• We know you’re anxious to get out and ride the trails, and we know why! Maine has some really excellent ATV riding! BUT, the trails in your area may not be ready yet! Conditions around the state are varied and the decision to open trails is managed by the property owner and/or the club or organization who maintains the trail system. If you see a red sign with a date indicating trail aren’t open yet- stay off! This ensures that damage doesn’t occur and landowners continue to allow access for future riding. Be safe, have respect and follow the laws!
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    We know you’re anxious to get out and ride the trails, and we know why! Maine has some really excellent ATV riding! BUT, the trails in your area may not be ready yet! Conditions around the state are varied and the decision to open trails is managed by the property owner and/or the club or organization who maintains the trail system. If you see a red sign with a date indicating trail aren’t open yet- stay off! This ensures that damage doesn’t occur and landowners continue to allow access for future riding. Be safe, have respect and follow the laws!
  • Natural foods are scarce this time of year often causing bears and other wildlife to venture into backyards and fields in search of easily accessible options like bird feeders, garbage, grills and pet foods.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ While hundreds of conflicts between bears and people are reported each year in Maine, many can be prevented by simply removing or securing common bear attractants. Removing these food sources will also limit other unwanted backyard visitors like skunks and racoons! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #blackbear #bearconflicts #bebearwise #maine #maineoutdoors #mainewildlie #keeperofme #avoidbearconflicts #mefishwildlife
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    Natural foods are scarce this time of year often causing bears and other wildlife to venture into backyards and fields in search of easily accessible options like bird feeders, garbage, grills and pet foods.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ While hundreds of conflicts between bears and people are reported each year in Maine, many can be prevented by simply removing or securing common bear attractants. Removing these food sources will also limit other unwanted backyard visitors like skunks and racoons! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #blackbear #bearconflicts #bebearwise #maine #maineoutdoors #mainewildlie #keeperofme #avoidbearconflicts #mefishwildlife
  • Smelt dipping in Maine is a springtime tradition for many! This video footage shows some busy spawning rainbow smelt 😊 Curious? Check the link in profile to read more! #FishME #keeperofme
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    Smelt dipping in Maine is a springtime tradition for many! This video footage shows some busy spawning rainbow smelt 😊 Curious? Check the link in profile to read more! #FishME #keeperofme
  • We hope you're out enjoying this beautiful winter weekend in Maine! If your plans include riding the trails, please be sure to make safety your top priority! Be aware of other riders, wildlife or other hazards on the trail. Keep current trail conditions in mind and slow down and ride at a reasonable and prudent speed. Know your machine and don't ride beyond your own skill or experience. If you must cross a body of water, use extreme caution. NEVER drink and ride! Enjoy your time in the Maine outdoors and stay safe!
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    We hope you're out enjoying this beautiful winter weekend in Maine! If your plans include riding the trails, please be sure to make safety your top priority! Be aware of other riders, wildlife or other hazards on the trail. Keep current trail conditions in mind and slow down and ride at a reasonable and prudent speed. Know your machine and don't ride beyond your own skill or experience. If you must cross a body of water, use extreme caution. NEVER drink and ride! Enjoy your time in the Maine outdoors and stay safe!
  • Who is enjoying free fishing weekend? Tag your fishing adventure with #FishME for a chance to win a MDIFW logo swag bag! #WinterInMaine
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    Who is enjoying free fishing weekend? Tag your fishing adventure with #FishME for a chance to win a MDIFW logo swag bag! #WinterInMaine
  • The key to keeping land open for backcountry riding depends on you! Snowmobilers must respect private land when backcountry riding. We’ve already seen land and trails shut down to irresponsible use. Seek permission to ride, never damage newly planted trees and never litter! The future of land access and snowmobiling depends on you. Ride responsibly!
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    The key to keeping land open for backcountry riding depends on you! Snowmobilers must respect private land when backcountry riding. We’ve already seen land and trails shut down to irresponsible use. Seek permission to ride, never damage newly planted trees and never litter! The future of land access and snowmobiling depends on you. Ride responsibly!
  • We're excited to announce Game Warden Tony Gray was promoted this week to the position of Corporal to lead the Maine Warden Service Dive Team. Corporal Gray has been a Maine Game Warden working in the South Paris district for 13 years and a member of the Maine Warden Service Dive Team for 9 years. He has served as a Field Training Officer and held the position of cadre at the Advanced Game Warden Training School in 2018. Corporal Gray served as a police officer with Auburn Police Department for nearly two years before becoming a Maine Game Warden. The Maine Warden Service Dive Team averages ten recovery dive operations annually and the team currently has seven members. Corporal Gray’s new position involves the management, deployment and training for the team’s members as well as managing dive efforts at MDIFW hatcheries. These duties are critically important regarding Maine’s water-related emergencies and fishery resources. Congratulations, Corporal Gray! #allinforme #keeperofme
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    We're excited to announce Game Warden Tony Gray was promoted this week to the position of Corporal to lead the Maine Warden Service Dive Team. Corporal Gray has been a Maine Game Warden working in the South Paris district for 13 years and a member of the Maine Warden Service Dive Team for 9 years. He has served as a Field Training Officer and held the position of cadre at the Advanced Game Warden Training School in 2018. Corporal Gray served as a police officer with Auburn Police Department for nearly two years before becoming a Maine Game Warden. The Maine Warden Service Dive Team averages ten recovery dive operations annually and the team currently has seven members. Corporal Gray’s new position involves the management, deployment and training for the team’s members as well as managing dive efforts at MDIFW hatcheries. These duties are critically important regarding Maine’s water-related emergencies and fishery resources. Congratulations, Corporal Gray! #allinforme #keeperofme
  • Free Fishing Weekend is on deck! On Saturday, February 16 and Sunday, February 17, anyone may fish for free without a license on Maine's waterways, except those who have had their license suspended or revoked. All other rules and regulations, including bag and possession limits, apply. Free fishing weekend is open to both residents and non-residents. Remember, always stay safe when venturing out onto Maine's frozen waterways. Use a chisel or auger to test ice thickness in several places before you step out. Remember that ice seldom freezes uniformly and conditions are always changing and can vary from one location to the next. Ice that forms over flowing water and currents, especially near streams, bridges and culverts, can be particularly dangerous. Need to review the Maine fishing laws? Visit mefishwildlife.com/fishing laws Looking for a great place to fish? Check out the Maine Fishing Guide at mefishwildlife.com/maine-fishing-guide #fishme
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    Free Fishing Weekend is on deck! On Saturday, February 16 and Sunday, February 17, anyone may fish for free without a license on Maine's waterways, except those who have had their license suspended or revoked. All other rules and regulations, including bag and possession limits, apply. Free fishing weekend is open to both residents and non-residents. Remember, always stay safe when venturing out onto Maine's frozen waterways. Use a chisel or auger to test ice thickness in several places before you step out. Remember that ice seldom freezes uniformly and conditions are always changing and can vary from one location to the next. Ice that forms over flowing water and currents, especially near streams, bridges and culverts, can be particularly dangerous. Need to review the Maine fishing laws? Visit mefishwildlife.com/fishing laws Looking for a great place to fish? Check out the Maine Fishing Guide at mefishwildlife.com/maine-fishing-guide #fishme
  • Riders should NEVER chase or pursue wild animals that often frequent trails. Any unnecessary physical activity can be dangerous or even deadly to an already stressed animal. Always maintain as much distance as possible until they step off the trail and out of the way so that you can pass safely. Help protect the things you love! #mainewildlife #keeperofme
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    Riders should NEVER chase or pursue wild animals that often frequent trails. Any unnecessary physical activity can be dangerous or even deadly to an already stressed animal. Always maintain as much distance as possible until they step off the trail and out of the way so that you can pass safely. Help protect the things you love! #mainewildlife #keeperofme
  • Join us in welcoming @judyacamuso into her new role as (the first woman) Commissioner of @mefishwildlife! 🙌🏼 Judy has over 20 years' experience with MDIFW and Maine Audubon, and has lead several statewide natural resource initiatives as wildlife director for MDIFW. In 2018, Camuso was named one of Maine Magazine's 50 Mainer's of Maine and, in 2015, she received MDIFW's Employee of the Year, Governor's Award. She is a licensed bird bander and an avid birder, as well as a hunter, who canoes, hikes and bikes.
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    Join us in welcoming @judyacamuso into her new role as (the first woman) Commissioner of @mefishwildlife! 🙌🏼 Judy has over 20 years' experience with MDIFW and Maine Audubon, and has lead several statewide natural resource initiatives as wildlife director for MDIFW. In 2018, Camuso was named one of Maine Magazine's 50 Mainer's of Maine and, in 2015, she received MDIFW's Employee of the Year, Governor's Award. She is a licensed bird bander and an avid birder, as well as a hunter, who canoes, hikes and bikes.
  • Did you know that Maine has 18 different species of bumble bees? Bumble bees are important pollinators of both wild and cultivated flowering plants, including many fruits, vegetables, and valuable crops like blueberries, apples, and tomatoes. To inform conservation of this essential group of native insects, MDIFW oversees the Maine Bumble Bee Atlas - a 5-year citizen science survey of bumble bees statewide. Check out the link in our profile to learn more! (Photo by Leif Richardson) #wildlifewednesday #keeperofme
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    Did you know that Maine has 18 different species of bumble bees? Bumble bees are important pollinators of both wild and cultivated flowering plants, including many fruits, vegetables, and valuable crops like blueberries, apples, and tomatoes. To inform conservation of this essential group of native insects, MDIFW oversees the Maine Bumble Bee Atlas - a 5-year citizen science survey of bumble bees statewide. Check out the link in our profile to learn more! (Photo by Leif Richardson) #wildlifewednesday #keeperofme
  • The Special Olympics Maine Winter Games opening ceremony on January 28 at Sugarloaf (PC: Emily MacCabe/MDIFW) —— We were pleased to join with Maine law enforcement to support the winter games again this year. Game Wardens assisted athletes in a number of events on the mountain, greeted and cheered on competitors, and made new friends and wonderful memories. Thank you, @specialolympicsmaine 🙌🏼
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    The Special Olympics Maine Winter Games opening ceremony on January 28 at Sugarloaf (PC: Emily MacCabe/MDIFW) —— We were pleased to join with Maine law enforcement to support the winter games again this year. Game Wardens assisted athletes in a number of events on the mountain, greeted and cheered on competitors, and made new friends and wonderful memories. Thank you, @specialolympicsmaine 🙌🏼
  • Ever wonder how wildlife survive the snowy winter months? Ruffed grouse are well adapted and even welcome some fresh snow on the ground! Visit the link in our profile to read more! #wildlifewednesday #keeperofme
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    Ever wonder how wildlife survive the snowy winter months? Ruffed grouse are well adapted and even welcome some fresh snow on the ground! Visit the link in our profile to read more! #wildlifewednesday #keeperofme
  • The weekend is here and we hope your plans include a little outdoor adventure. Please remember to be SAFE and responsible as you enjoy the Maine winter season! 🙌🏼 #keeperofme
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    The weekend is here and we hope your plans include a little outdoor adventure. Please remember to be SAFE and responsible as you enjoy the Maine winter season! 🙌🏼 #keeperofme
  • We want you to enjoy Maine’s winter outdoor activities. We don’t want your fun to end in tragedy. Remember, ride safe, ride responsibly, and never drink and ride.
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    We want you to enjoy Maine’s winter outdoor activities. We don’t want your fun to end in tragedy. Remember, ride safe, ride responsibly, and never drink and ride.
  • K9 Tundra recently retired from her productive 10 year career with the Maine Warden Service. She will go on to enjoy life with her handler Warden Jeremy Judd and his family ❤️ Thank you for your years of service, Tunny! #searchandrescuek9 #mainewardenservice #mainegamewarden #keeperofme #dogstagram #labsofinstagram
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    K9 Tundra recently retired from her productive 10 year career with the Maine Warden Service. She will go on to enjoy life with her handler Warden Jeremy Judd and his family ❤️ Thank you for your years of service, Tunny! #searchandrescuek9 #mainewardenservice #mainegamewarden #keeperofme #dogstagram #labsofinstagram
  • Learn more about Maine’s endangered and threatened species! Click the link in profile!
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    Learn more about Maine’s endangered and threatened species! Click the link in profile!
  • John Ford Sr, died at the age of 71 on Saturday after a battle with cancer. Hired as a Maine game warden in 1971, John spent 20 years with the Maine Warden Service. John was named Legendary Game Warden by his peers in 2000 for his efforts to curb night hunting while working as a game warden. He will always be remembered for his masterful storytelling, contagious laughter and a smile that would always brighten your day. John was known well for many other things, to include authoring numerous books, his wildlife artistry, his term as Waldo County Sheriff from 1990 to 1998 and for his service and an Air Force veteran. It is with heavy hearts that the Maine Warden Service says goodbye to one of our own. To John Ford Sr and his surviving family, you are forever a part of our Warden Service family. You will never be forgotten.
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    John Ford Sr, died at the age of 71 on Saturday after a battle with cancer. Hired as a Maine game warden in 1971, John spent 20 years with the Maine Warden Service. John was named Legendary Game Warden by his peers in 2000 for his efforts to curb night hunting while working as a game warden. He will always be remembered for his masterful storytelling, contagious laughter and a smile that would always brighten your day. John was known well for many other things, to include authoring numerous books, his wildlife artistry, his term as Waldo County Sheriff from 1990 to 1998 and for his service and an Air Force veteran. It is with heavy hearts that the Maine Warden Service says goodbye to one of our own. To John Ford Sr and his surviving family, you are forever a part of our Warden Service family. You will never be forgotten.
  • Happy Halloween! 🎃 Extra special carved pumpkin courtesy of Nhu Vo 🙌🏼
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    Happy Halloween! 🎃 Extra special carved pumpkin courtesy of Nhu Vo 🙌🏼
  • MDIFW fisheries biologist Frank Frost captured this fascinating footage of lake trout preparing to spawn on Eagle Lake in northern Aroostook county. Frost is overseeing a radio telemetry study of lake trout and brook trout in Eagle Lake, and had trapnetted several of these fish. These lake trout tipped the scales between 14 and 18 pounds. Lake trout are the largest and longest lived of our native freshwater fish, and usually are found in the depths of our deepest lakes and ponds. Come fall however, they seek the shallower areas of deep lakes, looking to spawn on shoals that have a rocky or gravelly bottom. Some lake trout in Maine have lived over 30 years. The Region G Fisheries crew has captured and radio tagged 17 lake trout and brook trout for this study, including 7 lake trout. Our biologists have tracked these fish and have located where they spawn, which is important information when it comes to managing the lake trout population on Eagle Lake. It allows biologists to actively monitor the population, ensure the lake trout population remains healthy, and stays in balance with the other fish populations in the lake. The location of this spawning shoal had remained a mystery to biologists for over 30 years, but the radio tagged togue led biologists to this aging cribwork that has become a nursery for togue. By setting a trap net, last week biologists captured, measured and weighed several of the togue you see here. This shoal is not far from shore, and the togue are spawning in water between two and three feet deep. Fall is spawning time for our wild, native trout and salmon populations, and MDIFW generally closes fishing seasons at the end of September to protect these wild, self-sustaining populations. These lake trout will spawn soon, and the eggs will hatch sometime in March or April. #FishME
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    MDIFW fisheries biologist Frank Frost captured this fascinating footage of lake trout preparing to spawn on Eagle Lake in northern Aroostook county. Frost is overseeing a radio telemetry study of lake trout and brook trout in Eagle Lake, and had trapnetted several of these fish. These lake trout tipped the scales between 14 and 18 pounds. Lake trout are the largest and longest lived of our native freshwater fish, and usually are found in the depths of our deepest lakes and ponds. Come fall however, they seek the shallower areas of deep lakes, looking to spawn on shoals that have a rocky or gravelly bottom. Some lake trout in Maine have lived over 30 years. The Region G Fisheries crew has captured and radio tagged 17 lake trout and brook trout for this study, including 7 lake trout. Our biologists have tracked these fish and have located where they spawn, which is important information when it comes to managing the lake trout population on Eagle Lake. It allows biologists to actively monitor the population, ensure the lake trout population remains healthy, and stays in balance with the other fish populations in the lake. The location of this spawning shoal had remained a mystery to biologists for over 30 years, but the radio tagged togue led biologists to this aging cribwork that has become a nursery for togue. By setting a trap net, last week biologists captured, measured and weighed several of the togue you see here. This shoal is not far from shore, and the togue are spawning in water between two and three feet deep. Fall is spawning time for our wild, native trout and salmon populations, and MDIFW generally closes fishing seasons at the end of September to protect these wild, self-sustaining populations. These lake trout will spawn soon, and the eggs will hatch sometime in March or April. #FishME