The Maine Wilderness Guides Organization (MWGO) is looking forward to another year of learning, networking, professional development, and good times together. Our 2026–2027 calendar includes a mix of virtual programs, hands-on skills clinics, social gatherings, industry events, and opportunities for guides to share knowledge and build connections across Maine.
Some activities are already scheduled, while others are still under development. Dates and details for proposed programs will be shared as plans are finalized.
A Regular Opportunity to Connect
MWGO Board Meetings are held virtually via Zoom on the fourth Tuesday of every month. Board meetings provide an opportunity to stay informed about MWGO activities, discuss issues affecting Maine guides, and help shape the organization’s future.
Members are encouraged to participate and bring ideas, questions, and suggestions.
2026 Activities
January–February: Stargazing with John Meader
We kicked off 2026 with a four-week Stargazing program beginning January 13, continuing on Tuesdays through early February. The program was offered at $75 for the general public and $60 for MWGO members.
This was a great opportunity to expand our knowledge of Maine’s night skies and add another dimension to the interpretive experiences we can offer guests.
March: Industry Connections & Social Events
March brought several opportunities for MWGO members to connect and promote the guiding profession.
- Pro Deals Roundtable — March 3 at 7:00 p.m., held virtually
- Maine Sportsman’s Show — MWGO booth, March 27–29
- Trivia Night — March 31 in Skowhegan at The Biergarten
The Maine Sportsman’s Show, in particular, provides a valuable opportunity to introduce MWGO to the broader outdoor community and connect with fellow professionals and potential members.
April: Trivia & Member Social
April featured some fun opportunities to get together outside of the woods.
- Trivia Night — April 2 in Freeport at Mast Landing
- MWGO Social — April 16, 5:30–8:00 p.m., at Maine Beer Company in Freeport
These informal gatherings are an important part of MWGO. They give guides a chance to catch up, compare notes, meet new members, and strengthen the community that makes our organization special.
May: Building Our Guiding Businesses
May focused on practical skills and professional development.
“What’s in Your Pack?” — May 5 at 7:00 p.m. virtually
This popular topic gives guides a chance to share ideas, compare essential gear, and learn from one another’s experience in the field.
Other programs under consideration included:
- How to Become a Fly-Fishing Guide
- A virtual discussion about land access and commercial-use permits, including Baxter State Park, Katahdin Woods and Waters, Acadia National Park, National Wildlife Refuges, the National Forest, Maine State Parks, and other public lands
- A Bird Walk and Business Brunch at Scarborough Marsh, with a gathering at Luna
- An informal Southern Maine meeting focused on comparing notes and developing social media posts
June: Hands-On Skills
Canoe Poling — June 13
West Gardiner Rod & Gun Club
$150 per person
Canoe poling is an excellent example of the hands-on, practical learning opportunities MWGO hopes to continue offering. Members can build skills, learn from experienced practitioners, and spend time together on the water.
A kayak rescue clinic is also being explored, potentially in July, with John Mathieu working with Portland Paddle.
There are no major MWGO activities currently planned for the heart of the summer season, allowing guides to focus on their busiest months.
August–December: Professional Development & Planning
As the guiding season winds down, MWGO will turn its attention back toward professional development and planning.
Potential and scheduled fall programs include:
- August: Social media learning meeting
- September: Planning and outreach for upcoming programs, including contacting John Meader for a January program
- October: Annual Meeting, planned for the last Sunday in October at the Horizon Center near GearShare in Brunswick
- November: Using Canva for social media and promotional materials
- December: Commercial-use permits, with a focus on agencies and locations including the National Wildlife Refuge system, Baxter State Park, Katahdin Woods and Waters, DACF, and the National Park Service
Looking Ahead to 2027
MWGO plans to carry the momentum of 2026 into another year of education, networking, and professional development.
January 2027
Summer Stars with John Meader
We’ll return to the night sky with another opportunity to learn about astronomy and explore ways that natural interpretation can enhance guiding experiences.
February 2027
Finding the Right Insurance
Jon will work on arranging a virtual session with an insurance professional to help guides better understand their insurance needs and options.
March 2027
How to Be a Fly-Fishing Guide
MWGO plans to connect with Sean about offering a program focused on becoming a fly-fishing guide and learning more about this specialized area of outdoor guiding.
April 2027
Sportsman’s Show Review & Get-Together
Following the Maine Sportsman’s Show, MWGO will gather to review the experience, share what worked, discuss opportunities for improvement, and continue building our presence at this important outdoor event.
May 2027
What’s in Your Pack? — Virtual
Back by popular demand, this program will provide another opportunity for guides to share the gear, tools, and systems they rely on in the field.
May or June 2027
Canoe Poling
MWGO hopes to offer another canoe-poling opportunity, with Jon coordinating with Lisa on the details.
June 2027
Canoe Symposium
MWGO is exploring participation in a canoe symposium and the possibility of teaching a class as part of the event.
Programs Under Development
In addition to the scheduled calendar, MWGO is working on several programs that could be offered in late 2026, early 2027, or incorporated into future programming.
These include:
- How to Become a Fly-Fishing Guide
- Finding the Right Insurance
- Basic Business Training for Guides
- Social Media Strategies
- Southern and Central Maine gatherings focused on developing social media content
- Grant and Proposal Writing
- Commercial-Use Permits
- Fall trivia and social gatherings
- One or more informal get-togethers in the woods
- Business training focused specifically on guiding, including incorporation, branding, taxes, and finding appropriate professional resources
MWGO is also interested in developing partnerships and presentations that provide guides with practical business knowledge they can immediately apply to their own operations.
Looking Further Ahead
As we continue developing MWGO programming, one question that keeps coming up is:
How do you price your trips?
Trip pricing is an important part of running a sustainable guiding business, and MWGO hopes to develop a future program focused on pricing strategies, costs, value, and the business side of guiding.
More Than a Calendar
MWGO’s activities are about more than filling dates on a calendar. They are opportunities to learn from one another, develop new skills, build professional relationships, and strengthen Maine’s guiding community.
Whether you are a longtime guide, just getting started, or interested in becoming more involved with MWGO, we hope you’ll join us for one—or several—of these programs.
The 2026–2027 schedule will continue to evolve, so watch MWGO communications for updates, registration information, and newly added programs.
Have an idea for a program, workshop, speaker, or gathering? We want to hear from you. Member input is an important part of building a calendar that serves the needs of Maine’s wilderness guides. Contact Education Chair Jon Gardner (jonathan@mwgo.org)