#22 - Maine Moose Lodge Tags L.D. 2054: Why We Must Act Now | The True North Lifestyle

<p>🚨 Maine moose hunting is at a turning point and this conversation matters.</p><p><br /></p><p>This could be voted on Thursday (3/26) — action is needed NOW!</p><p><br /></p><p>In Episode 22 of The True North Lifestyle Podcast, Joe sits down with James Cody, Executive Director of the Maine Professional Guides Association, and Lee Schanz Jr of Big Woods Bucks to break down two major issues that could impact the future of moose hunting, guiding, and sporting camps in Maine.</p><p><br /></p><p>This episode focuses on L.D. 2054, the bill aimed at cleaning up Maine’s lodge tag program, protecting the integrity of the moose hunt, and making sure the system works the way it was originally intended. The conversation also covers the push for expanded September moose hunts in more zones across the state, and why that matters for guides, sporting camps, hunters, and the rural Maine economy.</p><p><br /></p><p>From the economics of nonresident moose permits and sporting camps, to fairness for guides and outfitters, to what listeners can do right now to support the bill, this is an important and timely discussion for anyone who cares about Maine’s outdoor heritage.</p><p><br /></p><p>If you care about Maine moose hunting, sporting camps, guiding, and protecting the future of the outdoors in Maine, this is an episode worth listening to and sharing.</p><p><br /></p><p>Timestamps / Chapters</p><p>0:00 Podcast intro</p><p>0:06 Special guests James Cody &amp; Lee Schanz</p><p>1:32 What this emergency legislative update is about</p><p>2:23 Breaking down L.D. 2054</p><p>4:03 The original purpose of the lodge tag program</p><p>6:13 How lodge tags affect nonresident permits</p><p>8:01 How the current system works</p><p>11:20 Why this program needs to be cleaned up</p><p>12:38 Zone access and adjacency issues</p><p>16:03 Who should qualify for lodge tags</p><p>18:48 Lee Schanz’s perspective as a guide</p><p>22:12 Why the public should support this program</p><p>24:14 Key changes proposed in L.D. 2054</p><p>28:00 Why moose tags shouldn’t become currency</p><p>32:23 Stopping resale and flipping of tags</p><p>36:08 Preference for camps running their own hunts</p><p>38:01 Permit process issues being addressed</p><p>41:28 Why this matters to everyone</p><p>42:12 Where to read and follow the bill</p><p>44:31 The 12–1 committee vote explained</p><p>46:01 Attempted revote and what happened</p><p>48:30 Why you should contact legislators</p><p>51:16 September moose hunts explained</p><p>53:08 Greenville, Rangeley, and pushback</p><p>56:04 Why September hunts matter</p><p>58:55 Business and biological benefits</p><p>1:02:18 Final thoughts on the future of moose hunting</p><p>1:04:00 Call to support L.D. 2054</p><p>1:04:35 Closing thoughts</p><p>1:05:18 Shoot Straight</p><p><br /></p><p>Call to Action:</p><p>If you support cleaning up the lodge tag program and protecting the integrity of Maine’s moose hunt, take a few minutes to contact your local representative and senator and ask them to support L.D. 2054.</p><p>Every voice matters.</p><p><br /></p><p>Sponsors &amp; Shoutouts</p><p><br /></p><p>Lake Parlin Lodge</p><p>Weekly deer season cabin rentals in November + Sunday &amp; Friday night happy hour included.</p><p>🔗 https://lakeparlinlodge.com</p><p><br /></p><p>STAGR Gear</p><p>Save 10% and gear up for hunting season using our exclusive affiliate link:</p><p>🔗 https://stagrgear.com/?sca_ref=9797309.KPojGto3e6m</p><p>💥 Use promo code TTN at checkout and double-check it’s applied.</p><p><br /></p><p>Gary Williamson – Western Maine Real Estate Guide</p><p><br /></p><p>Land, homes, and camps across Western Maine.</p><p>📞 (207) 364-5326</p><p>🔗 https://www.cassiemason.com/about/julia-gary-williamson</p><p>🏕️ Four Seasons Rentals: https://www.fourseasonsrealtymaine.com</p><p><br /></p><p>Walker Knife Co.</p><p><br /></p><p>Handcrafted knives &amp; tools.</p><p>🔗 https://walkerknifeco.com</p><p>⸻</p><p>Stay Connected &amp; Live The True North Lifestyle<