Top Maine warden candidates sought

If your interest in the outdoors includes genuine concern for Maine’s fisheries and wildlife resources you could be a prime candidate for the Maine Warden Service. Although new wardens were added to the service’s ranks this year, more recruits would be needed to keep pace with forthcoming retirements. Next year, 20 or so wardens with 25 or more years behind their badges will take the retirement trail.

Therefore, like the U.S. Marine Corps, the Maine Warden Service is looking for a few good men. Applications will be accepted from May 9-June 3. Anyone 21 years old or older as of Sept. 1, 1994 is eligible to apply provided they have proof of age, a high school diploma, and a driver’s license.

Written tests are scheduled for the week of June 20. Candidates whose scores are up to snuff then will be required to pass Physical Aptitude Tests. And you can believe the tests include more than a few calisthenics and a 5-mile hike. Suffice it to say, the “wipe out” in the PAT tests is high. But don’t think that relates only to older candidates. Warden Sergeant Mike Marshall set the record straight by saying, “You’d be surprised how many young candidates dropped out during the PATs.”

Oral tests are the last obstructions on the trail to becoming a member of the highly respected Maine Warden Service; and you can rest assured those tests are no dead-sure cinch, either. Last year, 1,700 applicants set their sights on wearing the forest-green uniform of a game warden. Only a handful were issued their guns and gear.

A warden’s pay scale starts at $916 biweekly and may increase to $1,223.20 biweekly. Retirement may be taken at age 62 1/2 or 25 years of service. Judging from the number of applicants, more than a few people consider that a good deal. Let me say, though, that if you’re gun-shy or afraid of the dark, don’t apply.

Bucky Owen, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s “head guide,” responded to my recent column suggesting that it was time to retire the “presidential salmon” tradition. To take up the slack, and at the same time keep a focus on Atlantic salmon restoration to Maine rivers, Bucky suggested an alternative to the 83-year-old practice of sending the first fresh-run salmon caught to the president.

“I was talking with some of the Atlantic Salmon Federation people about it,” Bucky said via a phone call, “and they thought it might be a good idea to recognize someone who has made significant contributions in supporting salmon-restoration programs. It was suggested that an award ceremony of some kind – perhaps a fly display, citation, salmon-fishing art, something appropriate – could be held at the Penobscot Salmon Club’s opening-day breakfast. What do you think?”

“I think you’re right,” I replied. “It would be good PR and God knows we’re going to need it.” Because the May 1 opening day of Maine’s Atlantic salmon season is only a short cast away, I asked, “Are we talking about doing this next year?” Displaying his usual enthusiasm, Bucky answered, “No, this year.”

“Who do you have in mind for an award?” I asked.

“George Mitchell,” the commissioner answered. “He came up with some money for us last year.”

Allowing that Mitchell’s current position in the public spotlight would be a promotional advantage, I said, “Let me see what the club thinks about it and I’ll get back to you.”

Ed Lamb, president of the Penobscot Salmon Club, spoke for the other officers in supporting the idea. In the meantime, Bucky Owen took the track of George Mitchell.

Hereabouts, the club’s opening-day breakfast has become as much a tradition as the presidential salmon was in its heyday. Now open to the public, the breakfast is a spring ritual that never fails to attract a crowd. Come Sunday’s dawn, anglers and nonanglers alike will crowd into the snug clubhouse on the Brewer shore of the Bangor Salmon Pool, where the presidential salmon tradition was established in 1912.

Bacon and eggs, beans and biscuits, doughnuts and coffee will be served from 5 a.m. to whenever the breakfast committee calls it quits, usually around 9 o’clock. Tickets are $4 for adults, $2 for kids under 12.

Because of the statewide grilse-only regulation that became effective this year, the presidential salmon has been let off the hook. But from the looks of things there’ll be an alternative annual ceremony to keep the spirit of opening day running as high as the tide-swollen waters of the Bangor Salmon Pool. See you there.