Maine fish and wildlife commissioner defends department after recent criticism

BANGOR DAILY NEWS • May 30, 2025

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife was in the public crosshairs this week when criticism from former employees got traction on social media. Commissioner Judy Camuso on Thursday defended the department after former employees accused her of giving favoritism to women for promotions, using inappropriate publicity stunts to get people into events and straying from the missions of the department. Camuso said Thursday that the department needs to adapt if the state’s hunting and fishing traditions are to survive. “I believe that the outdoors is for anyone,” she said. “We are doing everything we can to protect fish and wildlife for the public and making sure the public understands what we’re doing.”