Regulatory Wins

One of MPGA’s primary activities is to engage in legislative and rule-making activities. This includes actively participating 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.

MPGA’s legislative and advocacy efforts have resulted in wins for all categories of guides and all sporting interests. Recent wins have included:

• Working to develop a clear definition of an independent contractor.
• Protecting the Grand Lakes Stream salmon and bass fishery.
• Preventing unnecessary saltwater fishing license requirements from being enacted.
• Protecting bear hunting by opposing a referendum financed by animal rights organizations from Washington, DC and other states.
• Protecting trapping throughout northern Maine by opposing a lawsuit filed by an animal rights organization from California.
• Convincing the state to review the scientific basis for creating ecological preserves.
• Preventing overly restrictive license renewal regulations involving additional background checks and even license loss due to speeding tickets.
• Changing the rules so guides may use Type 3 life vests when on fresh water instead of cumbersome Type 1 vests.
• Adding an experience requirement to the Master Guide license so it is more meaningful to customers.