• 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.
    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 🙌🏼
    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
    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
  • It is with heavy hearts that we must inform you that Retired Maine Warden Service K9 Koda was laid to rest yesterday, September 20, 2018. K-9 Koda served the Maine Warden Service from 2006 to 2017 and partnered with handler Game Warden Paul Farrington in Northern Penobscot County. This team was known for their efficiency and reliability. During their time together, K-9 Koda and Game Warden Farrington helped locate critical evidence on both fish and game cases and assisted other agencies with criminal cases. During their time working together Game Warden Farrington and K-9 Koda were awarded K-9 Conservation Case of the Year four different times. K-9 Koda’s skill set was not limited to evidence detection, he was also a reliable search K-9. He and Game Warden Farrington have spent countless hours, many times in inclement weather, searching the woods of Maine from the thick dark growth of Aroostook County, the Maine coast line, and the mountains of Western Maine. During this time, K-9 Koda successfully located over ten individuals. We are saddened by the loss of Retired K-9 Koda, who served the people of the State of Maine for eleven years. He will be greatly missed and remembered fondly. Koda was not only a great working partner, but also a family member. Our hearts go out to Game Warden Paul Farrington and his family. Maine Warden Service K9 Koda: 2005 - 2018
    It is with heavy hearts that we must inform you that Retired Maine Warden Service K9 Koda was laid to rest yesterday, September 20, 2018. K-9 Koda served the Maine Warden Service from 2006 to 2017 and partnered with handler Game Warden Paul Farrington in Northern Penobscot County. This team was known for their efficiency and reliability. During their time together, K-9 Koda and Game Warden Farrington helped locate critical evidence on both fish and game cases and assisted other agencies with criminal cases. During their time working together Game Warden Farrington and K-9 Koda were awarded K-9 Conservation Case of the Year four different times. K-9 Koda’s skill set was not limited to evidence detection, he was also a reliable search K-9. He and Game Warden Farrington have spent countless hours, many times in inclement weather, searching the woods of Maine from the thick dark growth of Aroostook County, the Maine coast line, and the mountains of Western Maine. During this time, K-9 Koda successfully located over ten individuals. We are saddened by the loss of Retired K-9 Koda, who served the people of the State of Maine for eleven years. He will be greatly missed and remembered fondly. Koda was not only a great working partner, but also a family member. Our hearts go out to Game Warden Paul Farrington and his family. Maine Warden Service K9 Koda: 2005 - 2018
  • Weekends are for bagging peaks! Post your trailside summit shot using the hashtag #KeeperofME for a chance to pick up your own Keeper Prize Pack! ⛰👍🏻
    Weekends are for bagging peaks! Post your trailside summit shot using the hashtag #KeeperofME for a chance to pick up your own Keeper Prize Pack! ⛰👍🏻
  • Free Fishing Weekend is on deck! This weekend, June 2 and 3, anyone can fish for free in Maine (unless your license has been suspended or revoked)! For more information, fishing laws and tips for fishing in Maine, visit bit.ly/mainefishinginfo #FishME
    Free Fishing Weekend is on deck! This weekend, June 2 and 3, anyone can fish for free in Maine (unless your license has been suspended or revoked)! For more information, fishing laws and tips for fishing in Maine, visit bit.ly/mainefishinginfo #FishME
  • Dumping trash and debris is illegal! 🚫 Don't be the one responsible for shutting down Maine's land! You can help by reporting violators and cleaning up trash when you see it by calling 1-800-ALERT-US 👋🏻 #KeeperofME
    Dumping trash and debris is illegal! 🚫 Don't be the one responsible for shutting down Maine's land! You can help by reporting violators and cleaning up trash when you see it by calling 1-800-ALERT-US 👋🏻 #KeeperofME
  • Sixty-five of Maine’s newest police officers graduated on May 18 from the 34th Basic Law Enforcement Training Program (BLETP) in Vassalboro. Five Maine game wardens were included in the class of 65 officers, those game wardens will soon be entering a second phase of training, a 13-week advanced training program, based also at the Academy in Vassalboro. When the advanced game warden school is completed later this summer, game wardens will then enter a third stage of new employee training, the Warden Training Officer (WTO) program. The WTO program involves several weeks of field work, team building and problem solving. Graduating for the Maine Warden Service are Game Wardens Tennie Coleman, 33, from Dennistown (Jackman), James Gushee, 24, from Fort Kent, Michael Latti, 23, from Brunswick, Tyler Leach, 32, from Mechanic Falls and Jason Voter, 42, from Cornville. The Maine Warden Service has always produced top candidates and this BLETP class was no exception. Game Warden Michael Latti was elected 34th BLETP class President while Game Warden Tyler Leach held the class Vice President role.
    Sixty-five of Maine’s newest police officers graduated on May 18 from the 34th Basic Law Enforcement Training Program (BLETP) in Vassalboro. Five Maine game wardens were included in the class of 65 officers, those game wardens will soon be entering a second phase of training, a 13-week advanced training program, based also at the Academy in Vassalboro. When the advanced game warden school is completed later this summer, game wardens will then enter a third stage of new employee training, the Warden Training Officer (WTO) program. The WTO program involves several weeks of field work, team building and problem solving. Graduating for the Maine Warden Service are Game Wardens Tennie Coleman, 33, from Dennistown (Jackman), James Gushee, 24, from Fort Kent, Michael Latti, 23, from Brunswick, Tyler Leach, 32, from Mechanic Falls and Jason Voter, 42, from Cornville. The Maine Warden Service has always produced top candidates and this BLETP class was no exception. Game Warden Michael Latti was elected 34th BLETP class President while Game Warden Tyler Leach held the class Vice President role.
  • Maine biologists and game wardens work every day to protect and enhance Maine's special residents - especially the endangered ones. For #NationalEndangeredSpeciesDay - we celebrate the restoration of our nation's symbol, the Bald Eagle. 🦅 If you have a photo from a recent sighting, share it below using the hashtag #KeeperofME For more information 👉🏻 click the link in our bio.
    Maine biologists and game wardens work every day to protect and enhance Maine's special residents - especially the endangered ones. For #NationalEndangeredSpeciesDay - we celebrate the restoration of our nation's symbol, the Bald Eagle. 🦅 If you have a photo from a recent sighting, share it below using the hashtag #KeeperofME For more information 👉🏻 click the link in our bio.
  • While cleaning up the remains of winter, you may find young critters on your property who seem to be alone. Don't be alarmed! Mom is usually just a few yards away finding food. If You Care - Leave Them There. 💚 Click the link in our bio for more info! 👆🏻 #KeeperofME
    While cleaning up the remains of winter, you may find young critters on your property who seem to be alone. Don't be alarmed! Mom is usually just a few yards away finding food. If You Care - Leave Them There. 💚 Click the link in our bio for more info! 👆🏻 #KeeperofME
  • Thanks to decades of conservation efforts and changes to nesting habitat laws, the American icon, our very own Bald Eagle is something we see regularly now. (Never gets old!) 🦅 Read more about their recovery by visiting the link in our bio. #KeeperofME
    Thanks to decades of conservation efforts and changes to nesting habitat laws, the American icon, our very own Bald Eagle is something we see regularly now. (Never gets old!) 🦅 Read more about their recovery by visiting the link in our bio. #KeeperofME
  • Ready to ride your ATV? Before heading out, know the laws! Trails open when conditions allow so be sure to check for trail markers. Maine Landowners make it possible for you to enjoy your machine, don't ruin it for others. 👍 #KeeperofME For more on these laws, click the link in our bio.
    Ready to ride your ATV? Before heading out, know the laws! Trails open when conditions allow so be sure to check for trail markers. Maine Landowners make it possible for you to enjoy your machine, don't ruin it for others. 👍 #KeeperofME For more on these laws, click the link in our bio.
  • We are more than fish and game. We are here today, to protect and preserve ALL of Maine's unique mammals, fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. What we do today, plans for your future. #AllinforME 🌲🐢 #KeeperofME 👉🏻 Learn more about our work by clicking the link in our bio.
    We are more than fish and game. We are here today, to protect and preserve ALL of Maine's unique mammals, fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. What we do today, plans for your future. #AllinforME 🌲🐢 #KeeperofME 👉🏻 Learn more about our work by clicking the link in our bio.
  • Spring Wild Turkey Youth Hunting Day is April 28th. Respect private landowners and teach youth hunters to always ask permission first! Happy Spring! #KeeperofME 🦃 Link in bio for more info.
    Spring Wild Turkey Youth Hunting Day is April 28th. Respect private landowners and teach youth hunters to always ask permission first! Happy Spring! #KeeperofME 🦃 Link in bio for more info.
  • It's #NationalParkWeek and we want to see your favorite spots in Acadia! Is it eating popovers with a view of the Bubbles and Jordan Pond? Or is it ledge-side, along the Beehive trail? Tell us in the comments below! #KeeperofME 🌲 ⛰
    It's #NationalParkWeek and we want to see your favorite spots in Acadia! Is it eating popovers with a view of the Bubbles and Jordan Pond? Or is it ledge-side, along the Beehive trail? Tell us in the comments below! #KeeperofME 🌲 ⛰
  • Calling all Keepers - We need your help building our Maine Bird Atlas! Whether you're a surveyor or a birding enthusiast - every documented nest and sighting helps. Get involved today. Click the link to learn more about Reporting Incidental Observations and how you can Adopt and Survey an Atlas Block! 👉🏻(Link in bio) 🦅 #KeeperofME
    Calling all Keepers - We need your help building our Maine Bird Atlas! Whether you're a surveyor or a birding enthusiast - every documented nest and sighting helps. Get involved today. Click the link to learn more about Reporting Incidental Observations and how you can Adopt and Survey an Atlas Block! 👉🏻(Link in bio) 🦅 #KeeperofME
  • As the temperatures warm up, our friends are waking up. 🐻 BE BEAR AWARE. Learn what you can do to minimize your chance of a conflict, and what to do if you should find yourself face to face with one. #KeeperofME 🌲 Visit our website for more information today.
    As the temperatures warm up, our friends are waking up. 🐻 BE BEAR AWARE. Learn what you can do to minimize your chance of a conflict, and what to do if you should find yourself face to face with one. #KeeperofME 🌲 Visit our website for more information today.
  • It's here! The Maine Wildlife Park​ plans to open, April 14th and we are hoping to see our Keepers in attendance! Visit the website to learn about park hours, rules and special pass pricing. #KeeperofME 🦌 🐻 (Link in bio)
    It's here! The Maine Wildlife Park​ plans to open, April 14th and we are hoping to see our Keepers in attendance! Visit the website to learn about park hours, rules and special pass pricing. #KeeperofME 🦌 🐻 (Link in bio)
  • Still working on your Maine State Income taxes? Consider making a donation to the Chickadee Check-off and think of yourself as part of the ongoing success in our work with non-game, threatened and endangered species in Maine. Download your Schedule CP Form today. 👉🏻(Link in bio)  #ChickadeeCheckoff #KeeperofME
    Still working on your Maine State Income taxes? Consider making a donation to the Chickadee Check-off and think of yourself as part of the ongoing success in our work with non-game, threatened and endangered species in Maine. Download your Schedule CP Form today. 👉🏻(Link in bio)  #ChickadeeCheckoff #KeeperofME
  • Throughout the years the game warden's work has extended beyond law enforcement to include search and rescue, and educational opportunities. To be a fully effective department we rely heavily on your cooperation and support. By being prepared and respectful for Maine - you are doing your part. Thank you. 🌲 #AllinforME #KeeperofME
    Throughout the years the game warden's work has extended beyond law enforcement to include search and rescue, and educational opportunities. To be a fully effective department we rely heavily on your cooperation and support. By being prepared and respectful for Maine - you are doing your part. Thank you. 🌲 #AllinforME #KeeperofME