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Background - Registered Maine Guides

Because sporting camps by definition deal with the Maine outdoors, it first becomes important to understand "guiding" in Maine. In particular, it helps to know what it means to be a "Registered Maine Guide."

There are several specialized guide licenses that can be obtained from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife ("IFW"). Those who obtain these licenses are "Registered Maine Guides." They cover the following categories: hunting, fishing, recreational (i.e., boating, snowmobiling, camping), sea-kayaking and tidewater-fishing. A "Master" certification is awarded to those who have exceeded the minimum requirements for their specialization. In addition to these specializations, there are whitewater guides, also as licensed by the IFW. Before deciding upon a sporting camp, it is worthwhile to study these guide classifications and the IFW licensing qualifications for each.

Registered Maine Guide Associations

Maine Professional Guides Association (MPGA)

A prerequisite to membership in the MPGA is that one must be a Registered Maine Guide. However, not all Registered Maine Guides are MPGA members. Those who are members have committed to follow the MPGA Code of Ethics. The MPGA website offers a guide search engine.

Grand Lake Stream Guides Association

The GLSGA is composed of Registered Maine Guides who seek to continue traditional standards of guiding in the Grand Lake Stream area. Deep with tradition and knowledge, these guides offer an unforgettable fishing (or hunting) experience. A GLSGA guide will help you to experience lunch cooked over an open fire, the contentment of wooded hills, excellent fishing and sparkling clean water - with the silence of the forest broken only by the voices of distant loons.

Maine Sporting Camps

Maine Sporting Camp Association (MSCA)

The mission of the MSCA is to preserve the unique tradition of Maine sporting camps, places where a true outdoor recreational experience is provided. The site includes a list of sporting camps that belong to the MSCA. Some among these are listed below.

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