Fish and Game Changers

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) is about so much more than fish + game, with leaders on every level changing the face of conservation and blazing new trails for a better Maine outdoors. This podcast takes you behind the scenes with Emily MacCabe exploring the unique and diverse work done by department staff across the state. Listen in to learn why these game changers love what they do, and what drives them to apply their time and talent to the Maine outdoors.

Private for Public with Corporal Kris MacCabe 07/14/2023

Private for Public with Corporal Kris MacCabe In the final episode of season 7, Emily talks with Game Warden Corporal Kris MacCabe to take a deeper look at the delicate and often complicated tradition of public access to private land in Maine. Kris is one of two Corporals within Maine Warden Service who focus on landowners relations, providing support to private landowners across the state and helping to educate and inspire outdoor users of all types to be responsible and appreciative private land users. Listen in and then learn more at /episode/index/show/mainefishwildlife/id/27149607

One in Four Birds Lost in Less Than a Single Lifetime 07/07/2023

One in Four Birds Lost in Less Than a Single Lifetime Since 1970 North America has lost 2.9 billion breeding adult birds. However, surveys show that many people are not aware of this decline or the fact that they can easily contribute to the solution. In this episode Emily sits down with Wildlife Biologist Adrienne Leppold to discuss how we can help protect Maine's birds right in our own backyards. Adrienne shares valuable information on bird conservation, and highlights some of the specific challenges facing North America’s bird populations. Listen in and learn how you can help #BringBirdsBack Learn more: /episode/index/show/mainefishwildlife/id/27149562

Tagging and Tracking Fish on Mooselookmeguntic Lake 06/30/2023

Tagging and Tracking Fish on Mooselookmeguntic Lake In this episode of Fish + Game Changers, Emily joins Fisheries Biologist Liz Thorndike on a tagging mission on Mooselookmeguntic Lake to learn more about the spawning behavior of wild brook trout and landlocked salmon. Liz, with years of experience under her belt, takes us through the intricate process of tagging and implanting radio transmitters in brook trout and landlocked salmon. She also shares some insights into the importance of community support and involvement. We learn how studying the movement of these fish during their reproductive season can help biologists better understand their habitats and ultimately protect them from various threats. Learn more about freshwater fisheries management in Maine at /episode/index/show/mainefishwildlife/id/27149553

Pursuing a Dream: The Journey to Becoming a Maine Game Warden 06/23/2023

Pursuing a Dream: The Journey to Becoming a Maine Game Warden In this episode Emily heads into the field to meet with newly hired Game Warden Mindy Rugg. Mindy shares her experience navigating the lengthy hiring and training process with the Maine Warden Service, discussing what kept her inspired and motivated, even when she faced unexpected challenges and roadblocks. /episode/index/show/mainefishwildlife/id/26929416

Exploring a Career as a Maine Game Warden 06/16/2023

Exploring a Career as a Maine Game Warden In this episode, Emily sits down with Game Warden Sergeant Kyle Hladik to discuss how an experience he had as a young child growing up in the Maine outdoors led him to his career and inspired him to take a personalized approach to recruiting new game wardens. They discuss what makes candidates stand out in the hiring pool, and how the Department is actively engaging with potential recruits to understand their needs and goals. They also talk about the importance of being able to connect with potential applicants on a more personal level, and the value of having a diverse team of highly qualified and skilled staff in the Warden Service. Learn more at /episode/index/show/mainefishwildlife/id/26926398

Maine's Blue State Parks 06/09/2023

Maine's Blue State Parks There are hundreds of sites across the state that provide public access to many of Maine's 6,000 lakes and ponds and 32,000 miles of rivers and streams. Have you ever wondered how these public access sites are acquired, constructed or maintained? In this episode, Emily talks with MDIFW's Chief Planner Diano Circo to find out more about the development of public water access sites in the state and takes a little field trip to a newly renovated site just outside of the center of Augusta. /episode/index/show/mainefishwildlife/id/26911179

The Bears Are Back In Town 06/02/2023

The Bears Are Back In Town Maine is home to the largest population of black bears in the eastern United States and when natural food sources are scarce in the spring it sometimes leads them into backyards in search of an easy meal such as bird feeders, garbage, grills and pet foods. In this episode, Emily talks with wildlife biologist Jen Vashon about some of the ways we can all prevent conflicts or negative encounters with one of Maine's most iconic species. /episode/index/show/mainefishwildlife/id/26911167

Mom's Away, But I'm Okay! 05/26/2023

Mom's Away, But I'm Okay! You found a deer fawn all alone... now what? In this episode, Emily talks with Wildlife Biologist Scott Lindsay to discuss the normal and natural behavior of female white-tailed deer (doe) during the spring season when they give birth to their young (fawn). Listen in to learn a little more about our wonderful white-tails and how to . a fawn in need of help! Learn more about dealing with orphaned or injured fawns at /episode/index/show/mainefishwildlife/id/26879817

Endangered and Threatened Species in Maine 05/19/2023

Endangered and Threatened Species in Maine Season 7 of Fish + Game Changers kicks off with a conversation about Maine’s Endangered and Threatened Species in Maine. Host Emily MacCabe is joined by wildlife biologist Alex Fish to discuss the state of endangered and threatened species in Maine and how listeners can make small changes in their own backyards that could have positive impacts on some of Maine's most vulnerable species. Learn more at /episode/index/show/mainefishwildlife/id/26867349

Making a Difference with Landowner Relations Corporal Rick LaFlamme 07/07/2021

Making a Difference with Landowner Relations Corporal Rick LaFlamme For Landowner Relations Corporal Rick LaFlamme, supporting Maine's landowners is a privilege. In this Season 6 finale, Rick describes Maine's unique Landowner Relations Program, picking up millions of pounds of litter, and why he's passionate about this work. /episode/index/show/mainefishwildlife/id/19731476

Hello from a Fish Hatchery 07/07/2021

Hello from a Fish Hatchery Katie zooms with Fish Culturist Ashley O'Neal. Ashley describes her daily routine raising trout and splake at the MDIFW Governor Hill Fish Hatchery. Ashley explains why she finds the hands-on hatcheries work to be rewarding, despite originally pursuing a career in wildlife. /episode/index/show/mainefishwildlife/id/19723226

Experiencing Maine with MOSES Supervisor Angie Vo 07/05/2021

Experiencing Maine with MOSES Supervisor Angie Vo Katie chats with MOSES Supervisor Angie Vo about how her office job connects her to Maine's outdoors. /episode/index/show/mainefishwildlife/id/19581761

From the Midwest to Maine with Deer Biologist Nathan Bieber 06/28/2021

From the Midwest to Maine with Deer Biologist Nathan Bieber Katie checks in via Zoom with MDIFW Deer Biologist Nathan Bieber. Nathan describes growing up and working in the Midwest, the final steps of a deer collaring study, and why he loves his job. /episode/index/show/mainefishwildlife/id/19570784

Fly Fishing with Fisheries Biologist Jake Scoville 06/21/2021

Fly Fishing with Fisheries Biologist Jake Scoville Katie meets up with avid angler and Fisheries Biologist Jake Scoville to try out fly fishing and chat about his experiences in the field. /episode/index/show/mainefishwildlife/id/19528220

Maine's Moose: Finale 02/22/2021

Maine's Moose: Finale Do turkeys spread ticks? Why don't we put tick collars on moose? In this final episode of season 5, Katie reviews the adaptive management study, next steps, and FAQs with MDIFW Moose Biologist Lee Kantar. In the coming months, Lee will present his proposal to the Department's advisory council. Christl Theriault, MDIFW's legislative liaison, explains this process. /episode/index/show/mainefishwildlife/id/18017303

Maine's Moose: Winter Tick 02/15/2021

Maine's Moose: Winter Tick The proliferation of winter tick due to climate change is impacting the health and reproduction of the moose population in Maine. In this episode, MDIFW Moose Biologist Lee Kantar reviews all things winter tick including how they differ from other ticks you may be familiar with and how they impact moose. Lee also introduces the Adaptive Management Study, an ongoing study to determine if lowering the moose population density can lessen the impacts of winter tick. /episode/index/show/mainefishwildlife/id/17924711

Maine's Moose: Learning about the herd 02/08/2021

Maine's Moose: Learning about the herd With 10 million acres of moose habitat in Maine, MDIFW Moose Biologist Lee Kantar has found helicopters to be essential to monitoring the state's moose population. Lee explains the three different studies from the air: the aerial survey to count moose, another aerial survey to determine the distribution of bulls, cows, and calves, and a third study where GPS collars are placed on cows and calves to track them. /episode/index/show/mainefishwildlife/id/17820491

Maine's Moose: Moose through the years 02/01/2021

Maine's Moose: Moose through the years Moose are as synonymous with Maine as lighthouses and lobsters. Moose can be found grazing in swamp lands, browsing on saplings sprouting in recent clear cuts, swimming in lakes, and seeking the cool shelter of our state’s enchanting forests. In this episode, Katie chats with MDIFW Wildlife Division Director Nate Webb and Moose Biologist Lee Kantar to learn a little about the history of moose in Maine. /episode/index/show/mainefishwildlife/id/17729273

Take Aim: Story of a Mentor 10/19/2020

Take Aim: Story of a Mentor Director if University of Maine 4-H Camp + Learning Centers, Registered Maine Guide, and hunting mentor Ron Fournier talks about sharing his passion for hunting. /episode/index/show/mainefishwildlife/id/16431911

Take Aim: Guided to Success 10/12/2020

Take Aim: Guided to Success Judy, an entomologist, studies insects that impact wild blueberries for the University of Maine in Orono. Despite doing field work for her job, she never considered herself an outdoorsy person. After joining several sessions of the Becoming an Outdoors Woman program, she became interested in hunting. /episode/index/show/mainefishwildlife/id/16339055

Take Aim: The Art of Hunting 10/05/2020

Take Aim: The Art of Hunting After participating in the Department's Mentored Hunt for new adult hunters, Niko put to work all the skills he learned from his mentor, wildlife biologist Kendall Marden, and harvested a 10-point buck. Niko compares hunting to an art form, every hunter has their own methods, style, and motivations. /episode/index/show/mainefishwildlife/id/16251452

Take Aim: Fisheries Bio on The Go 09/28/2020

Take Aim: Fisheries Bio on The Go Matt's fisheries career has brought him around the world, from Europe, China, and the west coast to finally settling in Maine. Thanks to a passionate mentor and YouTube videos, Matt has begun his next big adventure: learning to deer hunt. /episode/index/show/mainefishwildlife/id/16143050

Take Aim: A Game Keeper's Wild Life 09/21/2020

Take Aim: A Game Keeper's Wild Life Emilie, a Game Keeper at the Maine Wildlife Park, was introduced to hunting as an adult while working for a hunting outfitter out west. After a chance encounter with a family of black bear, a conversation with a biologist, and finding a community of supportive hunters, she tried hunting for the first time--and loved it. /episode/index/show/mainefishwildlife/id/16055465

Take Aim: Dan Rice, Future Maine Guide 09/14/2020

Take Aim: Dan Rice, Future Maine Guide Katie chats with Dan Rice, a lifelong outdoor enthusiast. Dan is a bass fishing fanatic and dedicated hunter who enjoys sharing outdoor experiences with friends and family. He aspires to take his hobby and make it a career by becoming a Registered Maine Guide. /episode/index/show/mainefishwildlife/id/15962180

Take Aim: The Commissioner 09/07/2020

Take Aim: The Commissioner Katie sits down with MDIFW Commissioner Judy Camuso. Judy, a former vegetarian, discusses how conservation and climate change motivated her to try hunting for the first time as an adult. /episode/index/show/mainefishwildlife/id/15857978

Take Aim: Courtney's Surprising Hobby 08/31/2020

Take Aim: Courtney's Surprising Hobby Meet MDIFW's Media + Graphics Supervisor who has a surprising hobby. /episode/index/show/mainefishwildlife/id/15765053

On Tap: Finale 07/20/2020

On Tap: Finale Katie finishes her brew tour at Foundation Brewing in Portland, Maine and has a great conversation about stewardship and community with Christie Mahaffey, Director of Quality Control. /episode/index/show/mainefishwildlife/id/15208481

On Tap: New England's First Craft Brewery 07/13/2020

On Tap: New England's First Craft Brewery Katie visits Geary Brewing, New England's first craft brewery in the post prohibition era, and talks to owner Robin Lapoint about sustainability and community. /episode/index/show/mainefishwildlife/id/15148676

On Tap: Adventures of a Wildlife Biologist 07/06/2020

On Tap: Adventures of a Wildlife Biologist Before heading back to Portland for another brew tour, Katie talks about bears, piping plovers, and rescuing a turtle with the Sebago Lake Region Wildlife Biologist, Scott Lindsay. /episode/index/show/mainefishwildlife/id/15049025

On Tap: The Comeback of Sebago's Salmon 06/29/2020

On Tap: The Comeback of Sebago's Salmon Katie learns why Sebago Lake provides perfect habitat for landlocked salmon from Regional Fisheries Biologist, Jim Pellerin /episode/index/show/mainefishwildlife/id/14964692

Fish and Game Changers

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