To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Maine Outdoors, I’ll be sharing a series of posts over the coming months, looking back at each of the four decades that brought us to where we are today.
1987: The Official Beginning
Maine Outdoors was officially incorporated on January 13, 1987. The seeds were planted a season earlier when I began running canoe trips on the Saint George River. At the time, I had just finished a small business course where the instructor—mostly for liability reasons—urged me to incorporate. A friend who was a lawyer helped me make it official. Looking back, I can honestly say I had no idea what a grand adventure I was actually starting!
The Early Days on the Water
Those first few years were centered on half-day and full-day canoe trips between Union and Warren Village. I had earned my guide’s license in 1983 and spent time guiding whitewater and extended trips for a rafting company, which provided the blueprint for my own business. While our local river was home base, we also led extended trips to the lakes of Western Maine and the West Branch of the Penobscot.
Argy and I were also deeply involved with the Tanglewood 4-H Camp during those early years. We helped launch their first teen outdoor trips, including "Forest and Sea" and a week-long Art Camp. These were modeled after trips we had led for a private camp in New Hampshire. Tanglewood remains a special place, providing opportunities for local Maine kids who might not otherwise get to experience the wilderness.
Rain, Umbrellas, and "Don Who?"
I’ll never forget my first or second summer when I promised Argy I would take her to lunch every single day it rained (since I wouldn’t be guiding). It turned out to be a record-breaking rainy summer—I quickly realized I had made a promise my wallet couldn’t keep!
One of my favorite memories from that time was a group from England who booked a trip despite a steady downpour. They showed up with umbrellas and headed down the river, paddling away with umbrellas held proudly overhead. It was quite a sight, and I’ve always admired them for not letting a little Maine weather spoil their fun.
When I wasn't guiding, I filled my time raking blueberries—which is a whole book of stories in itself. Then, in 1987, I began guiding upland bird hunts for Coastal Maine Outfitters eventually ending up at Libby Camps in the North Maine Woods for 20 years. For many years, I guided almost every day of October, a month that became known in our house as "Don Who?" month.
Growth and Milestones
The 90s brought significant shifts to the business:
- 1993: I earned my Coast Guard License. Back then, you had to travel to Boston for a 6:00 AM test—a stressful experience! At the time, striped bass were plentiful in the Sheepscot River, and most of my trips ran out of Wiscasset.
- 1994: We purchased our first Lund boat (an 18-footer) from a lawyer in Maryland. I picked it up during a Christmas trip to see family in New Jersey.
- 1995: A big year for our family! Argy was named Maine’s Teacher of the Year, which opened up wonderful new opportunities and speaking engagements across the state.
- Leadership: I became deeply involved with the Maine Professional Guides Association, eventually serving as Secretary, President, and Legislative Liaison.
The Evolution of Maine Outdoors
As the years passed, our focus shifted. What started as a canoe-based business gradually evolved into the fishing-focused operation we run today. We even started providing licenses directly to our clients to make things easier, as it was often difficult for non-residents to find an open town office!
There are so many more stories to tell, but I’ll stop here for now. Throughout this year, I also hope to repost some "vintage" blog posts for a deeper look back. Thanks for being part of the journey!
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