The History of the Maine Wilderness Guides Organization
Over a century ago on March 19, 1897, Maine set a remarkable precedent by being the first state to require outdoor guides to register, establishing minimum standards for the profession. Even before this, Native Penobscot guides had been leading adventurers and surveyors through Maine’s North Woods for over 100 years. Since the introduction of this requirement, Maine Guides have earned a national reputation for professionalism and competence, with their expertise extending beyond Maine to northern Canada and Alaska.
In 2004 a group of conservation minded wilderness guides and sporting camp owners began meeting to discuss ways to protect the remote areas we depend on for our business. It quickly became apparent that no one was representing our interests and concerns so we decided to form the Maine Wilderness Guides Organization. We are a respected membership organization with a strong advocacy voice for the needs of wilderness guides and the conservation and restoration of remote places required for their profession. Through cooperation with landowners and land managers, both public and private, MWGO is striving to establish a reputation of inclusiveness and integrity. Many member programs are already nationally, and internationally, recognized as models for high standards of education, instruction and quality wilderness experiences.
We are primarily, but not exclusively, engaged in people-powered trips, fishing for wild populations of native fish, wildlife viewing, and “heritage hunting*.” In order to experience the wilderness as fully as possible, we must take the time to see, hear, and smell the woods around us, not just to travel through it but to dwell within it utilizing all of our senses. To do this, Maine guides often require areas large enough for multi-day, non-motorized trips, areas that support wild populations of fish and wildlife that are not readily accessible by motorized transportation. We are not against motorized forms of recreation but believe that providing areas of non-motorized wilderness experiences is in the best interest of every outdoor enthusiast. We are committed to sharing that experience with those who cherish the outdoors. We encourage any guide who is concerned about the development pressure on Maine’s natural resources to join our organization. Professional Guides will also be interested in our ongoing guide training opportunities designed to help guides maintain and improve their skills in a variety of specific areas.
However, you do not have to be a professional guide to support our mission. We encourage any sportsman/sportswoman or outdoor enthusiast who shares our mission to join as a Supporting Member.
*Heritage hunting is defined as the way your grandpa did, on foot in remote areas without the use of any hi-tech aids.