Maine’s wildlife commissioner stepped down early. Why it matters.

By V. Paul Reynolds

For reasons not yet explained, Maine’s fish and wildlife commissioner, Judy Camuso, is stepping down at the end of the month before her cabinet term with the Mills administration is over. In a somewhat fawning press release, the governor’s office thanked her for her service and listed her accomplishments during her tenure.

Of course, Camuso’s tenure was not without controversy, including her unabashed social activism. Her embrace of diversity, equity and inclusion, led to accusations of discriminatory hiring practices. A discrimination case brought against the department by former game warden Josh Poland, with the involvement of a federal agency, has yet to be resolved. A department-sponsored event for children that featured Portland drag queens in spike heels riding warden snowmobiles also raised questions about Camuso’s sense of propriety, if not her professional judgment.

The governor has named Deputy Commissioner Tim Peabody to serve out the remainder of Camuso’s term as interim commissioner. He does not need legislative confirmation unless Mills or her successor chooses to appoint him to the role.

Historically, fish and wildlife commissioners, like wild geese in winter, come and go. It is, however, rare, if not unprecedented, for a commissioner to voluntarily step down before the end of a term. Commissioners are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Legislature.

Looking back to the 1990s, Maine has seen an array of IFW leaders, including Bucky Owen, Lee Perry, Roland “Danny” Martin and Chandler Woodcock. The most controversial was Aroostook County potato farmer Glenn Manuel, who became embroiled in political and management disputes in the 1980s. He faced sustained criticism from sportsmen’s groups and state lawmakers and ultimately resigned before the governor fired him.

Typically, sitting fish and wildlife commissioners are not “fired,” at least not for public consumption. Governors have the power to fire a Cabinet officer but rarely do. Commissioner Ray “Bucky” Owen, who I worked for at Fish and Wildlife and who was appointed by Gov. Angus King, was simply not reappointed even though King served a second term in the Blaine House.

If you go back in Maine history to the early 1900s, the fish and wildlife commissioner post revolved around old-school politics, patronage and internecine warfare. Thankfully, that era is largely behind us.

Credit where it’s due. As Maine’s first female fish and wildlife commissioner, Camuso left her mark, controversies notwithstanding. The governor, in praising Camuso, cited increased hunting and fishing license sales and the protection of deer wintering areas as key accomplishments. Several sporting groups also commended Camuso for her passion for conservation and her willingness to work with a wide range of stakeholders.

So what’s next in the post-Camuso era?

It will depend in large measure on who occupies the Blaine House after the next election. Whoever it is, Democrat or Republican, the next governor’s appointment of a commissioner for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is more critical than ever. The next leader will likely shape the future of the state’s outdoor opportunities and natural resources.

Stay tuned.

The author is editor of the Northwoods Sporting Journal. He is also a Maine Guide and host of a weekly radio program “Maine Outdoors” heard Sundays at 7 p.m. on The Voice of Maine News-Talk Network. He has authored three books. Online purchase information is available at www.sportingjournal.com, Outdoor Books.