Jeff and I were headed to a stand that both our groups shared that October day. The Maine Bowhunters Association and the National Wild Turkey Federation, Maine chapter, shared a booth at the " All Things Woods: Forests for Maine's Future 2006" Expo. Held in Portland, our joined group was surrounded by the many woodland industry and forest user groups. To our right were the Maine Snowmobilers, up the left aisle, the ATV association. Among the other groups we shared space with were SWOAM, the Nature Conservancy, the Maine Tree Foundation, the Hancock and Robbins Lumber companies and other Maine forest interests. No other hunting and fishing groups were in attendance.

Several times during the day, both Jeff and I were asked, “Why aren't you hunting?". After all it was quite the high pressure system day, and just outside the EXPO building, busy Portland was experiencing a high school football game, Deering Oaks held its autumn events and people went to and from their many errands. In spite of all the other Saturday time opportunities, over 400 people, many urban folks, ventured into the show.

So, just why weren't we hunting? You guys gave up a day in the woods?

I think I'll sum it up by what Sherry Huber said to us as she came and shook our hands.

“You fellows are great. I allow bowhunters on my lands. Your programs are excellent and you both are welcome anytime". Sherry is the Executive Director of the Maine Tree Foundation. Maine Tree was founded in 1989 and is there to help the public understand the Maine forest. They sponsor educational events, teach Maine educators about the forest and also, help administer the Maine Tree Farm Committee, which number about 1600 large and small landowners. As a Tree Farm certifier, I appreciate their mission. Sherry and Jeff spoke about the blossoming deer and turkey populations and we all discussed the success of the MBA BLIP program. This is an important and educational discussion with one of Maine leading proponents of wise forest use.

Our mutual message is also well heeled with Tom Doak, executive director of SWOAM. SWOAM is the Small Woodland Owners Association of Maine and an organization that is worth joining if you are indeed a woodland owner in Maine. Tom thanked us again for our organizations backing SWOAM in the Sunday hunting debacle of last year, and our support of last years October SWOAM landowner event . In a newspaper style handout given to all that came through the door, Tom was quoted in an article as stating " Doak cited the Maine Bowhunters Association 's program as a good model ( of a good landowner and hunter relations program ) . Hunters who wish to become certified as MBA Advanced Bowhunters adhere to a strict criteria including permission to use lands, carrying out trash , arrows...even if it isn't theirs,... and promise to report wrongdoings". Many people who read this article will be educated as to the success of the BLIP. And many are the folks that own these small tracts and they hold the key to your urban hunting experience.

All throughout the day, we had countless opportunities to sell both our groups and our mutual efforts. We gave out membership applications for both groups, information on the NWTF's Hunting Heritage landowner program and hosted comments on the many aspects of bowhunting, turkey and other curiosities. We met folks who had never met hunters face to face and who in all probability had a different opinion from what we are. Our stand that day was one of education and public relations.

Although numbers of attendees were less than expected, both Jeff and I agreed the day was well worth the effort. An event is planned for next year. We will be there. Was it worth a day far from the field?

You bet. Just "spreading the word".