I love it when a plan comes together....

I didn't go back through my past blogs, so I'm not certain how much I have mentioned if at all about the Penobscot County Wildlife Conservation Association of which we are involved with. Therefore I will give a brief rundown on the topic. The PCWCA was officially formed in February 2010 with the mission to protect, preserve and promote the Whitetail deer herd, which is in great despair in Northern Maine due to over harvesting of deer yards and habitat, heavy predation and to some effect, the severe snowfall and winters of 2007 and 2008.
As an organization, we are in the fledgling stages. There are two other associations in two other counties in Northern and Northeastern Maine, which we are modeled after and trying to learn from with some assistance. The PCWCA actually began with a group of concerned sportsmen and guides who have witnessed the severe decline in the whitetail deer in our region. They sponsored a coyote contest with a four category payout, with the purpose of trying to take care of the predator aspect. The eastern coyote is running literally rampant in Maine. They are not a native species to the State, and was introduced in the 70s. In my opinion another great failure of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife which is struggling terribly with budget shortfalls in the millions as was reported last night by out local State Representative. They are aware of the situation, but have basically handed it over to the sportsmen and women of the State to step up and help.
Now as a sports woman, that is fine...to a point.....I do not mind doing more to help protect and promote our wildlife as any guide has a responsibility in a sense to be a conservationist and a wildlife manager. I truly believe in that cause. However, as the result of a continuing failure, I feel that the department should do more in the area of assistance to the sportsmen and women of the State to come forward and help, regardless of the tree hugging anti hunting groups that are always biting at our heels. After all, what is truly important; protecting and managing our natural resource or pleasing someone who just doesn't get it. I'm aware this is an area of great controversy to some; however it is not a point that I want to argue over with anyone. I'm a hunter and I feel empowered by that very fact, so I will not bend.
Anyway.......I had suggested at the last meeting of the PCWCA that we must branch out for more members and support. I have felt that thus far it has been a bit one sided, that is the eastern side of the Penobscot River, possibly for no more reason than, hey, I live on the Western side of the Penobscot and well, Penobscot county is a big place! I suggested we go and give a presentation to the Fin and Feather Club of Maine, who's home base is in the town of Millinocket. I'm familiar with this group which really has some history for standing up and fighting when necessary for the rights of sportsmen and women, and Maine residents. They are nick named the " Access group". They have fought hard for free access to lands that were promised to be so to the residents of Maine. Their latest effort is being placed upon Baxter State Park, which started charging residents an access fee into a park that the deeds of trust states will forever be free to the people of Maine by Governor Percival Baxter, the parks founder.
We were invited to come to their December meeting, which was last night to address their membership, and we were welcomed in like old friends. Well, I guess maybe we were old friends considering, however Big E and I have not attended a meeting for several years. I now wonder why....
Ed, the associations President, and I gave a run down on what we are all about, and the why of it all and found were indeed amongst friends. The meeting went absolutely fantastic. Questions were asked, suggestions made, and complete support given. However I feel that the most successful, or the best part so to speak, was the people.....Their strength as a long standing organization; their dedication and most of all their camaraderie. They welcomed us in and treated us like family, listened and offered their help. I simply can not say enough about them..and rest assured I will not miss so many meetings and time anymore. Before we left, we had 6 new members and kind donations. I have no doubt that these people will be our biggest supporters of our cause, because that is the kind of people they are!! They have a web site, google Fin and Feather Club of Maine. We are amongst friends....I left that meeting totally elated!! The holiday spirit I have been lacking was well replaced with a warm heart, and I know no better feeling than that.