New podcast season, In the Field! In this week’s episode, host Katie meets up with avid angler and fisheries biologist Jake Scoville to try out fly fishing and chat about his experiences in the field. Visit mefishwildlife.com/changers to listen now or search “Fish and Game Changers” on your favorite podcast app. 
Good company makes time spent outside even better. In honor of Father's Day, share your favorite outside memories with your dad in the comments below for a chance to win MDIFW gear. We’ll select a few random winners on June 24. Photo by @chrisbennettphoto 
Celebrate Father's Day the best way possible... outside! 🎣 June 19-20 is Father's Day Free Fishing License Weekend! On these days, any person (except those whose license has been suspended or revoked) who registers may fish without a license. All other laws and regulations apply on these days. Nonresidents and residents may participate. Click the link in our bio to register or visit mefishwildlife.com 
Responsible + safe boating reminder: Always operate at headway speed within 200 feet of any shoreline, or within a marina or anchorage. Headway speed is the slowest speed at which it is still possible to maintain steering and control of the watercraft. Three reasons why: ✅ Keep those swimming from shore safe ✅ Protect Maine's loons. Loons are heavy birds and their legs are located at the very back of their bodies, causing them to walk awkwardly on land. Because of this, they build their nests within a foot of the water’s edge so they can easily slip on and off without predators noticing. Unfortunately, this makes it easy for waves to wash their eggs away. You will also help protect other waterfowl and marsh birds. ✅ Help prevent erosion. View all of Maine's boating laws at mefishwildlife.com/boat 
COMING SOON! Fish + Game Changers: In the Field 🎙 In our next podcast series, host Katie Yates meets up with a fisheries biologist in the Grand Lake Stream region, chats with the state’s deer biologist, checks out a hatchery with a fish culturist, learns why the landowner relations corporal is passionate about keeping Maine open for recreation, goes behind the scenes with the busy licensing division, and talks about snakes and turtles with a wildlife biologist. Learn more at mefishwildlife.com/changers or search “Fish + Game Changers” on your favorite podcast app. 
It’s time to reel in some memories! June 5-6 is Free Fishing Weekend! On these days, any person (except those whose license has been suspended or revoked) may fish without a license. All other laws and regulations apply on these days. For fishing tips, to find a new fishing spot, and review Maine’s fishing laws, visit mefishwildlife.com/fish #fishme 
With thousands of miles of beautiful trails across the state, we know you are looking forward to riding. Please remember that some of Maine's ATV trails do not open until June, always check with the local club to make sure the trails are open. Ride safe and do your part to keep Maine’s ATV trails open for generations to come: • Stay on marked ATV trails. ATV trails have green and white signs. Remember, not all snowmobile trails are ATV trails. • Respect closed trail signs. • Never drink and ride. • Drive to the right and at an appropriate speed. • Tread lightly – Don’t tear up the trail! • Remember that modified exhausts are illegal. • Be respectful on ATV access routes – Yield to all traffic and never pass a vehicle. • Help prevent wildlfires. Stay on marked trails. Avoid riding in dry vegetation. Discard smoking materials appropriately, and call 911 if you see a fire. • Register your ATV. It is required and helps pay for trail maintenance and support. • Support a local ATV club by donating your time and/or money. We hope you have a safe, memorable weekend. 
Memorial Day Weekend marks the beginning of boating season in Maine! Please remember to wear your life jacket and boat safely. 🚤 
Even if the water isn't ruff, wear a life jacket. 🐾 Photo by @chrisbennettphoto 
Love hiking? Join Main Game Warden Sergeant and Search and Rescue Coordinator Josh Bubier Friday, May 28 at 9:30 am! Sergeant Bubier will share how to prepare and plan for a safe hike. He’ll also talk about coordinating hundreds of search and rescues each year. Link in bio. 
Memorial Day Weekend is here marking the start of boating season for many! With increased boat traffic it is more important than ever to be a safe, responsible boater to keep you and everyone on the water safe. 💦 🎣 🛶 🚤 Before you go, here are a few reminders and be sure to view all of Maine’s boating laws at mefishwildlife.com/boat 
You know the motto… If you care, leave them there. It is common to see a young animal alone in the outdoors, and when you do, you may worry that it has been abandoned by its mother. It probably hasn’t. The mother-young bond in mammals and birds is very strong; and most likely, mom is just searching for food to sustain her young. The best thing you can do if you come across a healthy young animal or bird is leave it alone; and if you have pets, put them inside or on a leash so they don’t disturb the young wildlings. For additional tips to keep in mind for certain species visit mefishwildlife.com/livingwithwildlife 
In recognition of National Endangered Species Day Friday, May 21, we’re taking you in the field for a northern black racer survey. Check out our story to watch! 
🛑 STOP 🛑 Did you know May - July is prime nesting time for many of Maine's native turtles? During this time, turtles often cross roads, sometimes with fatal consequences. Here are some things you can do to keep our turtles safe: bit.ly/3fpeC8W 
Interested in learning to be more self-reliant and securing your own sustainable food sources? Check out our new daylong program, SustainME, in partnership with @bryantpond4hcamp! Happening Sunday, June 6 in Bryant Pond. You will choose from three focus areas – foraging and gathering, backyard farming, or hunting and fishing – and a variety of workshops including: Spring foraging Basic shotgun shooting Gardening Raising dairy goats Casting Wild game cooking White-tailed deer and waterfowl hunting Mushroom growing and cultivation and more! Learn more and register today at mefishwildlife.com/sustainme 
Butterflies and bees are essential to healthy, natural ecosystems and agricultural crops. Link in bio for 5 easy ways you can help Maine's pollinator species 🦋 🐝 
Share your favorite outside memories with your mom, whether it be hiking, fishing, trapping, paddling, hunting, or wildlife watching, in the comments below for a chance to win MDIFW gear.⬇️ We’ll select a few random winners on May 10. . . . #allinforthemaineoutdoors #mothersday2021 #fishme #huntme #keeperofme #lovemaine 
The best memories are made outdoors. 🎣 During Mother's Day Free Fishing License Weekend, May 8-9, 2021, any person (except those whose license has been suspended or revoked) who registers may fish without a license. All other laws and regulations apply on these days. Click the link in our bio to register or visit mefishwildlife.com We hope you have a memorable weekend fishing! Remember to be safe: tell someone where you are going, and when you plan to return, and ALWAYS wear a life jacket when on the water - the water is extremely cold this time of year. 📸 @chrisbennettphoto 
Did you know you can purchase your fishing license online? No printer, no problem! Just save a copy to your phone. Link in bio! #fishme 
Looking for a new place to walk, paddle, wildlife watch, fish, and explore this weekend? Use our new interactive map to find a Wildlife Management Area (WMA) near you: mefishwildlife.com/wma