that have not materialized, customer requests have lead Silverton in several directions that have become a solid part of the business.

Where we're going:

In a business where the weather plays a key factor in our success, and having survived the recent economic downturn, the future looks bright for Silverton. The goal of providing customers a place to work and train and hunt with their gun dogs, learn about shotgunning and clay targets, and lodging in private cabins with the pets has resulted in many repeat customers who quickly become friends. Our guide service has expanded to include deer, turkey waterfowl along with grouse and woodcock. Ice fishing and snowmobiling offer winter activities and give customers a reason to return several times a year.