The Montana Outfitters and Guides Association Board of Directors voted unanimously to join ranks with other Outfitter Associations across the United States and become part of the Professional Outfitters and Guides of America, POGA.
Professional Outfitters and Guides of America (POGA) is a voluntary organization comprised of representatives of outfitter and guide associations engaged in hunting and fishing services operating within the United States of America.
The Mission of POGA is to represent the best interests of the member Associations in matters of regional and national policy that effect the professional hunting and fishing industry. It is also the mission of POGA to encourage, among its members, the highest ethical and professional standards possible in all aspects of the industry.
At an organizational meeting, sponsored by Safari Club International and held as part of the North American gathering of Outfitter Associations July 8-9 in Kaskanaska, Alberta, the representatives from the United States developed and adopted BY Laws and elected leadership for this new representative organization.
Mac Minard, Executive Director of the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association, was elected to serve as the organizations first chairman. Sam Fejes, Alaska Professional Hunters Association, was elected to serve as Vice Chairman, and Kerrie Romero, Executive Director of New Mexico Guide and Outfitters Association elected to serve as the Secretary.
Of the creation of POGA and the appointment as Chairman, Mac 
Minard said; “ I am pleased that we were able to create a single national voice for the Outfitting industry in America. I see us working and networking closely with important partners including America Outdoors Association, SCI, NRA and many others. Under the POGA umbrella we have the means to provide a unified voice for the outfitting industry on issues of national importance in a way that our single Associations may not. I am humbled to have been selected by my peers to be part of this leadership team. We have some very strong Associations and individuals who are committed to making this a successful effort that provides tangible benefits to the Industry.”
One of the first goals of POGA is to become a member with seated representation of the American Wildlife Conservation Partners. AWCP is committed to the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, wildlife habitat conservation and preserving the hunting heritage and traditions. This important national organization includes some of the most prominent conservation organizations in the nation including SCI, Boone and Crockett Club, Wild Turkey Foundation, NRA and many others. Absent, however, is a specific voice and perspective from the Outfitting community. POGA has made application to join this group to fill that need and provide a voice and perspective for the Outfitting community.
Other issues that POGA will be discussing are corner crossing, liability Insurance, federal land management and permit issues.
