06/05/2026
IHEA-USA 2026 Agency Partner of the Year Award Winner,
The Penobscot County Conservation Association is Proud and Honored to be selected as the International Hunter Education Association Agency Partner of the Year for 2026.
This Award demonstrates PCCA's ongoing commitment to excellence in Hunter and Outdoor Education, we would like to thank IHEA-USA for this Honor, and their commitment to Hunters, Trappers and Outdoor Enthusiasts Worldwide.
The Penobscot County Conservation Association was established in 1928, and has been a strong advocate for hunter education and conservation in Maine since.
PCCA consistently offers year round activities and support for Maine's hunters and shooters that includes; annual Hunters's Breakfast, a robust year-round archery and intro to bowhunting program, hosting several Hunter Safety, Archery Hunter, and Trapper Education courses each year, as well as multiple Next Steps programs, Biannual Duck Box days, host of the Bangor Gun Show, and most prominently, the Eastern Maine Sportsman's Show, which brings together thousands of hunters, shooters, trappers, and outdoors enthusiasts at one of the largest sportsman's shows in Maine, and one of the longest running shows in the state. This is all done with a team of dedicated volunteers that give hundreds of hours of themselves for the greater good of the hunting and sporting community. The show brings together a wide range of new and experienced hunters and introduces non-hunters to the traditions and heritage. During the 3-day event, PCCA staffs an indoor archery and riflery range, and during the following weekend, PCCA travels to the capitol and supports the 3-day State of Maine Sportsman Show by providing archery and intro to bowhunting to nearly 1,000 new shooters. PCCA has a longstanding partnership with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and does not charge a rental fee for use of there beautiful facility, and offers up use of both of their large properties to support the new hunter. Most recently, PCCA has created a hunter mentorship program, setting up stands and blinds and coordinating new hunters with a mentor to provide access to safe and enjoyable hunting experiences. PCCA continues to do this work proudly, and without fanfare, and they continue to demonstrate conservation excellence and leadership. Maine is very fortunate to have this organization in our community and without the PCCA, there would certainly be a large void that would be difficult to fill. Congratulations to the dedicated team that makes the Penobscot County Conservation Association what it is today!