This month, we continue our regular series of stories getting to know Maine Guides.  As most know, Registered Maine Guides can be recreation guides, hunting guides, fishing guides, sea kayak guides, tidewater fishing guides, whitewater rafting guides, or some combination of the above.  Additionally, a Maine Guide can be certified as a Master Guide in one of the above classifications after documenting the required years and hours of experience.  Many Guides are their own independent businesses while others work for larger businesses, and most have additional jobs outside of the guiding world.  But, they all have their own stories of how they came to the world of guiding and how they utilize their guide license, as well as their own insights into the guiding industry.  This month, we’ll meet Tomas Dundzila, a Recreation Guide who started as a self proclaimed city kid, got involved in scouts, served in the Army, became a Guide shortly after moving to Maine five years ago, became involved with MWGO and now serves as MWGO’s Treasurer.

My wife and I have owned land in Maine for over 15 years, but we only moved to Vacationland five years ago. I probably heard about Maine Guides decades ago, but the thought of becoming a Guide only entered my mind a few years before moving here. I grew up in a city, but loved camping as a boy scout. I served as a light infantryman in the US Army for five years, so I did a lot of “hiking” and “camping” in a variety of places and environments. I returned to scouting as a Scoutmaster and revitalized a troop by implementing a scout-led program and monthly outings. Many of the scouts participated in high adventure programs and earned their Eagle awards. I’m very proud of them!

My wife and I have been very fortunate in our careers because we had opportunities to work in the U.S., the Middle East, Europe, and Australia. We took advantage of our good fortune to explore the local sites and also traveled to other destinations. For a kid from the city, I feel very comfortable outdoors and enjoy sharing the outdoors with others.

In 2018, to prepare for the Guide license I enrolled in a six day course and studied intensely for the written and oral exam. The oral exam started out well enough, but I could have done better with the bird identification. Map and compass skills went well, though I caught myself making a 180 degree mistake at one time. The examiners and I went out to the back of the building where a canoe was sitting on the ground. They asked me to demonstrate how I would teach canoe paddling. I felt at ease because I had taught paddling to beginners in the past. The oral exam ended with a lost person scenario. I stepped out of the room to finish the written exam, and the examiners called me in a few minutes later. One of the examiners said I should brush up on identifying waterfowl. I agreed. The other examiner said he trusted me to take his grandchildren safely into the outdoors. That was a positive endorsement, but it comes with responsibility. I’m very proud that I passed the exam and became a Registered Maine Guide. A Guide license in the hands of a new Guide is similar to a driver’s license in the hands of a 16 year old. The person may have a license, but that doesn’t mean they can race at Indy or Daytona. A Guide should keep building skills and gaining experience, and that’s my plan.

One reason I am a member of the Maine Wilderness Guides Organization is because I want to learn from others and improve my skills. This spring I enjoyed the canoe poling workshop. Poling is a very valuable, ancient skill and I look forward to practicing it more. I also appreciate Kevin Slater giving me the opportunity to assist during a canoe trip down the Allagash. He had two other assistants, but still gave me a chance to be part of the crew. We received 48 hours of continuous rain during the trip, but hot, delicious food was prepared over a traditional wood fire and served under a large tarp that kept us dry. A few weeks later I led my first group of paddlers down the Allagash. The Maine Guide gods must have been watching over us because nobody tipped, we didn’t lose any equipment, and never had to open up the first aid kit. I’m always looking for an opportunity to be outside. If you need assistance backpacking, hiking, paddling, snowshoeing, or skiing, please give me a call. See you outside!