Maine mandatory guide law for alien Canadian big game hunters??

[pricedo]

I understand from anecdotal sources (gossip) that the Maine law requiring Canadian aliens(non-us citizens) to be accompanied by a licensed Maine guide while hunting "big game" (moose, deer, bear) has changed.
Apparently the amended law now only applies to Canadian alien hunters from the provinces of New Brunswick & Quebec. Canadians from other provinces no longer need to hire a guide to hunt big game in Maine.
Seems like Maine lodges, motels, restaurants & shops took a significant financial hit when their regular Cannuck customers/hunters took their business to New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, etc. that do not have mandatory guide laws.
** Note: Canadians who enjoy dual citizenship (US/CDN) are exempt from the mandatory guide law. It only applies to aliens (non-US citizens).
Is it true that the Maine mandatory guide law for alien Canadian big game hunters has changed?

[salukipv1]

aren't US citizens required to have a guide to hunt Canada? or just certain species/provinces?

[Pygmy]

There may be some exceptions, but in all Canadian Provinces that I have hunted in, US citizens are required to hire the services of a guide or outfitter to hunt big game..

[Phil from Maine]

Originally Posted by pricedo

I understand from anecdotal sources (gossip) that the Maine law requiring Canadian aliens(non-us citizens) to be accompanied by a licensed Maine guide while hunting "big game" (moose, deer, bear) has changed.
Apparently the amended law now only applies to Canadian alien hunters from the provinces of New Brunswick & Quebec. Canadians from other provinces no longer need to hire a guide to hunt big game in Maine.
Seems like Maine lodges, motels, restaurants & shops took a significant financial hit when their regular Cannuck customers/hunters took their business to New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, etc. that do not have mandatory guide laws.
** Note: Canadians who enjoy dual citizenship (US/CDN) are exempt from the mandatory guide law. It only applies to aliens (non-US citizens).
Is it true that the Maine mandatory guide law for alien Canadian big game hunters has changed?

The law took place in September of 2009. So to answer your question. It is yes for all big game and turkeys.

[cantrap]

In Ontario, all big game hunts for non-res has to be thru a outfitter, not guided but lodged and arranged thru them. This in my opinion is not fair but thems the rules. It really makes a swap tricky.

[pricedo]

Originally Posted by cantrap

In Ontario, all big game hunts for non-res has to be thru a outfitter, not guided but lodged and arranged thru them. This in my opinion is not fair but thems the rules. It really makes a swap tricky.

I'm not attempting to justify the Ontario position. I think the whole Canadian paradigm of ban, encumber & stifle everything that resembles personal freedom is deplorable & the docile sheeple up here who sit back and do nothing but whine & complain & let it happen are even more deplorable.

Back on topic: I understand that the Maine mandatory guide law has been changed (September 2009) so that only residents of Quebec & New Brunswick who are not US citizens need to hire a guide to hunt big game in Maine.
I was actually inquiring on behalf of a Canadian friend of mine who used to accompany me when we stayed in Ashland, Maine for a couple of weeks every year & hunted the local area until a few years ago when he was banned from hunting big game because of the new law pushed by the Maine guide association that wound up hurting the local motels & outfitters that accommodated alien hunters & chased hunters who paid precious & scarce cash money away in droves.
But I guess the basic human drive to "sock it to" somebody else won over common sense.
The guide law never affected me personally because I am a dual citizen (US/CDN).
If Maine doesn't want our business that's fine but a quick look at the economic stats for the small businesses & hospitality industry in North Eastern Maine would indicate otherwise.