🚨 Maine moose hunting is at a turning point and this conversation matters.
This could be voted on Thursday (3/26) — action is needed NOW!
In Episode 22 of The True North Lifestyle Podcast, Joe sits down with James Cody, Executive Director of the Maine Professional Guides Association, and Lee Schanz Jr of Big Woods Bucks to break down two major issues that could impact the future of moose hunting, guiding, and sporting camps in Maine.
This episode focuses on L.D. 2054, the bill aimed at cleaning up Maine’s lodge tag program, protecting the integrity of the moose hunt, and making sure the system works the way it was originally intended. The conversation also covers the push for expanded September moose hunts in more zones across the state, and why that matters for guides, sporting camps, hunters, and the rural Maine economy.
From the economics of nonresident moose permits and sporting camps, to fairness for guides and outfitters, to what listeners can do right now to support the bill, this is an important and timely discussion for anyone who cares about Maine’s outdoor heritage.
If you care about Maine moose hunting, sporting camps, guiding, and protecting the future of the outdoors in Maine, this is an episode worth listening to and sharing.
Timestamps / Chapters
0:00 Podcast intro
0:06 Special guests James Cody & Lee Schanz
1:32 What this emergency legislative update is about
2:23 Breaking down L.D. 2054
4:03 The original purpose of the lodge tag program
6:13 How lodge tags affect nonresident permits
8:01 How the current system works
11:20 Why this program needs to be cleaned up
12:38 Zone access and adjacency issues
16:03 Who should qualify for lodge tags
18:48 Lee Schanz’s perspective as a guide
22:12 Why the public should support this program
24:14 Key changes proposed in L.D. 2054
28:00 Why moose tags shouldn’t become currency
32:23 Stopping resale and flipping of tags
36:08 Preference for camps running their own hunts
38:01 Permit process issues being addressed
41:28 Why this matters to everyone
42:12 Where to read and follow the bill
44:31 The 12–1 committee vote explained
46:01 Attempted revote and what happened
48:30 Why you should contact legislators
51:16 September moose hunts explained
53:08 Greenville, Rangeley, and pushback
56:04 Why September hunts matter
58:55 Business and biological benefits
1:02:18 Final thoughts on the future of moose hunting
1:04:00 Call to support L.D. 2054
1:04:35 Closing thoughts
1:05:18 Shoot Straight
Call to Action:
If you support cleaning up the lodge tag program and protecting the integrity of Maine’s moose hunt, take a few minutes to contact your local representative and senator and ask them to support L.D. 2054.
Every voice matters.
Sponsors & Shoutouts
Lake Parlin Lodge
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STAGR Gear
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Gary Williamson – Western Maine Real Estate Guide
Land, homes, and camps across Western Maine.
📞 (207) 364-5326
🔗 https://www.cassiemason.com/about/julia-gary-williamson
🏕️ Four Seasons Rentals: https://www.fourseasonsrealtymaine.com
Walker Knife Co.
Handcrafted knives & tools.
🔗 https://walkerknifeco.com
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