Fitchburg, MA Outdoor Activities

An outdoorsman since birth and G. Loomis–endorsed guide, GSOutfitting's owner, Eric Gass, grew up hunting and fishing the Pioneer Valley and Berkshires. After graduating from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Eric returned to guiding and now fishes and hunts with his faithful gordon setter, Duncan, by his side.

Eric's business partner, fly-fishing guide Michael Kocot, studied fisheries science and aquaculture in college and uses this knowledge to lead groups as a G. Loomis–endorsed guide and suspected Aquaman alter ego. With their combined powers, Eric and Michael lead fly-fishing trips aboard their 13.5-foot Aire drift raft, as well as local hunting trips for turkey and grouse. GSOutfitting also trains gun dogs and companion dogs, ensuring every hunter will have a loyal sidekick during the season.

On 31 acres of tree-rimmed paddock, the trainers at Chase Farms work to mold horses into show champions and students into confident riders. Owner and trainer Colleen Fitzpatrick and her team personally tend to each of the horses, keeping the noble beasts healthy and happy with run-in sheds, large stalls, and customized tack rooms. During riding lessons, they teach students how to properly tack and groom steeds before focusing on achieving the individual’s riding goals. Riding programs accommodate students of all abilities, helping them work toward accomplishments such as competing in national shows or properly communicating with horses instead of just occasionally commenting on their status updates.