A few years ago, Maine’s rural economy and sporting camp business came close to the abyss when animal rights extremists tried to shut down traditional bear hunting by launching a state-wide bear referendum.

The antis almost succeeded.

With the exception of the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine (SAM), there was no other large united front organized or prepared to wage a political battle against this attempt to abolish a way of life and established commerce. But, thankfully, guides, sporting camp operators, rural businesses, sportsmen at large, and many other groups, with a stake in the outcome of the bear referendum rolled up their sleeves, opened their wallets and pulled together. These same folks have not forgotten, and they are mindful that the threat still exists: The animal rights zealots are still pushing their agenda. With this in mind, the Maine outdoor community has, to its credit, elected to be proactive and be prepared for the next onslaught. This recent press release from the new group, the Maine Outdoor Federation, says it all:

“A newly formed statewide organization, the Maine Outdoor Federation (MOF), ratified its constitution and elected its first slate of officers, at a recent meeting held at the Penosbcot Country Conservation Association in Brewer. In May of this year, a large group of individual outdoor-oriented Maine organizations held a steering committee meeting in Hallowell and agreed to form a federation. At that meeting, facilitated by Don Kleiner, executive director of the Maine Professional Guides Association (MPGA), attendees each took turns outlining what they thought were critical issues facing the Maine outdoor community. Among the most common concerns expressed by the group were government leadership, habitat, deer herd, brook trout protection and recreational access. There was also a consensus that the various stakeholder groups need to do a better job of communicating with the public, and with one another.”

At the Hallowell meeting, the newly formed Maine Outdoor Federation solidified its mission statement, or purpose, as follows: “The Maine Outdoor Federation is a group of organizations united to give public visibility to issues in the outdoors and serves as a network of information, communication and action. Our purpose is to work together to preserve our natural resources and ensure our outdoor heritage lives on for future generations.”

Those outdoor organizations that indicated an interest in joining with the new federation are: Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine, Maine Wilderness Guides Association, Maine Professional Guides Association, Maine Wild Turkey Federation, Maine Charter Boat Captains, Maine Youth Fish and Game, Ruffed Grouse Society, Aroostook County Conservation Association, Northwoods Sporting Journal, Rangeley Region Guides & Sporting Association, Maine Trappers Association, Fly Fishing in Maine, Grand Lake Steam Guides Association, IF&W Advisory Council, Maine Chapter of Safari Club International, Maine Bowhunters Association, and Maine Bass Federation.

At the Brewer meeting, after ratifying its constitution and bylaws, the Maine Outdoor Federation elected Al Smith of Jay to be its first President. Smith has worked for sportsmen’s organizations across the country, including the Bass Angler Sportsman Society and the Pennsylvania Sportsman’s Association. Despite being between jobs, the Maine native nonetheless was excited about the Maine Outdoor Federation. “I never appreciated what we have here until I went to work for BASS in Alabama, where if you wanted to go hunting, you either had to own land or pay big money to get into a club,” he said. “If we’re going to preserve our outdoor heritage, Maine needs this.”

Other officers elected at the meeting include Dan Tarkinson of Fly Fishing in Maine as Vice President and Bryan Courtois from the Wilderness Guides Organization as Secretary-Treasurer. At Large Executive Committee members elected were V. Paul Reynolds of the Northwoods Sporting Journal and Forrest Faulkingham of the Maine Association of Charterboat Captains.

In an effort to build its state-wide membership, the new federation will also be conducting an outreach program specifically aimed at convincing the state’s numerous fish and game clubs that affiliation with the Maine Outdoor Federation can serve to help preserve Maine’s natural resources and proud outdoor heritage. Any outdoor organizations interested in membership or learning more about MOF should contact Al Smith at 334 730 2785 or email him at [email protected].

The author is editor of the Northwoods Sporting Journal and has written his first book, A Maine Deer Hunter’s Logbook. He is also a Maine Guide, co-host of a weekly radio program “Maine Outdoors” heard Sundays at 7 p.m. on The Voice of Maine News-Talk Network (WVOM-FM 103.9, WCME-FM 96.7) and former information officer for the Maine Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. His e-mail address is [email protected].