Our Story

Families create history- without the past there is no present and without the present there is no future. As time passes we gain more knowledge and are able to adjust our lives, trades and culture with that knowledge. For over 80 years, throughout four generations, the Hunter family has done just that- mastered their craft in the production of maple syrup.

It all started, and still lives on, in Troy Ontario on Hunter Road (indeed named after the family). In that era it was common for any farmer to tap the trees on their property, it provided enough maple syrup to last their family for the year. There were often sugaring parties where the community would gather together under one sugar house roof to smell the sweet sap boiling and socialize. Pouring hot maple syrup over snow and having a first hand taste of the fresh efforts was a treat.

As time progressed and ways of life changed to the new modern conveniences, average family producing became less - except for those families like the Hunters. For them it became a tradition and hobby that every year would not be missed. It soon became a hobby that turned into a larger scale production to provide syrup for the rest of the community.

Here is a wonderful look into the maple syrup production of the 1920's in Canada

https://www.huntleyarchives.com/preview.asp?image=1000371

It's the 1990's and the Hunters are still producing maple syrup. The third generation continues the family passion of sugaring. With pails hanging by spile, a tractor with a collection tank and a home made evaporator, continues to pave the way for future success. ( See more photos in the gallery).

It's now the 2000's and there have been many changes and technical advances to the way the Hunters are producing. A gravity fed tubing system, with the help of a vacuum pump, has been installed throughout the bush increasing the efficiency and productivity of the sap yield. A larger and more advanced wood fired evaporator is now being used, and in addition a reverse osmosis machine to cut down on boiling time. (See more photos in the gallery).

Newer doesn't mean easier, it's taking the traditions and knowledge from the past and implementing it into the equipment as it progresses. The third generation has truly acted as a turning point in the operation of the farm, devotion, hard work and dedication have created milestones for Hunters Maple Bush.

Hunters Maple Bush still proudly remains a family operation as time rolls on. The trees that were tapped by great grandfathers and fathers are still being tapped today providing sap for the sons and great grandsons.

Fourth generation daughters, son in law and grandson hope to continue the family tradition into the 5th generation.