Maine Outdoors is here to help others experience, know and appreciate the out of doors. The company mission, vision and values are here.
Don Kleiner and Argy Nestor are the principals in Maine Outdoors.
Answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
Maine Outdoors and Don Kleiner in the media
Don Kleiner is a Master Maine Guide who has been creating delightful outdoor memories for clients for over 38 years. Maine Outdoors has been incorporated in Union since 1987. Offering guided fishing and canoe trips in the area for primarily families and beginners.
From congratulations on being inducted into the Maine Tourism Hall of Fame "Don has dedicated his life to appreciating, conserving, and sharing the outdoors with others. This award publicly recognizes his selfless commitment. He often says: "I'm just a guide" but the reality is his depth of knowledge and willingness to share, in his quiet way, takes his everyday love of being a guide to a level that no others compare with. He is comfortable and skilled in front of a legislative committee and equally adept at knowing how to be next to a young child to help them accomplish the landing of their first fish. He and his infectious laughter makes our world a better place. "
Don is also the former executive director of the Maine Professional Guides Association performing a variety of duties for the organization including representing them in front of the Maine Legislature and state agencies. Having the opportunity to influence state policy in arenas important to the outdoor recreation industry was a great pleasure and responsibility.
Over the years Don has received several awards for his work ncluding the 2007 Excellence in Tourism award for a recreation supplier presented by Governor Baldacci at the annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism.
Don served as the Director of Information and Education at the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for four years. While there he was presented the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Ernest Thompson Seton Award as the individual deemed most responsible for its program that best promoted a public awareness of the need to support the science and practice of fish and wildlife management. Don twice received an Outstanding Service Award from the Maine Professional Guides Association.
Don has been part of many conservation and education organizations including the Maine Conservation School and the Ruffed Grouse Society. He recently completed his second term on the Land For Maine's Future Board.
Don currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Maine Tourism Association and in the past has been the board vice chair, chair and treasurer.
Don is also a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain who has a Bachelors Degree in Environmental Science and has spent a lifetime learning outdoors.
He formerly guided upland bird hunters out of Libby Camps in T8R9 (about 35 miles north of Baxter Park in the North Maine Woods) for twenty years.
Check out a video The Office from Timothy Baker on Vimeo with Don.
Argy was a Middle School Art Educator for 30 years and was recognized in 1995 as Maine's Teacher of the Year. She currently works alongside Don making your Maine Outdoors experiences more enjoyable. She writes a blog on arts education in Maine. Check it out here!
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