Fish and Game Changers

After participating in the Department's Mentored Hunt for new adult hunters, Niko put to work all the skills he learned from his mentor, wildlife biologist Kendall Marden, and harvested a 10-point buck. Niko compares hunting to an art form, every hunter has their own methods, style, and motivations.

Matt's fisheries career has brought him around the world, from Europe, China, and the west coast to finally settling in Maine. Thanks to a passionate mentor and YouTube videos, Matt has begun his next big adventure: learning to deer hunt.

Emilie, a Game Keeper at the Maine Wildlife Park, was introduced to hunting as an adult while working for a hunting outfitter out west. After a chance encounter with a family of black bear, a conversation with a biologist, and finding a community of supportive hunters, she tried hunting for the first time--and loved it.

Katie chats with Dan Rice, a lifelong outdoor enthusiast. Dan is a bass fishing fanatic and dedicated hunter who enjoys sharing outdoor experiences with friends and family. He aspires to take his hobby and make it a career by becoming a Registered Maine Guide.

Katie sits down with MDIFW Commissioner Judy Camuso. Judy, a former vegetarian, discusses how conservation and climate change motivated her to try hunting for the first time as an adult.

Meet MDIFW's Media + Graphics Supervisor who has a surprising hobby.

Katie finishes her brew tour at Foundation Brewing in Portland, Maine and has a great conversation about stewardship and community with Christie Mahaffey, Director of Quality Control.

Katie visits Geary Brewing, New England's first craft brewery in the post prohibition era, and talks to owner Robin Lapoint about sustainability and community.

Before heading back to Portland for another brew tour, Katie talks about bears, piping plovers, and rescuing a turtle with the Sebago Lake Region Wildlife Biologist, Scott Lindsay.

Katie learns why Sebago Lake provides perfect habitat for landlocked salmon from Regional Fisheries Biologist, Jim Pellerin