About Us
Welcome to Basswood Central! We’re so glad you’re here. Our mission is to provide quality waterfowl hunts in the Finger Lakes region.
Founded in 2024 as an extension of Basswood Lodge, we’ve been dedicated to bringing you quality hunting experiences. The combination of the Finger Lakes and Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge offers the opportunity to harvest a large diversity of waterfowl species. We are strategically located between both landmarks that serve as key staging areas for waterfowl in the Atlantic Flyway. We lease thousands of acres of private ground including flooded fields, dry fields and marshes as well as gunning the shores of Lake Ontario and the Finger Lakes out of safe boats and comfortable shore blinds.
The Finger Lakes region is known for its stunning natural beauty offering breathtaking views and a variety of outdoor activities. It's also famous for its wineries and breweries, making it a perfect destination for everyone, including wives who can enjoy wine tasting and scenic tours while you hunt.
We believe in quality, integrity, and customer satisfaction, and we strive to create unforgettable adventures for all our guests. Thanks for visiting our site! We can’t wait to help you plan your next waterfowl hunt!
Who We Are
Basswood Central was born from the teamwork of three passionate outdoorsmen: Matt Williams, Sean McGinn, and Nick McNamara. Nick, the owner of Basswood Lodge, brought a strong reputation and name known by duck hunters. Matt, from the Finger Lakes, added his Midwest guiding experience and local connections. Sean, who had been guiding in the Finger Lakes, was ready for new challenges. Together, they combined their knowledge and skill-set to create Basswood Central, a premiere destination for hunting enthusiasts.
Adaptability. That is what sets Basswood Central apart from the others. The team at Basswood Central has the capability to adapt to the weather and the birds to put hunters in the drivers seat to success day in and day out.
Meet the Guides
Nick McNamara
Nick grew up in the heart of the St. Lawrence river valley of Northern NY, an area surrounded by some of the most fertile wetlands on the east coast.
He began guiding waterfowl hunters at a young age and has continued to make his entire living as a professional waterfowl guide. In 2012, after nearly a decade of running the business, Nick purchased Basswood Lodge and has worked very hard turning it into what it is today. He would also spend many days a season on the waters of central NY guiding during the winter months.
In the spring of 2024 he joined Matt and Sean to create Basswood Central, an extension of Basswood Lodge. Now we can offer an all hands on deck approach to the Finger Lakes region of the state. We will take all the skill and hard work that has made Basswood Lodge a success and used the momentum to start this next venture. Whether you're looking for world class canada goose hunting or some of the best puddle ducks and diver hunting that exists in the atlantic flyway we've got you covered.
Matt Williams
Matthew Williams' love for hunting began at a young age, tagging along with his uncles on duck hunts. His passion only grew stronger through high school and college at RIT, where he spent countless hours in the great outdoors with friends and family. After college, Matthew's expertise took him to the heartlands of Saskatchewan, Missouri, Arkansas, and various parts of the Midwest, working with top outfitters for nearly a decade. Matthew's trusty black lab, Drifter, is always by his side, adding an extra layer of camaraderie to their adventures. Born and raised in the Finger Lakes and Lake Ontario region, Matthew's life is deeply intertwined with the wilderness. When he's not hunting, he's on the water, running his fishing charter, Wet Willy, out of Sodus Point, reeling in salmon and trout. For Matthew, every season offers a new adventure in the great outdoors.
Sean McGinn
Sean McGinn's waterfowl hunting journey began at the age of 12, learning the ropes from his dad. He grew up duck hunting, navigating swamps and local public WMAs, developing a deep-rooted passion for the sport. His love for waterfowl hunting flourished during his college years at SUNY Cobleskill, where he explored new territories and forged lasting friendships. After college, a close friend introduced Sean to guiding, and he instantly knew it was his calling. This led him to create his own business, specializing in big water hunting on the Finger Lakes. When he's not guiding, Sean cherishes his time in the great outdoors with his family, sharing the same passion for nature and adventure.
Our Partners
