Gubernatorial candidate Bobby Charles surprised attendees at the Maine moose lottery Saturday when he appeared on stage to announce some of the 2026 lottery winners.
Unlike the 2025 moose lottery in Farmington, where Gov. Janet Mills faced boos and heckling and repeatedly stepped away from the microphone, Charles was greeted by applause and cheers.
Karen Rybka, a lifelong moose enthusiast who drew her first permit at age 10 and became a registered Maine guide in 2024, attended both events and said the difference was striking.
“The reception Mills received was the polar opposite of the welcome Bobby Charles received,” she said. “It might still be an understatement.”
See the results of the 2026 Maine moose lottery
See if your name was among the 3,700 hunters who can pursue the state’s largest game animal during the 2026 season.
As Charles took the stage, the first name he announced was that of Rybka’s husband, Trevor.
“This is his first moose permit, and I had to go shake Bobby’s hand afterwards,” she said.
Charles remained at the event and spoke with hunters until after the final names were announced.