Membership News - August 20, 2008

Urgent Message from
Bert Goodman, MPGA Secretary

Dear Maine Guides:

As I’m sure you’re all aware, the big game season is quickly approaching, and soon we will be rushed with guests, business, and a seemingly endless list of things to take care of for at least the next 3 months, and perhaps longer for some.

First of all, I would like to wish you all the best of luck in your upcoming endeavors, and may your busy season find you safe and well.

Fight for your Survival

However, I would also like to draw attention back to the fundamentals that allow us to participate in such a fantastic Maine tradition - Guiding in the first place.

It’s no secret that outsiders away from this state, and some from within, spend many countless hours plotting and seeking to dismantle this historic tradition, and for most of us, our livelihoods. Although it pains me to think that some with nothing at stake would take time out of their lives to harass us for doing the honorable thing that we do, it is sad but true…

They are out there. They want to put you out of business. And they work hard raising money every day to fight us in the legislature, elsewhere in Augusta, in the courts, and at the polls.

We must not forget that each and every one of us has an ultimate responsibility to defend what we know is right. What we know is ours. Despite the flurry of things we must take care of in the upcoming months, we must not forget to also fuel our defenses, so to speak.

You Make the Difference

The Super Raffle has historically been our most effective and successful way to do this. $31,000 was raised last year through your hard work and dedication. In the last two seasons, the Super Raffle has increased by leaps and bounds.

I’m positive that by giving your guests the opportunity to participate themselves, by supporting MPGA, we will have another record-breaking year. This is a fundraiser that everyone can get behind, and there are no losers! Guests clearly want to participate, because they enjoy coming to our great state, and engaging in our fascinating traditions with all of the talented guides who are reading this letter right now.

All of you can help fuel the fires for defending your livelihood, and assure that MPGA will have the funds it needs to protect your heritage. Super Raffle tickets must be sold during the upcoming season. Your participation will make a difference. Your action is necessary.

Prizes for Selling Tickets

There are three levels of prize rewards for those of you who sell lots of Super Raffle tickets. Sell $1,500 and receive a beautiful Marlin 45/70 “Guide’s Model” rifle, complete with the MPGA Logo engraved in the stock. First-time rifle winners will receive a blued model. Second-time rifle winners will receive a stainless model. Sell $1,000 and receive a $200 LL Bean Gift Certificate. Sell $500 and receive a $100 LL Bean Gift Certificate.

Retain Your Customer

If your guests win a trip, MPGA wants them to return to your outfit! You can assure this by becoming a trip donor. It takes less than one minute to do this.

Simply CLICK HERE to download a trip donor form. PRINT it. Fill out the form by hand. Mail it immediately to:

John Rust
P.O. Box 459
Hampden, ME 04444

Questions

If you run into any troubles or have any questions (i.e. you need more tickets!), please get in touch with me, Bert Goodman, at:

Tel: 207-528-2320
E-mail: info@northcountrylodge.com
Mail Address: P.O. Box 323, Patten Maine 04765

Thank you all very much, and good luck this season.

Sincerely,

Bert Goodman,
Super Raffle Committee Chairman