The Maine Professional Guides Association (MPGA) has exceeded its original $100,000 pledge by more than 150 percent and has raised over $250,000.00 for the fight against the anti-hunting referendum. This referendum is sponsored by the national anti-hunting groups Humane Society of the United States, and the Fund for Animals.

MPGA raised the funds for Maine's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Council, the coalition that was formed to spearhead this battle. As of November 2004, over 15,000 individuals and organizations have contributed to the fight, with 64 percent coming from Maine voters.

MPGA will continue to raise even more until this referendum, and the Humane Society, is defeated.

Maine's sportsmen are in a battle for their hunting heritage, and Maine's citizens will be in a battle to protect themselves, their children and their pets from an ever increasing number of niusance bears.

Hunting bear with bait is crucial for controlling bear population in Maine. One highly respected wildlife biologist has stated that without hunting with bait, the bear population will grow out of control and will double in five years - just like in Massachusetts where the population has doubled in about five years after voters passed a similar hunting ban.

Everyone in Maine is in a battle to protect their state's sovereignty because this referendum has been brought on by the efforts and money of these out of state, overpowering, nationwide anti-hunting organizations.

These national animal rights groups have provided nearly all the funds for this campaign, with 95 percent having come from the Humane Society of the United States and the Fund for Animals.

These groups have pledged to continue their anti-hunting campaign in Maine, and MPGA will continue to raise funds to oppose them.

We look forward to having you stop by the MPGA booth at the following Maine Sports Shows:

• Orono - Friday March 14 to Sunday March 16, 2007
• Wilton - Friday March 21 to Sunday March 23, 2007
• Augusta - Friday March 28 to Sunday March 30, 2007
• Presque Isle Fish and Game - Saturday April 5 and Sunday April 6, 2007

There will be raffle drawings at the shows, membership applications, and Super Raffle ticket sales packets at these shows.

Members interested in helping at a show should call Paul Laney, Show Committee Chairman, at (207) 796-5068.

We had a sell out crowd at the 26th annual membership meeting and banquet held on Saturday, April 12.

There was a brief Annual Membership Business Meeting and Election of Directors; Recognitions and Awards; Door Prizes; Raffles; and a live Auction of donated items. Over all we set a new record for income from all phases of the banquet. The auction proceeds alone were up by 50%! These vital funds will go towards our operations and programs in Augusta.

Thanks to all our Guests and Speakers, who included:

• Doug Painter, Preseident of the National Shooting Sports Foundation
• Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap
• IF&W Deputy Commissioner Paul Jacques
• Conservation Department Commissioner Pat McGowan
• Representative (and auction assistant) Tom Saviello

For more info about the banquet and auction: Annual Meeting & Banquet Info.

Our next meeting will be held on the following dates:

• Board of Directors - Sunday, January 6, 2008, 9:00 AM, at the Holiday Inn on Odlin Road in Bangor.
• Board of Directors - Sunday, February 24, 2008, 9:00 AM, at the Holiday Inn on Odlin Road in Bangor.
• Board of Directors - Sunday, March 30, 2008, 1:00 PM, at the Maine Sportsman Show, Augusta Civic Center.
• Annual Membership & Banquet - Saturday, April 12, 2008, 5:00 PM, at Jeff's Catering in Brewer. Details will be mailed during the winter.

Members are welcome at all meetings.

Our 2007 Super Raffle was a huge success. We netted over $20,000.00!

Super Raffle winners were drawn at the Association meeting on December 2, 2007. The ten winners, from six states:

1. Freshwater Fishing Trip - Robert Raab, Dickerson, MD
2. Black Bear Hunt over Bait - Mark Johnson, Smyrna, DE
3. Saltwater Fishing Trip - Mary Gagne, Windham, ME
4. Whitetail Deer Hunt - Chet Bowens, Milford, PA
5. Canoeing Adventure - Dick Laliberte, Leeds, ME
6. Bobcat Hunt over Hounds - Robert Knowles, Seabrook, NH
7. Vacation Package - Bill Brann, Readfield, ME
8. Black Bear Hunt over Hounds - Kevin Helwig, Niagara Falls, NY
9. Upland Game Hunt - Jerome Yasenosky, Gaisytown, PA
10. Bonus Prize: $1,000 LL Bean Gift Certificate - Robert Winch, Fort Edward, NY

Congratulations to all winners, and thank you to all who supported the Association by buying tickets, selling tickets, and by donating a prize trip.

Visit our Super Raffle section for prize info, and watch for our 2008 raffle this winter.