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Mission of the
Maine Professional Guides Association
"Higher Purpose"
The Maine Professional Guides Association's (MPGA) overall mission is to protect and enhance the profession, incomes and outdoor heritage of Maine guides, and to maintain the
natural resources they
and their customers depend upon.
MPGA Mission:
The Maine Professional Guides Association’s stated purposes are to:
- Work cooperatively with the Department of Inland Fisheries
& Wildlife, the Department of Conservation, the Department of Marine Resources and other state and federal agencies on issues that will improve or promote the interests of professional Maine Guides, enhance the image of Maine Guides, encourage the wise use of renewable natural resources and ensure the future of traditional forms of outdoor recreation.
- Work cooperatively with industry, agricultural interests, government, sporting
and conservation groups whose overall objectives are not inconsistent with those of the Corporation, to arrive at workable and logical solutions to problems related to guiding, outdoor recreation and the use of natural resources.
- Actively participate in writing, sponsoring and supporting legislation or regulation at the state and federal levels to promote or enhance the interests of professional Maine Guides, and to conserve the natural resources that are essential to the future of the guiding profession.
- Vigorously oppose legislation or regulation that would be harmful to professional Maine Guides or the guiding profession, or that would directly and negatively impact natural resources that are essential to the future of guiding or that would unnecessarily restrict hunting, fishing or other related activities that have traditionally involved the use of Maine Guides.
- Cultivate a feeling of good will and mutual understanding through proper recognition and respect of the rights of others insofar as they relate to the ownership or management of property, the enjoyment and lawful use of natural resources and the enforcement of laws and regulations.
- Protect, support, encourage and promote the safe and legal ownership and use of firearms through education, training, demonstration, dissemination of information and support of appropriate legislation.
- Encourage, by education, training, demonstration, dissemination of information and support of appropriate legislation, a high level of sportsmanship, ethical behavior and respect for the rights of others when using firearms or participating in any form of outdoor activity or sport that is directly or otherwise reasonably related to the interest of the Corporation.
Core Beliefs
MPGA believes that:
- Guides' interests are best represented by a professional and credible approach that can only be achieved when guides join forces together as the Maine Professional Guides Association.
- MPGA must represent all Maine's working guides, both full time and part time, and act as an advocate to represent guides' collective interests.
- Guides are uniquely qualified to speak out on outdoor recreation and resource issues because Guides have first hand knowledge and expertise, and bring a reasoned perspective to the ever-changing outdoor political landscape – Science and practicality before emotion and politics.
- Guides are Conservationists who support the wise use of renewable natural resources.
- Legislative and voter support is critical for defeating efforts that threaten Guides' activities. Guides must therefore maintain high public credibility and be very politically active.
- Constitutional rights must be defended, including private property rights, the right to own firearms, and when not affecting others the right to pursue one's own interests without interference by others – such as with hunter harassment.
- Maine's open land access tradition must be maintained.
- Allocating the use of, and access to, Maine's wildlife and natural resources through a random drawing process is unacceptable to Guides and must be opposed.
What MPGA does
Some of MPGA's major activities for achieving this mission are:
- Monitoring new and proposed rules and legislation that affect the guiding industry, the fisheries, the wildlife and the natural resources of the state, and other areas that have potential impact on the guiding profession.
- Engaging in legislative and rule-making activities with sufficient vigor so as to have a positive impact in matters concerning Maine's outdoor sports in general and Maine Guides specifically.
- Maintaining a close working relationship with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries
& Wildlife, the Department of Conservation, the Department of Marine Resources and other state agencies, and continually works with them for the benefit of Maine's natural resources.
- Participating in nearly every state government subcommittee including Tourism, Conservation, Land Access, Landowners Relations, River Trust and various task forces.
- Working to upgrade the status and prestige of the profession by promoting credentials and qualifications that exceed the requirements of law.
- Sponsoring youths to attend Conservation Camp every year, and sponsoring the Junior Maine Guide program.
- Publishing a quarterly newsletter containing important news and issues, and distributing it to members, legislators, policy makers and the public.
- Maintaining a website with a searchable directory of member Guides and information important to Guides and their customers.
- Holding an annual banquet where Guides, Legislators and friends of the Association can gather to share information, develop contacts, and celebrate the Guiding Profession and the MPGA's achievements.
- Attending sportsman shows and events to increase contact and share information on issues with the public, members and non-member guides.
MPGA Code of Ethics
All MPGA members are
required to sign a pledge to follow the Code of Ethics, which are:
- I willfully cooperate with state and federal wildlife officials and will abide by, and advise my client of all applicable conservation and game laws, statutes and regulations and will not condone their violation.
- I will maintain serviceable equipment and gear in good working condition. When providing bedding or other personal equipment, it will be clean and sufficient for weather conditions likely to be encountered. I will employ well-trained, courteous and sufficient personnel to adequately care for guests, and facilitate rendering the services offered. I will maintain a neat and orderly camp at all times.
- Rates, accommodations and services will be clearly defined for prospective clients prior to booking and acceptance of down payment. I will not misrepresent rates, service accommodations nor otherwise mislead prospective clients through false or fictitious advertising. I will at all times conduct my operation and services in an ethical and business-like manner.
- I will honestly advise my clients of fish and game populations in the area. However, I will make no
"guarantees" as to the success of a fishing or hunting trip. I will make every effort to fully acquaint my clients with all the conditions of weather, terrain, equipment, travel and housing they may expect on the trip, and to advise them as to guns, equipment, clothing and other gear they must furnish, and the approximate degree of physical endurance, agility, strength and skill required to enhance their experience while afield.
- I will at all times cooperate fully with private landowners, and public land management agencies, and will respect their rights and privileges.
- I will at all times provide for the safety and well being of my clients and all other individuals that I may encounter in the course of my guiding experiences.
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