AFI Maine: 3rd Annual Garbage and Grouse — Rangeley, ME

Event Start Date: 10/24/2026 8:00 AM

Event End Date: 10/24/2026 4:00 PM

Timezone: EDT

AFI Maine is bringing back one of its most popular events — the 3rd Annual Garbage and Grouse — combining a classic New England ruffed grouse hunt with a stewardship cleanup of the hunting area in the publicly accessible private timberlands of Maine's High Peaks region near Rangeley.

Participants will team up with local mentors and trained bird dogs to chase ruffed grouse through the vibrant fall woods, packing out litter along the way to help maintain the access and habitat that make days like this possible. Over lunch, the group will discuss Maine's "implied access" tradition — how stewardship, respect, and responsibility keep private timberlands open for future generations of hunters.

This is a one-day event that puts conservation and ethical hunting into practice side by side. Space is limited to 6 participants — RSVP required.

If early snow or unsafe conditions develop, the event will be rescheduled. Registered participants will be notified by email.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM EST

Meeting Location:
Rangeley Boat Launch Park and Ride
8 Carry Rd, Rangeley, ME 04970
(Intersection of Route 16 and Route 4)

Cost: Free
Capacity: 6 participants maximum

What to Expect

• Mentored ruffed grouse hunting alongside experienced hunters and trained dogs
• Trash and debris removal from hunting areas to maintain access
• Safe field practices and low-impact hunting techniques
• Discussion on the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation and Maine's implied access tradition
• Camaraderie within the veteran and outdoor community

What to Bring

• Shotgun (12 to 20 gauge)
• Valid Maine small game hunting license (3-day license available)
• Hunter orange hat or vest
• Brush-style bird hunting pants (recommended)
• Bug spray, water, snacks, and lunch
• Work gloves for the cleanup component

Who Can Attend

Open to all members of the military community — Active Duty, Reserves, National Guard, Veterans, and Gold Star Families — and anyone passionate about supporting veterans and conservation.

You do not need to be a BHA member to attend.

Questions & RSVP

Contact AFI Maine
Email: MEAFI@backcountryhunters.org