AUGUSTA — Carroll Ware, a longtime guide from Skowhegan, was honored by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife with the Wiggie Robinson Legendary Maine Guide Award on May 26.

MDIFW Commissioner Judy Camuso presented the award in a small ceremony at the MDIFW headquarters.

“Carroll embodies what it means to be a Maine Guide,” Camuso said in a news release from the department. “Not only does he possess an extensive knowledge of the Maine outdoors, but Carroll is happy to share his knowledge with others, and is also very involved in his community.”

Ware became a registered Maine Guide in 1989, and he has been busy in the Maine outdoors since. He and wife Lila have operated Fins and Furs Adventures for more than 30 years, providing adventures not only throughout Maine, but also in international sporting destinations throughout the world.

Together they operated Bosebuck Camps along the shore of Lake Aziscohos for years, delivering a Maine sporting camp experience to hundreds of anglers and hunters. They also operated a longtime school for students interested in becoming a Maine guide, passing along the skills and traditions necessary to become a successful guide.

Ware also is active in the Skowhegan community as part of the Elks organization, and he has mentored at risk youth in the field of boxing, as well as being a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces. He regularly donates much of his wild game to friends and neighbors, as well as the local food pantry.

The Wiggie Robinson award is presented annually at the Maine Professional Guides Association annual banquet. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, Ware was honored during the virtual banquet, and then received his award at MDIFW headquarters.

Winners must have been a registered Maine guide for 20 years and been an active guide for at least 10 of those years. Along with guiding, winners must be active in the local or outdoor community, or active on boards or committees that enhance and promote the importance of Maine’s outdoor resources.

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