Maine Professional Guides Association

Professional Guide The Official Newsletter of the Maine Professional Guides Association June 2008 PO Box 336 • Augusta, Maine 04332 • www.maineguides.org • Email: info@maineguides.org President’s Message Rick Hill, President Spring is upon us, complete with black flies and all their vengeance here in the north. The GOOD news…the fish are biting and we have had a productive fishing season thus far. Our annual banquet was outstanding! If you missed it, you missed one of the greatest events MPGA has hosted in its 29 year history. Super Seller Awards Those who participated in the Super Raffle were awarded with 14 specially engraved Guide’s rifles from Marlin Firearms. These went to those who sold at least $1,500 in tickets for 2007. LL Bean gift certificates were also given to those not quite making the $1500 mark. In all, over $31,000 was generated in this effort that supports MPGA’s efforts in Augusta. Those who received the rifles said it was not all that hard to do. This year we will again offer the opportunity to win a Guide ―Super Sellers‖ received their Marlin Guide Guns at the Annual Banquet – Front: Paul Laney, Joe Bowen, Stephen Cole, George Perry, Don Helstrom. Back: Tenley Bennett, Donna Bosowicz, Alex Cote, Shawn Boutaugh, Bob Parker, Jon Parker, Jaye Parker. Get your Guide Gun — See page 4. Chairman: President: Vice Pres: Secretary: Treasurer: MPGA Officers Don Dudley, Patten Rick Hill, Mt. Chase John Rust, Hampden Bert Goodman, Patten Bob Parker, Wilton 446-6170 528-2183 337-5858 528-2320 778-4077 Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Rifle — with new enhancements. Check page 4 for details. Why not get your rifle? Just tell your guests what we do for them and they will buy!! A very special thanks goes to the Raffle Committee, chaired by Bert Goodman, for an outstanding effort and presentation! THANKS GUYS! “Take Care of the Well” We were very honored to have Doug Painter from the National Shooting Sports Foundation as guest speaker. It was great to have him, and he was very impressed with our event. His message was simple and to the point…―take care of the well!‖ His point: young people today are the future of our industry, and we need to make more of an effort to introduce them to the outdoors and the opportunities that represents. So, make it possible for a young person to go hunting, shooting, fishing, hiking or whatever. It will pay dividends in the future. In This Issue President’s Report Fishing Guides Needed 26th Annual Meeting & Banquet Super Raffle LURC CLUP Update Legislative Report Resource Agency Consolidation Alewives Transporting Hunters Deer Predation Working Group Anti’s threaten another Lynx Lawsuit Alien Hunter Bill 1 2 3 4 5 5 5 6 7 8 8 9 LURC Controversy On the state front, we are still monitoring LURC’s activities. The Plum Creek Moosehead Lake project is still up in the air. Now the Natural Resources Council along with Maine Audubon wants to block any development on Lily Bay in exchange for giving back land destined for conservation on the west side of the lake (BDN June 13, 2008). Stay tuned! Also, the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) is in the review process. If you own any land and want to some day sell (President’s Report Continued on page 2) Sportsmen Must Unite Fundraising & MPGA Idaho Elk Hunt Raffle Show Committee Report L.L.Bean In-Store Discount Plan Officers, Directors, & Committees ProPlan Info Make a Choice – Maine Guides Education Fund MPGA Contributor Scorecard MPGA Meeting Schedule Page 10 Page 11 Page 11 Page 12 page 13 Page 14 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 16 1 (President’s Report Continued from page 1) a piece of it for retirement proceeds or family reasons, think again! They want to take that right away! PAY ATTENTION! You could be looking at a welfare check instead of a dividend check. We are doing our best to keep you informed of these major issues which WILL affect you and your family. I have said it before: MAINE IS CHANGING!! Don’t bury your head in the sand!! Stakeholders’ Forum The Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine (SAM) hosted a Conservation/Recreation Forum in May. Don Dudley, MPGA’s Board Chairman, and I attended. The Forum’s goal: get all stakeholders to the table to talk about their issues and try to understand each other better. Attending were MPGA, SAM, the Natural Resource Council of Maine (NRCM), Maine Audubon, the Department of Conservation, Appalachian Mountain Club, ATV Maine, North Maine Woods and others in the mix. The guest of honor and key speaker was Roxanne Quimby! It was an interesting dialogue as we all split up into small groups and talked about some of the issues, ie., conflicts we have all addressed publicly in the past, and can we fix them? The good news was that for some of us, we did get to issues that may have a positive impact on guides. This will be an ongoing forum so stay tuned for updates. Cabela’s has come to town! We were invited to participate in their grand opening. The weekend events took place on May 17 - 18, May 24 - 25, and May 31 - June 1. My wife and I manned the booth the first weekend, Don and Dianna Dudley the second weekend, with the help of Roger Lambert, and Gordon Foster, Kevin Ward and Pam Ward the third weekend. A very special thank you goes out to all who helped and took the time out of their busy spring season for MPGA’s benefit. It was a very successful event for all of us. We raised almost $1,400 selling our elk hunt raffle (see page 11), and clearly Cabela’s wants to have an association with MPGA. You will see a huge MPGA logo on the wall over their store’s exit. Kittery Trading Post contacted us this spring. We have been working with Kittery to develop future events. John Rust and Tom Aasbo attended their festivities for the moose drawing event in June. Kittery has been a long-time supporter of our annual banquet auction. L.L.Bean continues to develop a stronger relationship with MPGA. We participated in their Fishing Expo in March and their Paddling Expo in June. L.L.Bean has initiated a series of financial donations that are greatly appreciated, and more than doubled their contribution to our banquet auction (see page 3). Lest we not forget, L.L.Bean is providing a tremendous help in member recruitment and retention by expanding their discount program so MPGA members can get discounts directly at the Freeport retail store, by phone and by mail. See page 13 for details on this great opportunity. Outdoor Retailers Supporting MPGA We clearly have been recognized by major retailers in the industry since our outreach program began a year ago. Support MPGA We require ongoing support to help keep all these efforts going on your behalf. You can help by making a tax deductible donation to the Maine Guides Education Fund (see page 15), selling Super Raffle tickets (see page 4), or selling our Elk Hunt Raffle tickets (see page 11). Have a great summer! Rick Hill, President ___________________________ “Ken Fest 08” Special Benefit Event July 13, 2008 We recently received word that MPGA member Ken Bailey of Camden, a longtime outdoor writer and guide who has worked for Courier Publications and the Village Soup, has cancer. His friends, neighbors and colleagues have banded together to plan a fund-raising party in his honor, which they're calling Ken Fest 08. Ken has been a tireless steward of the environment, and truly loves the outdoor activities that he's been able to enjoy in Maine. It seems that people who share Ken's passion for the outdoors – whether they've actually met the man in person or not – might want to head to Ken Fest to show support for a man one colleague describes as "just a kind, kind man." Ken Fest 08 will take place July 13 at the Camden Snow Bowl. A donation of $10 for individuals and $20 for families is suggested. Dinner will be served from 1-3:30 p.m., while a live auction and silent auction will be held at 4 p.m. The event is potluck, BYOB, and advance donations can be made out to Ken and Sandra Bailey and sent to Key Bank, Attn: Ken Fest 08, 141 Elm Street, Camden, ME 04843. If you want a bit more information, you can find it on the Village Soup Web site at www.villagesoup.com/kenfest. 2 Fishing Guides Needed By Dave Tobey The Fishing Committee was formed last December and President Rick Hill asked me to be the chair. Our goal is to better represent fishing guides all across Maine in an effort to protect and enhance certain fisheries that guides and lodges rely upon for their income. For over twenty years the guides in Downeast Maine have established a great working relationship with their local biologist. Input from the area’s guides has helped achieve a world class fishery downeast. MPGA’s Fishing Committee hopes to build on this good relationship in all regions of Maine. The committee will have representatives from all of Maine’s popular fishing destinations. I’m happy to announce the committee members to date are Tenley Bennett from Eagle Lake, Matt Libby from Ashland, and Dan Legere from Greenville. We are still looking for representatives from Rangeley, Jackman and any other area that has interest. If you are interested please contact me at (207) 796-2684. 26th Annual Banquet & Membership Meeting Our Annual Banquet was held on April 12, 2008. This was our 26th Annual Banquet. Imagine that! We had a sell-out crowd who all had a great evening with fellow guides, guests and families. The evening included an Annual Meeting with legislative update and the annual election of Directors, a delicious buffet, awards, keynote speaker and auction. Bellmore challenged members to come forward with another $400 so all three could go to camp — the membership and guests came through, and then some. Thanks to all. Guests Special guests from Augusta included Secretary of State Matt Dunlap, Conservation Commissioner Pat McGowan, Deputy Commissioner of IF&W Paul Jacques, and Representative Tom Saviello, who was also a big help with the auction. Many others guests and sponsors were present, including Don Pummill of L.L.Bean’s Hunting Store Pro Shop, Mark Doty of Plum Creek, George Smith of the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, and Don Kleiner representing the Maine Bowhunters (also a Life Member of MPGA). The list goes on. Guest Speaker We were honored to have Doug Painter as our keynote speaker. Doug has been President and CEO of the National Shooting Sports Foundation. He recently assumed a new role, as Senior Advisor and Trade Liaison. Doug will now be the primary spokesman for NSSF's outreach to build participation and strengthen the industry’s political voice and the extraordinary unity of the industry that has been at the core of its success. He will focus his efforts Doug Painter, NSSF in delivering NSSF's message and in continuing to build NSSF’s strategic alliances and partnerships in the hunting and shooting sports community. Doug’s message, as Rick Hill noted, find a way to get more kids involved in outdoor activities. They are the future sportsmen who will support our industry – or vote it away! Following his motivating speech, Rick Hill presented Doug with a plaque in recognition for his inspiration and support for MPGA’s efforts to become more proactive. Auction Bargains Galore! Our Annual Auction reached new heights, thanks to all the items donated by board members, members at large, friends and sponsors – not to forget everyone who bid on and bought all these items. It got cut-throat at times, thanks in part to the stories and wallet-opening ploys of our auctioneer, MPGA member Roger Lambert. In total, this year’s auction outdid 2007 by 50%! Thanks everyone. Special Thanks to our Banquet Sponsors We’d like to give special thanks to all our Banquet Sponsors, Table Sponsors, and all those who donated auction items. Our Featured Banquet Sponsors all stepped up with significantly greater donations than in years past: Chapman & Chapman Insurance L.L.Bean, Inc. North Maine Woods, Inc. Our Table Sponsors all gave at least $200, and some more, to support MPGA: Cheney Insurance Agency Dead River Company Grand Lake Stream Guides Association Huber Resources Katahdin Forest Management Maine Forest Products Council Plum Creek Timber Prentiss & Carlisle Seven Islands Land Company Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine Director Elections The following persons were named by the Nominating Committee and then elected by the membership to three year terms on the Board of Directors: Jeff Bellmore, Don Dudley, Bert Goodman and Matt Libby. Congratulations and welcome! Don Dudley receives the Outstanding Service Award Banquet Team Thanks Special thanks to our banquet Chairman, Jeff Bellmore, and to the following for their extraordinary contributions to the banquet program: Laurie Bellmore and Emily Bellmore, who Jeff admits really run the show. Jaye Parker, who handled all the cash, receipts and bills. Roger Lambert, who told stories, got lots of laughs, and acted as our auctioneer. Don Pummill, Manager of L.L.Bean’s Hunting Store Pro Shop, who volunteered to process all the firearms transfers so we could award the Marlin Rifles to our Super Sellers. 3 Awards Each year MPGA makes several special awards. This year was no exception, with the awards becoming a major part of the show. The Outstanding Service Award for 2008 was presented to Don Dudley. There is no finer representative for MPGA, Maine, or sportsmen, than Don. Certificates of Recognition were presented to Kyia Bryant, Dyllon Thonpson and Braley Leadbetter for their achievements as youth hunters. MPGA’s Board had budgeted to give two Conservation Camp scholarships, but three students sent in their written requests. What to do? No doubt with divine inspiration, Jeff Super Super Raffle Bert Goodman Be a player – Donate a trip The 2008 Super Raffle will be our biggest yet. All trips are donated by members. There are ten prize categories, and each category will have a separate drawing, and one winner in each category. Each winner will be able to choose only one prize from among the many offered in each category. Therefore, pledging a trip does not necessarily mean that your trip will be chosen by a winner. Your participation is vital. In the past, many of you have supported this effort by donating outdoor trips as prizes for the Super Raffle. For continued success of the raffle, it is absolutely necessary that members continue in this effort. Be a player – Be a winner – Support your MPGA The 2007 Super Raffle was a tremendous success, grossing over $31,000. Last year we added an incentive program that proved to be irresistible. People selling $1,500 in tickets received a Marlin 45/70 ―Guide’s Model‖ rifle, personalized with the MPGA ―Professional Guide‖ logo on the stock. Super Sellers The following members, now 2007 Trip Pledges designated as ―Super Sellers‖, All members should extend their qualified for this outstanding thanks to these members who pledged prize and were was presented with trips for the 2007 Super Raffle. Their their Marlin Guide Guns at our names, plus the number of trip Annual Banquet – Joe Bowen, categories they pledged to donate, are: Donna Bosowicz, Don Helstrom, Allen Christianson, Stephen Cole, Tom Aasbo, Oxbow Lodge (1 Trip) Tenley Bennett, Shawn Boutaugh, Daniel Albert, Farmingdale Kayak and Alex Cote, Paul Laney, Bob Canoe Rentals (1 Trip) Parker, Jaye Parker, Jon Parker, George Allen, Shamrock Guide Service (1 Trip) George Perry. Rick Hill (L) presents Tenley Bennett (R) with her new Marlin Guide Gun Captain Jeff Bellmore, Georges River Those who sold $1,000 in Outfitters (1 Trip) tickets received a $200 LL Bean Hal Blood, Cedar Ridge Outfitters (1 Trip) Gift Certificate, and a $100 LL Bean Gift Certificate was Wayne Bosowicz, Foggy Mountain Guide Service (1 Trip) awarded to those who sold $500 in tickets. These Super Sellers Joe Bowen, Tomah Mountain Outfitters (1 Trip) were — Sean Lizotte, Holly Goodman, Dwaine Lord, Nelson Joe Christianson, Matagamon Wilderness (1 Trip) Cole, Mike Carver, Bill Dyer Jr, Richard Theriault. Sponsors Thanks to Marlin Firearms and L.L.Bean for sponsoring the Super Raffle. Their contributions not only greatly improve our bottom line, they make the raffle possible in the first place. The Raffle Committee will be working to involve even more sponsors in the future, with the potential for even fancier guns and prizes. Sales Contest Upgrade for 2008! The prize structure for 2008 will be the same as the 2007 raffle contest, with one significant change. Second-time rifle winners will receive Marlin’s Stainless 45/70 ―Guides Model‖ rifle with the MPGA logo. Support your MPGA Why is it so important to continue our efforts to involve more MPGA members in this project? The answer is simple. The Super Raffle is our primary source of income for supporting our lobbying effort in Augusta. We are all aware that the problems affecting the guiding industry are not going away. In fact, they are increasing every year. If we are going to successfully retain and improve upon our guiding traditions and heritage, in this ―Great State of Maine‖, it will be necessary to continue to involve ourselves, as members of the MPGA, in the Super Raffle project. So, get on board, support your MPGA. We must raise money! Without money the MPGA is just another small voice in the wilderness – Unheard! 4 Nelson Cole, Nelson L. Cole & Son (1 Trip) Stephen & Brenda Cole, Spruce Mountain Lodge (2 Trips) Alex Cote, Lakeside Lodge (1 Trip) Dale Goodman, North Country Lodge (1 Trip) Henry Goodman, North Country Lodge (1 Trip) Walter (Bud) Henning, Fox Pond Estate Game Preserve (1 Trip) Brooke F. Hidell, Hidell's Guide Service (1 Trip) Rick Hill, Mount Chase Lodge (3 Trips) Don Kleiner, Maine Outdoors (1 Trip) Paul Laney, Laney's Guide Service (3 Trips) Matt Libby, Libby Camps (1 Trip) Sean Lizotte, Allagash Guide Service (4 Trips) Doug McCafferty, Whisperwood Lodge & Cottages (1 Trip) Steve Norris, The Pines Lodge (1 Trip) Bob Parker, Stony Brook Outfitters (3 Trips) Frank Perkowsky, Bear Lane Guide Service (1 Trip) Richard Theriault, Mountain View Drifter (2 Trips) Thom Watson, Goose Bay Guide Service (1 Trip) Orin Young, Bounty Hunter Guide Service (1 Trip) Super Raffle Info For Prize List, Ticket Form, Contest Prize Info, Trip Pledge Form – Visit our website: http://www.maineguides.org/super-raffle/ For Numbered tickets, Contest Info, Questions – Contact Bert Goodman at: PO Box 323, Patten, ME 04765, 207-5282320, Email: info@northcountrylodge.com CLUP Update LURC’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan Review Process Moves Ahead Legislative Update By Skip Trask Outdoor Issues Get Serious Attention During “Short” Legislative Session LURC held eight ―workshops‖ around the state between April 27 through May 8 to take comments from interested The second regular session of the 123rd Maine Legislature parties on the draft Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP). ended on April 18th. The second session, often referred to as Workshop locations included Fort Kent, Presque Isle, the ―short session‖, is supposed to be limited to legislation Millinocket, Greenville, Rangeley, Portland, Augusta and dealing with emergencies and spending issues. Machias. Outdoor issues don’t usually get a great deal of attention The workshop record was held open until June 8 for during the short session. This past session was an exception. additional comments. Some of the biggest battles involved our natural resources. The The workshops were very interesting to attend. At every Governor’s Supplemental Budget Bill contained a provision meeting except Portland, dissatisfaction with the draft CLUP mandating the consolidation of four natural resource agencies, was the predominant sentiment. At most locations, the audience and another bill threatened to devastate the downeast guiding was in disbelief that the Commissioners were never in industry. attendance. It was explained by LURC staff that the Attorney General’s Office had MPGA Represented On recommended Commissioners not attend given Natural Resource Task Force the active status of the Plum Creek Plan. Particularly at Fort Kent and Millinocket a The MPGA played a major role in helping to number of the audience participants were very defeat the measure contained in the supplemental unsatisfied with how they were being treated budget that would have forced a merger of four by LURC. There was a real concern that natural resource agencies. We worked very LURC staff just wasn’t telling folks what was closely with the other members of the Natural needed to adequately fill out permits. Resources Network in our efforts to defeat this As to the draft CLUP, the increased focus proposal. The proposal would have mandated on primitive recreation was a major concern. It that four agencies (Fish & Wildlife, was also pointed out that the draft ignored Conservation, Agriculture and Marine many of the other recreational activities so Resources) be merged into no more than two important to MPGA members such as hunting, Governor John Baldacci larger agencies. fishing and snowmobiling. In exchange for removing the merger The draft’s obvious bias against economic language from the budget, we agreed to support development was considered to be a real threat the creation of a Task Force to review all the to any future prosperity for folks living and working in the natural resource agencies and develop recommendations for jurisdiction. There was just an incredible amount of negative long-term enhancement of services by these agencies. feelings towards the draft. The Natural Resource Agency Task Force will help to create It was apparent that major revisions to the draft will be and implement a plan that will ―consider all ideas and needed to satisfy the prevailing public sentiment. organizational configurations, eliminate duplication and create We hope the final CLUP will be a document that has the greater efficiencies to improve the delivery of services to the support of folks that live work and recreate in the jurisdiction. citizens of the State of Maine.‖ LURC’s staff will summarize the workshop comments this The Governor has already appointed the nearly 40 members summer, including their own recommendations, and present of this Task Force. The group will be co-chaired by them to the LURC Commissioners by the first of August. The Representative Wendy Pieh, House Chair of the Agriculture, Commissioners may take several months to digest this Conservation and Forestry Committee and Karin Tilberg, the information and decide on changes. The subsequent new draft Governor’s Senior Policy Advisor on natural resource issues. I will be sent out to public hearing, probably mid to late fall. have been appointed by the Governor to represent the MPGA on Following the hearing process, the Commissioners will decide this Task Force. on a final CLUP. Prior to adopting the final CLUP, the Legislature gets to Governor Concerned About Current review it (but can’t make changes). Following the legislature Status of Natural Resource Agencies review, the Commissioners will adopt a final CLUP and send it off for the Governor’s signature. The Governor’s letter of invitation to serve on the Natural For those interested in having additional input into the draft Resource Agency Task Force included the following paragraph: CLUP there will be more opportunities. Certainly the public hearing process will be taking both oral and written comments. “ I have become increasingly concerned that our natural Given proper lead time from LURC, our newsletter will publish resource agencies are not thriving in the intense budget the times and locations of the public hearings. "Our natural resource agencies are not thriving in the intense budget constraints" - (Legislative Update Continued on page 6) 5 (Legislative Update Continued from page 5) constraints that have existed for a number of years. As a result, I am determined to explore all mechanisms to ensure farmers, forest owners, recreationists, fishermen and others who benefit from Maine’s natural resource agencies will receive the programs and services that they need and that the government should provide. That is what I hope this Task Force, comprised of a diverse array of interests, will recommend in its Final Report to me by November 30, 2008.” The Task Force has already started its work and will be holding meetings throughout the summer and fall. I’ll give you an update on what the Task Force has accomplished in my August newsletter report. Debate Over Alewives Long and Contentious For those of us that pretty much live at the State House during legislative sessions to protect the interests of various sporting organizations, 2008 will likely be remembered as the year of the ―sawbelly‖. ―Sawbelly‖, of course, is just another name for the sea-run alewife, a 12 inch silvery member of the herring family that migrates from the ocean into freshwater lakes to spawn. One female alewife can deposit as many as 100,000 eggs. Guides in the St. Croix River watershed are well aware of the adverse impacts of excessive numbers of alewives on fresh water species. In the mid-1960s, new fish passage facilities on the St Croix River allowed alewives unrestricted access to the upper St. Croix for the first time in at least 140 years and probably for the first time ever. By the mid-80s that alewife run had increased dramatically and had devastated the Spednik Lake bass fishery a fishery that only a few years earlier had been described in Field and Stream Magazine as the ―best smallmouth bass fishing in the world‖. By 1987, the number of alewives trying to reach the upper St. Croix had reached 2.6 million. Thankfully, none of those fish were continuing to get into Spednik because of an agreement with Canada to block the Vanceboro fish-way to the passage of alewives. A few years later, however, concern about high concentrations of alewives further down the drainage led to the passage of legislation mandating the closure of the fish passage facilities at the Woodland and Grand Falls dams during the annual alewife migration. Things were looking up. However, in 2001, the Department of Marine Resources (DMR) decided to try to restore what they considered to be an historical run of alewives, so they submitted a bill to re-open the fish-ways. MPGA teamed up with the downeast guides, and we were able to defeat the bill. We were helped by the fact that there was no historical evidence to show that alewives were ever able to negotiate Grand Falls – a natural barrier that would have almost certainly blocked alewives. Environmental groups hired an ex-legislator just to lobby on the alewife bill! This is why MPGA must remain strong This year the DMR decided to try again with the introduction of LD1957, An Act To Restore Diadromous Fish in the St. Croix River. The big environmental groups got into the act and listed the bill as their top priority for the legislative session. The Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) went out and hired an additional lobbyist (an ex-legislator) just to work on this bill. They all came armed with new scientific evidence ―proving‖ that large numbers of alewives were historically able to reach the upper end of what is now Spednik Lake. However, the scientific evidence resulted from an archeological dig at the upper end of Spednik where they unearthed 17 alewife bones – 17! Did you ever try to count the number of bones in an alewife? When I was a warden down in Washington County, I had a friend that invited me over a couple of times for smoked alewives and beer. I never tried to count the bones, but I clearly remember that those alewives were ―wicked‖ bony! If millions of alewives had unrestricted access to the upper St. Croix before the creation of dams, you’d think that a major Indian campsite located along the bank would have contained more than 17 alewife bones. Alewives Not To Be Allowed Above Grand Falls Once again, MPGA partnered with the Grand Lake Stream Guides and lobbied hard to protect the down-east guiding industry. And once again, to the chagrin of several environmental groups, we were successful in keeping alewives out of the inland waters above Grand Falls. I’d like to be able to take all the credit. Most of the credit, however, goes to the Grand Lake Stream Guides. They made most of the phone calls and, even more importantly, they were successful in getting the Passamaquoddy Indian Nation fully involved. Passamaquoddy Governor Billy Nicholas attended the public hearing to testify against this bill and drove to Augusta on two other occasions to attend work sessions. Governor Nicholas played a key role in getting this issue resolved, and we are extremely grateful. Several members of the Legislature also spent a lot of time representing our interests on this legislation. We wish to thank each of them. We especially wish to recognize Senator Bruce Bryant, Senate Chair of the F&W Committee, and Senator Kevin Raye, whose district includes Washington County, for the extraordinary help and support they provided. This was a huge victory for the down-east guides, the Passamaquoddies, the MPGA and the many sportsmen and sportswomen who enjoy the fantastic smallmouth bass and landlocked salmon fishing that the St Croix watershed provides. (Legislative Update Continued on page 7) 6 (Legislative Update Continued from page 6) New Law Regarding Transportation Of Hunters LD2089, An Act To Allow Certain Assistance to Bear Hunters, was submitted as a ―concept bill‖ which means that although it was supposed to accomplish a certain goal, the details had not yet been worked out. The stated purpose of the bill was to ―amend the hunting laws that regulate the practice and profession of guiding to allow individuals who are not licensed as guides to provide certain services and assistance to bear hunters, such as providing transportation.‖ I testified against the bill on behalf of MPGA, and was the only one to oppose it. All testimony in support of the bill came from legislators on behalf of their constituents. The Department took a ―neither for nor against‖ position. When it became obvious that the bill would likely be enacted in some form, I submitted language for the Committee to consider that I believed would have minimal adverse impact on the guiding profession and on our members. I learned a long time ago that if the legislature is intent on passing a bill, it’s much safer to suggest language you can live with rather than have the language drafted by others who may not share your concerns. In preparing language for the Committee’s consideration, I tried to make sure that it didn’t ―water down‖ the legal definition of ―guide‖ and that it wouldn’t compromise the efforts of our wardens to catch and prosecute people for guiding without a license. During the time I was drafting this language I asked for and received a lot of feedback from MPGA members. Some hated the whole concept. Others thought it was a great idea and came up with several helpful suggestions. The bill was eventually enacted into law with essentially the same language that I put together. It becomes effective June 30, 2008. Here’s the new law in its entirety: An Act To Allow Certain Assistance to Guides and Hunters Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §12861 is enacted to read: § 12861. Transportation of guide's clients by unlicensed person. Notwithstanding section 10001, subsection 28 and Title 29-A, section 552, a person licensed to guide hunters under this chapter may employ the services of a person not licensed as a guide to transport hunters along a public or private road in a motor vehicle for the sole purpose of delivering those hunters to a predetermined destination prior to or at the conclusion of the time those hunters are engaged in hunting. For purposes of this section, "motor vehicle" does not include a snowmobile or an all-terrain vehicle. 1. Prohibition. A person, while transporting hunters pursuant to this section, may not: A. Engage in hunting; 7 B. Transport hunting equipment for that person's own use unless that hunting equipment is fastened in a case; C. Accompany hunters into the fields or forests; or D. Assist in hunting activities, including, but not limited to, accompanying hunters to a hunting stand or bait site, searching for wounded animals or locating, retrieving or field dressing harvested animals. 2. Penalty and vicarious liability. This subsection applies to violations of subsection 1. A. A person who violates subsection 1 commits a Class E crime. When a person is convicted of violating subsection 1, the guide employing that person must be issued a warning by a law enforcement officer, as defined in Title 25, section 2801A, subsection 5. B. A person licensed as a guide who receives 3 or more warnings pursuant to paragraph A within a 5-year period commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $500 may be adjudged. The commissioner may suspend the guide license of a person adjudicated of a violation of this paragraph for a period of up to one year. C. A person licensed as a guide who violates paragraph B after having been adjudicated as having committed 3 or more civil violations under this Part within a 5-year period commits a Class E crime. 3. Repeal. This section is repealed July 31, 2010. Guides who hire ―bus drivers‖ to transport hunters are responsible for the actions of those ―bus drivers‖ The New Law In A Nutshell If you’ve reviewed all the legal jargon contained above and are still wondering what it all means, here’s a simplified version: A hunting guide may now hire a person who doesn’t have a guide license to transport hunters in a conventional motor vehicle along any public or private road to a specific location either before or after hunting activity takes place. I’ll refer to this person as the ―bus driver‖. The ―bus driver‖ is allowed only to transport hunters. While transporting hunters, the ―bus driver‖ is not allowed to hunt, to transport his or her personal hunting equipment (unless it’s in a case), to accompany hunters into the woods, to take hunters to a stand or bait site, to search for wounded animals or to locate, retrieve or field dress harvested animals. Any ―bus driver‖ who violates this law is guilty of a Class E crime, and the guide employing the ―bus driver‖ gets a warning. If a guide receives 3 of these warnings within 5 years, the guide is guilty of a civil violation, and the guide may lose his or her license for up to a year. In short, guides who hire ―bus drivers‖ to transport hunters are responsible for the actions of those ―bus drivers‖. Guides need to be careful who they hire to transport hunters and need to make sure that the ―bus drivers‖ they hire understand the rules. This law has a two-year sunset provision attached, which means that the law goes away after two years unless the legislature enacts another bill to keep it in place. (Legislative Update Continued on page 8) (Legislative Update Continued from page 7) MPGA Represented On Deer Predation Working Group Last year, MPGA played a major role in bringing about the creation of a task force charged with developing recommendations for restoring the deer herd in areas of the state where the herd is in terrible shape. Those recommendations were submitted to the legislative F&W Committee this past session by the Northern and Eastern Maine Deer Task Force, and the Committee initiated steps to implement many of those recommendations. One of those steps was the enactment of a resolve mandating that the Department create a working group to review and recommend changes in the current policies relating to the control of critters that prey on deer (LD2288 – Resolve, To Create a Deer Predation Working Group). This resolve directs the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to establish a deer predation working group to review and to recommend necessary revisions to the Department’s predation control policy. The 9-member working group must include representatives from the F&W Department, the University of Maine System, an organization that represents the needs of Maine's forest products community, a statewide organization that represents farming, an organization that represents trappers, an organization that represents professional guides, an environmental organization, an organization that represents sportsmen and an organization that represents small woodlot owners. I’ll be representing the MPGA on this 9-person working group. This working group has been directed to consider the following issues: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Methods of coyote control; Tools and devices to be employed in predation control; The protocol used by the Department to determine when and where to deploy animal damage control agents; The need and consequences of reducing the bear population in northern and eastern Maine to allow the deer population to recover; and The appropriate protocol for accomplishing bear reductions if reductions are determined to be appropriate and necessary. The resolve goes on to say that ―the policy and protocols developed by the working group must adequately consider and minimize impacts to non-target species, especially threatened and endangered species‖. control coyotes without jeopardizing lynx will be difficult. I’ll update you on the progress of this working group in the next newsletter. Animal Activists Threaten Another Lynx Related Lawsuit Last fall Maine’s sporting groups helped settle a lawsuit brought against the F&W Department for alleged violations of the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). That lawsuit, brought by the Animal Protection Institute (API), a California based animal rights group, alleged that the Department was violating the provisions of the ESA by allowing trapping practices that result in, or could result in, the taking of Canada lynx. The lawsuit was resolved when all involved parties agreed to a settlement. Maine trappers made significant concessions in order to put this lawsuit behind them. The terms of that settlement were validated by a federal judge in the form of a Consent Decree. Less than a year later, some of the same people who directly assisted API in bringing that lawsuit have served notice that they intend to take the Department to court again. On May 28th, the Department received a letter that starts off as follows: “We are writing to request that you take immediate action to remedy the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s (DIFW) ongoing violations of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), 16 U.S.C. § 1531 et seq.. In particular, by authorizing a trapping program that directly results in the “take” of Canada lynx, a federally listed threatened species, DIFW is violating Section 9 of the ESA’s prohibition of the take of listed species. This letter serves as an official 60-day notice from the Animal Welfare Institute and the Wildlife Alliance of Maine of intent to sue Commissioner Roland Martin over these violations, as required under the ESA’s citizen suit provision, 16 U.S.C. § 1540(g).” WAM is officially in bed rabid national animal rights organization (literally) with a The letter then rehashes the same old Canada lynx related issues, and ends with the following threat: “The limits established by the consent decree have not worked to protect lynx from traps. Lynx are still being taken illegally in traps set for other animals, in traps smaller then those covered by the consent decree, and in areas not covered by the consent decree. If DIFW refuses to take immediate action to protect lynx from traps more lynx will be illegally taken, further violating the ESA, and thus we will be forced to pursue legal action before the start of the upcoming trapping season. An injunction is an appropriate remedy in this instance because any threatened harm to a listed species is “per se irreparable harm,” and in such cases the public interest always favors the imposition of an injunction.” This time around the threat of a lawsuit is coming from the (Legislative Update Continued on page 9) The first meeting will likely be held during the last week of June. Our findings and recommendations are scheduled to be reported to the Legislative F&W Committee no later than January 5, 2009. This will be a very challenging assignment. Effective coyote control is a critical piece of the equation for restoring the deer population in northern Maine, and finding ways to effectively 8 (Legislative Update Continued from page 8) Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) and the Wildlife Alliance of Maine (WAM). The letter of intent to sue was signed by Judith Brawer, an attorney from Boise, Idaho, who is representing both AWI and WAM. I’d never heard of AWI, but their website indicates that they’ve been around since 1951 and are located in Virginia with a Washington DC mailing address. They list themselves as a “Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, no later than nonprofit organization, and they indicate that one of their major September 15, 2007, the State Controller shall transfer goals is to end all trapping and snaring. $41,216 from the Carrying Balances, General Fund account We all know that WAM operates out of Bangor and that their within the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to Executive Director, Daryl DeJoy, assisted API in bringing the the unappropriated surplus of the General Fund, and no previous lawsuit. later than September 15, 2008 the State Controller shall Interestingly, the sole expert witness for API in their Maine transfer $41,216 from the Carrying Balances, General Fund lawsuit was a woman by the name of Camilla Fox who had account within the Department of Inland Fisheries and previously been an API employee. Sometime after the lawsuit Wildlife to the unappropriated surplus of the General was settled, she and Mr. DeJoy became husband and wife. Ms. Fund.” Fox is named in the AWI letter of intent to sue as now being affiliated with AWI. In simple English, this means that the hole in Now that WAM is officially in bed (literally) the budget that this bill created was ―fixed‖ by with a rabid national animal rights organization, requiring the Department to reimburse the I’m betting that many of WAM’s more moderate General Fund, to the tune of $82,432, for the in-state supporters will bail out. Let’s hope so. estimated loss in license sales over a two-year I’m not sure how a federal judge would react period. That’s a pretty big price to pay just to to another lawsuit, this quickly, by some of the force a small percentage of nonresident hunters, same people who played a major role in the those who are not US citizens, to hire guides. It previous one. I would think that there might be also, in my opinion, discriminates against one some legal issues involved, but I’ll leave that up class of nonresidents and, if challenged, might to the attorneys to decide. very well be ruled unconstitutional. The good news is that the Department has Aside from the budgetary and constitutional officially filed an application with the US Fish issues, the new law has also created numerous and Wildlife service for an Incidental Take other problems. The wording, which says that Permit (ITP) for Canada lynx. Issuance of an an alien hunter must be accompanied by a guide, ITP would negate this new lawsuit threat. has resulted in numerous interpretations about The bad news, however, is that the state is whether the hunter and the guide must always be probably not going to receive the ITP prior to physically together or whether several hunters the start of the 2008 trapping season. As a may use the same guide. The new law so result, the upcoming trapping season for infuriated alien hunters last fall that many Skip Trask at Annual banquet northern Maine may remain ―in limbo‖ right up demanded refunds on hunting licenses they had until the day the season is scheduled to open. already purchased. Many others didn’t buy See the next newsletter for an update. licenses, and North Maine Woods lost thousands of dollars in gate fees, raising the possibility of increased gate fees for the rest of us. 2009 Legislation Would Remove The law also has some serious enforcement issues. An alien Guide Requirement For Alien Hunters big game hunting license allows the hunting of all legal species, including small game such as grouse, rabbits and coyotes. It is Two years ago a bill was enacted requiring alien big game very difficult to prove that an alien hunter is violating the new hunters to employ guides. This is the language that was law unless a deer, moose or bear has been harvested. Even enacted: during the deer season, when most alien hunters come to Maine, the hunter can just claim that he or she is hunting rabbits and “An alien may not hunt moose, deer or bear without being that no guide is required. accompanied by a person who holds a valid guide license Another big issue is the legal definition of ―alien‖ in the fish pursuant to chapter 927 authorizing that person to act as a and wildlife laws. It doesn’t just apply to folks that reside in hunting guide.” Canada or other foreign countries. The word ―alien‖ also applies to Maine residents who are not US citizens. Currently This was not the first time that attempts were made to enact an alien who has lived in Maine for at least a year is entitled to this legislation. In 2001, I testified against an identical bill. The buy a resident hunting license. The new law, however, doesn’t Department also testified against that bill because of the differentiate between resident and nonresident aliens. As a potential loss in revenue, and the bill was eventually defeated. result, the new law technically requires that all resident aliens Last year I again opposed the bill (LD98) on behalf of have a guide when pursuing deer, bear or moose. The MPGA. However, a combination of strong support from northern legislators and the Department’s decision this time 9 around to take a ―neither for nor against‖ position, was enough to get the bill enacted. I still thought the bill would die on the appropriations table because of the negative fiscal note of more than $40,000 in each of the two years of the budget cycle. That issue was resolved in the final hours of the legislative session when the following amendment was attached to the bill: (Legislative Update Continued on page 10) (Legislative Update Continued from page 9) Department hasn’t chosen to enforce the law that way, and I can understand their reasoning. I know the law wasn’t intended to include resident aliens, but, as written, it certainly does! In short, this new law was a mistake. It has done nothing but cause problems. It has already cost the Department thousands in license revenue and has been a public relations nightmare. MPGA has taken a huge amount of undeserved criticism because of the continuing misperception that we initiated this law to 1. When challenged, some sportsmen generate business for our members. It’s attempt to go it alone, or time to admit that this law was a mistake 2. Other sportsmen will not become and get rid of it! involved unless directly affected. I recently discussed this issue with Representative Pat Flood. He not only These extremes are harmful to not only represents the town where I live, but he’s the sportsmen involved, but the entire a MPGA member and a friend. Pat had conservation movement. No individual or been approached by an individual about one sportsmen discipline has enough the possibility of submitting a bill to power and resources to successfully offrepeal this new law. Pat was a bit set an animal rights threat. cautious and wanted to hear my thoughts At the other end of the spectrum, about the idea. You’ve already read a lot sportsmen cannot turn their backs on other of what I told him. I also told him that if sportsmen when they are attacked. The he submitted the bill, the MPGA would animal rights movement is fully aware of support it and do everything we could to this fact and if sportsmen walk away from get it enacted. A few hours later any fight, it will take full advantage of Representative Flood notified me that had that situation, and then focus its attention just submitted the bill and encouraged me on taking away outdoor sports from those - Bud Pidgeon, President of USSA to spread the word. who walked away. I’m already lining up people to testify As a recipient of this newsletter, you in support of this bill when it comes up for understand the need for sportsmen to unite public hearing next winter! to ensure that all outdoor sports are preserved. After all, that is the prime role of the USSA. For some sportsmen, unity does not Have a great summer! - Skip seem to be the min objective. They feel as long as their outdoor activity is not threatened they need not get involved. As you ________________________ know, that is just what the anti's want. All sportsmen must address each attempt by the animal rights movement to attack outdoor sports. There are many issues that are threatening sportsmen throughout the country. If you become aware of an attempt by uninformed sportsmen to walk away, and even worse, encourage other sportsmen to do the same, would you please ask them one question for me, "Who will come to their aid when The following words of Bud Pidgeon, President of the United the animal rights movement threatens to take their hunting States Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA) are a warning to us all. We rights away?" felt them worth reprinting in MPGA’s newsletter. Reprinted with permission. not get involved in sportsmen related fights that do not pertain to them directly. This fundamental strategy is at the core of the movement's long- range plan, and if sportsmen comply, we all lose. First and foremost, sportsmen cannot retain their outdoor traditions in a vacuum. The only way to be successful is to be a united force that will not allow anyone to rob sportsmen of their heritage. Here are two extreme examples of how sportsmen fall into this trap: ―Sportsmen cannot turn their backs on other sportsmen when they are attacked. The animal rights movement is fully aware of this fact and if sportsmen walk away from any fight, it will take full advantage of that situation.‖ Sportsmen Must Stay United The key to preserving our outdoor heritage is the combined strength that sportsmen can bring to the table. That is why those who would seek to end all hunting, fishing and trapping attempt to separate sportsmen by tending to focus on outdoor experiences such as trapping, bear hunting and fox hunting since these activities attract fewer participants than other types of hunting. Animal rights advocates believe that if they can ban the smaller hunting segments they can then convince the public that the larger hunting experiences, such as deer hunting, should also be banned - and they are right in that belief. That is why the USSA advocates that sportsmen need to work together to ensure that no hunting experience falls. Sportsmen are often advised by the animal rights movement to 10 Fishing Guides Take Note Catch & Release Fishing Declared Illegal Animal rights activists in Switzerland succeeded in enacting a law that makes catch & release fishing illegal. Why? Because catch & release was declared to be inhumane. The new law requires all fish caught to be killed immediately. Apparently, the anti’s believe that a fish will prefer death over being caught and then released! Fundraising and the MPGA By Don Helstrom As with any organization or business, paying the bills and balancing the budget is the number one priority in order to stay in existence. Over the past twenty five plus years, MPGA has adapted or improvised through the changing times and increasing yearly budget. From a time in the early 80’s when it was necessary to pass the hat to pay for just a meeting room, to today’s world where you’d definitely need a big hat, MPGA has done a commendable job. A pinnacle was reached in 2007 when our Super Raffle, directed by Secretary Bert Goodman, surpassed $31,000, and 13 people each sold over $1,500 worth of tickets. Much has been said of this at our Annual Banquet, and goals have been set at even higher levels for 2008. A pair of members have stepped up and given us a great boost toward our 2008 fundraising efforts. Mike Yencha, owner of Loon Lodge here in Maine and Deshka Wilderness Lodge in Alaska, has given MPGA a fishing trip for two as our Bonus Draw for the Super Raffle. Not just a fishing trip, but a five day prime-time spot in Alaska! Joe Cabral, owner of Russell Pond Camps here in Maine and B-bar-C Outfitters in Idaho, has given MPGA a 2009 Guided Elk Hunt in Idaho. Talk about stepping out. The total value of these two trips is over $8,000 and it is our responsibility to follow through to maximize these gifts. This is the reason why we are asking each of you to make an effort to sell a few (or a lot) Super Raffle tickets, or the Elk Hunt Raffle tickets on this page. Your Board is made up of hardworking realists who know everyone doesn’t have a marque trip to offer, or the opportunity to sell $1,500 worth of tickets, but if we all pitch in and do something, then it will help us all and keep MPGA on a road that doesn’t have limits. You don’t have to be a math major to realize that if every member just purchases or sells the Elk Hunt Tickets on page 11 we will add over $15,000 to the treasury and then to our efforts at protecting you in Augusta. Not everyone might want to go on an Elk Hunt, but everyone certainly knows someone who would, or someone who cares about the future of Maine’s outdoor traditions. The tickets make a great Christmas gift – especially if it becomes the winning ticket. For extra tickets please contact: Super Raffle — Bert Goodman, 528-2320 Elk Hunt Raffle — Rick Hill, 528-2183 For more information in this newsletter: Super Raffle — See Page 4 Elk Hunt Raffle — See Page 11 Idaho Elk Hunt Raffle $4,250.00 Prize Value The Idaho Elk Hunt is donated by MPGA member Joe Cabral, owner of Russell Pond & BbarC Outfitters. The trip is for October 24 - 31, 2009. MPGA Idaho Elk Hunt Name: _________________________ Tel: ___________________________ Drawing Drawing will be held October 26, 2008. Winner will be notified by telephone. MPGA Idaho Elk Hunt Name: _________________________ Tickets Tickets are $5.00 ea. or 6 for $25.00 Use the tickets at right. Photocopy as many as you need. You may also contact MPGA by email to obtain pre-printed tickets. Cut out these tickets, fill in the name and telephone, then mail the tickets and payments (payable to ―MPGA‖) to: Rick Hill 1517 Shin Pond Road Mount Chase, ME 04765 Tel: ___________________________ MPGA Idaho Elk Hunt Name: _________________________ Tel: ___________________________ MPGA Idaho Elk Hunt Name: _________________________ Tel: ___________________________ BE SURE your tickets will arrive by October 25 MPGA Idaho Elk Hunt Name: _________________________ Tel: ___________________________ MPGA Idaho Elk Hunt Name: _________________________ Tel: ___________________________ 11 Idaho Elk Hunt Raffle See previous page Volunteers Make it Work Show Committee Report Paul Laney, Committee Chairman With the show season behind us it is time to give credit where credit id due. First off all, I could not have operated as the head of the Show Committee without the well appreciated help from Bob and Jaye Parker. They both give an unbelievable amount of time, help, and knowledge to this association and are one of the main driving forces behind this organization. They where a big help at all shows. J.R. Maybe was a huge help at the Orono show on Saturday and again on Sunday. Wayne Dillon and Frank Walker showed up both days in Augusta, and where a huge help in all aspects. When time came for the Presque Isle show I was not available because of prior commitments. Don Helstrom and Matt Libby where first to volunteer. Their time and efforts took care of the whole weekend. In the end, all four shows where a success in raising money for MPGA. In Orono, Wilton, and Augusta, we sold raffle tickets for a Remington 870 donated by Remington. It was won by Wayne Cluckey. A flyrod was raffled in Presque Isle. Unfortunately, the winner’s name is not available at this time. The Idaho Elk Hunt raffle tickets were sold at all shows. All tolled, we collected $5,173.00 at all the shows, including: $1,899 for the Remington Show Raffle; $680 in merchandise, $1,400 for memberships (new and renewals); $50 in donations; and $1,144 for the Idaho Elk Hunt Raffle. Thanks again to Remington for donating the 870 shotgun, and to Art Wheaton for arranging for that. Also, thanks to L.L.Bean for donating $410 to help cover the costs associated with attending the Augusta show. I would especially like to thank all those who helped. I could not have done it without you. Support MPGA — Cut out these Raffle Tickets and Sell them! Idaho Elk Hunt Mail your tickets and payments (payable to “MPGA”) to: Rick Hill 1517 Shin Pond Road Mount Chase, ME 04765 Idaho Elk Hunt Mail your tickets and payments (payable to “MPGA”) to: Rick Hill 1517 Shin Pond Road Mount Chase, ME 04765 See Page 11 for Additional Details Idaho Elk Hunt Mail your tickets and payments (payable to “MPGA”) to: Rick Hill 1517 Shin Pond Road Mount Chase, ME 04765 Idaho Elk Hunt Mail your tickets and payments (payable to “MPGA”) to: Rick Hill 1517 Shin Pond Road Mount Chase, ME 04765 Idaho Elk Hunt Mail your tickets and payments (payable to “MPGA”) to: Rick Hill 1517 Shin Pond Road Mount Chase, ME 04765 Idaho Elk Hunt Mail your tickets and payments (payable to “MPGA”) to: Rick Hill 1517 Shin Pond Road Mount Chase, ME 04765 At the banquet he’s just another fellow sportsman, but by day he is the Honorable Matthew Dunlap, Maine’s Secretary of State and Defender of Outdoor Traditions. Here MPGA founder Wayne Bosowicz (L) introduces Matt (center) to Doug Painter (R). 12 MPGA Announces Direct Purchase Discounts at L.L.Bean Store Guide member may now buy directly from L.L.Bean at their Freeport Retail Store, by Telephone, and by Mail Order! The Maine Professional Guides Association and L.L.Bean have worked closely together for many years, and we are now very pleased to announce this terrific new discount program for MPGA members. This greatly expanded discount program is a result of our growing relationship with L.L.Bean and their recognition for MPGA’s successes and importance in Maine’s outdoor landscape. Merchandise Discounts & Exceptions List Effective April 12, 2008 (Subject to change *) NO DISCOUNT ALLOWED * All Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Bait, Film, Gift Cards, Special Orders, Charges/Fees (Alterations, Bike Service, Licenses (Hunting/Fishing), Monogramming, Repairs, Rebuilds, Shipping. 20% DISCOUNT ALLOWED * Binoculars, Cameras, Custom Boat & Totes/Book Packs, Decoys, Fishing Rods (Sage and G. Loomis), Hunting Optics (Monoculars, Spotting Scopes, etc.), Rifles, Shotguns (Retail Store only), Tripods. 33.3% DISCOUNT ALLOWED * Ammunition, Bicycles and Bicycle Parts, Bows and Bow Kits, Coleman Products, Fishing Rods (except for Sage and G. Loomis), Men's and Women's Apparel and Footwear, Outdoor Sporting Equipment, Packs (mountain packs, day packs, book packs, etc.), Ski Sets, Boots, Bindings, Poles, Tents, Shelters, Screenhouses, Thule Products, Watercraft (Canoes/Kayaks). 40% DISCOUNT ALLOWED * All Active Hardgoods Product not listed in the Exceptions List; All Cycling, Boating and Winter Sports Apparel, Accessories and Footwear not listed above; Fishing Sunglasses; L.L.Bean Bicycles; Ski Goggles. * Above listing may not be inclusive of all discount exception categories at the time of purchase. L.L.BEAN RESERVES THE RIGHT TO EXPAND OR CONDENSE THIS LIST AT ANY TIME. Eligibility Criteria Discounted purchases are intended for use by active Guide Members of the Maine Professional Guides Association. Guides may purchase certain items for use by their clients, even if obviously not the guide’s size etc, such as rainwear, waders, and life vests. WARNING – MPGA urges you to abide by this and not abuse L.L.Bean’s generosity in offering us these discounts. MPGA membership card and a state photo ID are required to receive the discount. Purchases without required identification will not be discounted. MPGA Membership Cards REMEMBER — You must always present your Current MPGA Member-ship Card, so be sure you renew on time. If you can not find your card, you request a replacement by sending a request by email or US mail. Please allow four weeks for us to process your new card. Ordering & Purchasing Instructions Retail Store Purchases: MPGA Member Retail Store purchases require: Membership ID card. Valid driver's license or state photo ID and telephone number prior to making store purchases. MPGA member’s name must appear on the credit card or check used as payment. Note: Store purchases are limited to in-stock items only. Mail, Phone & Fax Orders: MPGA Member Mail Orders must include: Member's name, address and telephone number. Photocopy of your MPGA membership card and a state photo ID. Check, money order or Credit card number with expiration date. When criteria are met, please fax, mail or phone in orders as noted below: Phone 1-800-458-3058 x38136 Mon-Fri 8:30am to 4:30pm EST (L.L.Bean Discounts Continued on page 14) Direct Purchase Guidelines 33.3% discount on full-price men's and women's apparel and footwear, and outdoor sporting equipment. (* Note: Exceptions apply, 10% or no discount) Discount on Phone or Mail Orders and at the Freeport, Maine Retail Store, including the Hunt/Fish Department and the Boat/Bike/Ski Store (in-stock products only). No discount on Outlet Store purchases and Internet orders. No discount on products from Kids, Home or Travel Depts. MPGA members making store purchases are required to present their MPGA membership card, valid driver's license or state photo ID, and telephone number. No discount on special, manual orders and store backorders (in-stock products only). No gift giving. Purchases for or by family members and other individuals are prohibited. Discount is not intended for fundraisers. No discount on gift cards. No discount on L.L.Bean boot repairs or rebuilds. (Shipping fees apply.) No store pickups. (Orders cannot be called in to be picked up at the store.) 13 (L.L.Bean Discounts Continued from page 13) Officers & Directors If you have a question and need answers, please call one of your Board of Directors or Officers. Chairman – Don Dudley, Patten, 446-6170 President – Rick Hill, Mt. Chase, 528-2183 Vice President, Executive Director – John Rust – Hampden, 207337-5858 Treasurer – Bob Parker; ProPlan Coordinator – Wilton, 778-4077 Secretary – Bert Goodman; Raffle Committee Chair – Patten, 528 -2320 Tom Aasbo – Oxbow, 435-6140 Jeff Bellmore; Banquet Committee Chair – Warren, 273-3818 Doug Denico – Madison, 474-8309 Hank Goodman – Patten, 528-2320 Paul Laney; Show Committee Chair – Grand Lake Stream, 7965068 Matt Libby – Ashland, 435-8274 Steve Norris – Princeton, 557-7463 Dave Tobey – Grand Lake Stream, 796-2684 This is the Courtesy Discount number. Discount orders should not be called into the regular L.L.Bean toll free numbers that appear in catalogs. Fax 207-552-4080 Attn: MOS Courtesy Discounts Mail L.L.Bean Inc. Attn: Mail Order Services Freeport, ME 04033 Returns Guidelines Mail Returns To: L.L.Bean Returns Department 3 Campus Drive Freeport, ME 04034 Store and Mail returns require that you identify yourself as a discount recipient to ensure that appropriate discounts are applied to the transaction. Original packing slip and/or register receipt must be included with the return. A credit card credit or refund will be processed for returns, unless the return is to be exchanged for an item of equal value. All exchanges of non-equal value will require a new order to be placed. Suggestions? Please contact MPGA ONLY with all your comments, suggestions or complaints about this discount program. MPGA has agreed to these terms and conditions for the benefit of all our members. Do not contact L.L.Bean directly. Email: info@maineguides.org ProPlan Still there. Still a great deal. But when we change from a lengthy magazine format to this rapid response newsletter format, something had to give. And one thing will be the regular listing of ProPlan offerings. But not to worry! ProPlan info will soon be available on the Association website. See page 13 in this newsletter for great new info about our in-store discounts available at L.L.Bean! Meanwhile, if you have any questions about our other discounts, just contact Bob Parker, our ProPlan Coordinator. Contact Bob Parker at 778-4077, or send an email to: info@maineguides.org Thank You, L.L.Bean! Don Pimmill (L) of L.L.Bean helps Paul Laney(R) fill out paperwork for his Guide Gun 14 Make a Choice The Maine Guides Education Fund was created in response to concerns about the future of Maine's outdoor heritage and traditions, and the effect of diminishing public access to our natural resources resulting from recent trends in land and wildlife management policies. Progress Report Since its beginning a year ago, the Maine Guides Education Fund has received nearly $19,000 in total donations. Special thanks to Dale Tobey and the Grand Lake Stream Guides Association. Dale stepped up to the podium at our annual banquet and presented their second $1,000 donation! Many donations have arrived from out of state sportsman who know all too well what losing access and opportunity is all about. These donations have contributed to our start up costs, initiated our communications programs, and provided funds to put guides’ knowledge and wisdom into the public eye. Your Donation is Vital Your donation is needed right now. These funds will keep the ball rolling and will keep guides in the game. Please give what you can, and don’t wait. If we can keep getting out our messages about recreation, land use, and wildlife policies, we might not have to face more gates and doors shutting us out! Banquet Chairman Jeff Bellmore, at the podium Save the Date 2009 is MPGA’s 30th Anniversary! Be sure to attend next year’s Annual Banquet April 11, 2009 Donations are Tax Deductible Remember, donations made payable to the ―Maine Guides Education Fund‖ are tax deductible charitable donations. Please use the form below, and send what you can. Every Donation Counts Use the Form Below Yes, I do choose to help! Please Accept my Donation to the “Maine Guides Education Fund” Donation (Please Check): □ $25 □ $50 □ $100 □ $200 □ $500 □ $1,000 □ $5,000 □ Other $_________ Your Name: ________________________________________________________________ Your Mail Address: ___________________________________________________________ Town: ____________________________________ State: _______ ZIP: ________________ Please make your check payable to “Maine Guides Education Fund” and Mail with this form to: c/o John Rust, PO Box 459, Hampden, ME 04444 The “Maine Guides Education Fund” is a 501(c)3 charity – Donations are tax deductible. 15 Maine Professional Guides Association P.O. Box 336 Augusta, Maine 04332 PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 46 Bangor, ME 04401 Hot News L.L.Bean In-store Discounts - see page 13 Banquet & Annual Meeting Report - see page 3 Super Raffle ―Guide Gun‖ Winners - see page 4 Idaho Elk Hunt Raffle - see page 11 Fishing Guides Needed - see page 2 ―Bus Drivers‖ for Hunters - see page 7 Visit www.MaineGuides.org MPGA Contributor Scorecard Special thanks to the following for their generous donations: $1000 to $9,999: L.L.Bean Marlin Firearms North Maine Woods, Inc. Grand Lake Stream Guides Association * Seven Islands Land Company * Matt Libby, Libby Camps (in kind) * $500 to $999: Whitetails Unlimited, WI * Frank Perkowski * Dennis Brawn, Prouty Autobody * Chapman & Chapman Insurance John Rust, Moosehead Marketing (in kind) * $100 to $499: James Merschat, PA * Dan Legere, Maine Guide Fly Shop * Charles Busnack, NJ * Rick Hill, Mt Chase Lodge * Steven Nimmer, SC * Stephen Fazan, NY Joel Guimond, Track Down Kennels Lodge Wayne Dillon, Gunsmoke Lodge (* donations to the ―Maine Guides Education Fund‖) 16 Membership Questions? Got a question about your membership, dues, or website directory listing? Contact Bob Parker: Bob Parker 778-4077 Email: info@maineguides.org …or write to the Association: Maine Professional Guides Association PO Box 336 Augusta, ME 04332-0336 MPGA Meeting Schedule July 27th — Board of Directors meeting, 9:00 AM (open to all members). Holiday Inn on Odlin Road, Bangor. September 28th — Board of Directors meeting, 9:00 AM (open to all members). Holiday Inn on Odlin Road, Bangor. December 7th — General Membership meeting, 9:00 AM. Super Raffle winners will be drawn. Holiday Inn on Odlin Road, Bangor.