May 31, 2018

MDIFW NEWS - - Nominations Now Being Accepted For 2018 Outdoor Lifetime Achievement Award

AUGUSTA, MAINE - The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is now accepting nominations for the 2018 Annual Lifetime Outdoor Achievement Award. This award, which is presented by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, honors individuals who have been dedicated to the use of our natural resources and who are embedded in Maine?s rich outdoor traditions. Hunting, fishing and trapping are an important part of the heritage of the State of Maine and this award celebrates the achievements of an individual while sharing their experiences for the future generations benefit

This is the fourth year of this special award and the Department is now seeking nominations of individuals who have hunted, trapped and fished in Maine for a combined total of 40 years. For example, an individual who has fished for 20 years trapped for 10 years and hunted for 10 years or could have fished for 30 years and hunted for 10 years would be an ideal candidate. Candidates should have also demonstrated a form of mentoring, teaching or instructing outdoor activities.

Last year?s award winners, Carole Dyer of Bowdoinham and Gabriel ?Gabby? Giguere of Lewiston were recognized by Commissioner Chandler Woodcock at the Sportsman?s Alliance of Maine banquet in September.

Nominations should include the nominee?s name, address, phone number, photograph and a few paragraphs about the individual, their experience in the Maine outdoors, and an explanation of why they are a deserving candidate. Please keep in mind that we do not know these candidates so it is important that you tell us about the nominee with a few paragraphs. The nominator?s contact information should also be included. Nominations, which are due by 5 p.m. on August 8, 2018 can be sent by email to Bonnie Holding at bonnie.holding@maine.gov or by mail to 284 State St, SHS 41, Augusta, Maine 04333. Please note if you nominated an individual last year and would like to nominate that person again this year, please contact Bonnie Holding. If preferred, a nomination form can be downloaded from http://www.maine.gov/ifw/docs/lifetimeoutdoorachievementaward.pdf

The recipient(s) of this 4th annual Lifetime Outdoor Achievement Award will be selected by a committee of individuals from the Department and will be recognized at the Sportsman?s Alliance of Maine banquet in Waterville on September 8, 2018.

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Maine Department of Inland Fisheries of Wildlife (MDIFW) preserves, protects, and enhances the inland fisheries and wildlife resources of the state. Established in 1880 to protect big game populations, MDIFW has since evolved in scope to include protection and management of fish, non-game wildlife, and habitats, as well as restoration of endangered species like the bald eagle. In addition to its conservation duties, MDIFW is also responsible for enabling and promoting the safe enjoyment of Maine?s outdoors ? from whitewater rafting to boating, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation. The agency?s constituents include the fish, wildlife, and people who call Maine home, as well as the visiting outdoor enthusiasts and ecotourists who call Maine Vacationland and contribute hundreds of millions of dollars each year to the state?s economy.