BREWER, Maine — The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife announced that Matt Libby is this year’s winner of the Wilmot “Wiggie” Robinson Legendary Maine Guide Award.
Libby is the fourth-generation owner of Libby Camps in Aroostook County, following in a family tradition that stretches back more than a century. This year marks the 124th year for Libby Camps, located in T8, R9, which is just north of the northern boundary of Baxter State Park.
The Maine Professional Guides Association handed out the award at an annual dinner and banquet held last weekend in Brewer. Libby is the fifth recipient of the award, following Robinson, Gil Gilpatrick (2010), Gary Corson (2011) and Gardner Defoe (2012).
Libby has been a guide in the North Maine Woods since he was 18. He has been active in outdoor resource management issues as well, serving three terms as Aroostook County’s representative on the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s advisory council. He’s also a board member of the Maine Professional Guides Association.
If state lawmakers are looking to learn more about brook trout or deer, they’ll often make sure Libby is on the panel that’s discussing pertinent issues.
“Matt has devoted his whole life to the sporting tradition and has shared that passion for hunting and fishing with both his clients and his family,” Maine Gov. Paul R. LePage said in the press release. “He truly represents the best of Maine’s legendary guides.”
Chandler Woodcock, Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife commissioner, seconded that sentiment.
“The Libby family has upheld the traditions of Maine’s sporting camps for four generations,” Woodcock said in the release. “Thousands of visitors have returned to Maine through the experience at Libby Camps. No one is more deserving of this award than Matt.”
