Committee Involvement

MPGA is operated by a Board of Directors, but it is our Committees that provide the brains and brawn that allow us to stay on top of the issues.

Involvement in a Committee can give you in-depth knowledge of issues, direct contact with various state agency leaders, and contacts with other guides and organizations all that while helping to protect guiding.

Several Committees that members might become involved in are:

• Meetings & Coalitions Committee - Only member involvement can provide the full coverage for various meetings and hearings, and to provide valuable local input. These meetings include various Task Forces, LURC, Public Lands management planning, wildlife working groups, tourism initiatives, and several advisory councils.
• Fundraising Committee - Help is needed to identify opportunities for major donations from individuals, corporations and foundations.
• Membership Committee - The Membership Committee is vital to MPGA's existence. It develops member recruitment and retention plans, and meets with prospective members and groups.
• Super Raffle Committee - The annual Super Raffle is our major fundraiser that involves all members. Members pledge to donate trips for prizes, and members sell tickets. Those selling a large amount of tickets are rewarded with incentive prizes. Help is needed to recruit trip pledges, sponsors, and to motivate members to sell tickets.
• Events Committee - Formed in 2008, the Events Committee is recruiting a team of members who could be made available at various retail and show events to perform demonstrations and give talks. The Committee will also work with various event organizers to make MPGA one of the headlining co-sponsors of the event. The events are to increase our communications with the public about vital issues, and to help raise funds.
• Banquet Committee - MPGA's annual banquet is held in April. Over 200 members and guests attend every year. Help is needed to organizing the event, contact sponsors and obtain items for a fundraising auction.
• Show Committee - We currently place a booth at four sport shows in Maine. These weekend events are an opportunity to influence the public, recruit members, and raise funds. Help is always needed to staff the booth and to transport and set up the booth.
• Bear Hunting Committee - The Bear Hunting Committee reviews issues that affect bear hunting, especially rule changes, game management and landowner relations.
• Fishing Committee - The Fishing Committee consists of guides from the far reaching corners of the state. Regional coordinators work with other local guides and regional Fisheries biologists to improve fishing opportunities.
• Conservation & Easement Committee - Access to land for hunting, fishing, wildlife watching and camping are potentially at risk due to some conservation land purchases and easements. This committee works to track and understand the details of each unique acquisition, and to advise the MPGA board in its support or opposition.
• Allagash Committee - The "AWW" Committee maintains involvement in how the Allagash is being managed and attempts to resolve user differences so opportunities for multiple uses are maintained.