Maine Insights Newsmagazine

L.L.Bean, Portland Sea Dogs & Oxford Plains Speedway join the Maine Departments of Inland, Fisheries and Wildlife; Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry; and Health and Human Services to offer incentives to  get people vaccinated and get them outdoors

May 12, 2021

During a discussion with President Joe Biden and a bipartisan group of governors from across the nation, Governor Janet Mills announced that the State of Maine has launched an outdoor-centered incentive program aimed at encouraging Maine people to get vaccinated against COVID-19 before the summer season begins.

“The Maine outdoors is a place like no other, offering endless opportunities to have a good time and stay healthy,” said Governor Mills. “With this new initiative, we are encouraging Maine people to get their vaccine and get outdoors to experience all that our state has to offer. Whether you’re an angler or a hunter, a baseball fan or a racing fan, or someone who just all-around enjoys being outside, now is a great time to protect yourself from COVID-19 and take to the outdoors. I thank L.L.Bean, the Sea Dogs, and Oxford Plains Speedway for joining us in this important endeavor to keep our state and its people healthy.”

The announcement came during a virtual discussion hosted by President Biden about innovative ways that governors are working to get the people in their states vaccinated.

“We are excited to get more people outside and more Mainers vaccinated. Enjoying the outdoors is beneficial to both your physical and mental health, and vaccinations are the key to keeping Maine healthy,” said Judy Camuso, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. “Our aim is to encourage as many Mainers as possible to get vaccinated and enjoy the outdoors safely.”

The public-private initiative, called “Your Shot to Get Outdoors”, is led by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services and brings together the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, L.L.Bean, the Portland Sea Dogs, and Oxford Plains Speedway to offer incentives to get Maine people vaccinated and engaged in outdoor activities.

“Recreating outdoors provides many health benefits,” said Amanda Beal, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. “Promoting access to our State Parks to mobilize Mainers to get vaccinated against COVID-19 is a win-win, as it supports public health by encouraging people to get out and enjoy these beautiful places while ultimately helping to increase our overall vaccination rate.”

Effective immediately through May 31, 2021, Maine adults age 18 and older who get their first shot of a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine in Maine will qualify to receive one of the following:

• Fishing License: The Maine Department of Health and Human Services will purchase up to 5,000 2021 fishing licenses for Maine residents from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

• Hunting License: The Maine Department of Health and Human Services will purchase up to 5,000 2021 hunting season licenses for eligible Maine residents from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Eligible Maine residents include those who have completed a hunter safety course, have previously held a license, and are not felons.

• Maine Wildlife Park Pass: The Maine Department of Health and Human Services will purchase up to 5,000 passes to the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray, which are good for admission through the 2021 season, from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. One pass allows admission for up to two people.

• Maine State Park Day Pass: The Maine Department of Health and Human Services will purchase up to 5,000 day passes for Maine residents to Maine State Parks through the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. The passes can be used through June 15, 2021. One pass allows admission for one vehicle.

• L.L.Bean Gift Card: The Maine Department of Health and Human Services will purchase up to 10,000 $20 gift cards from L.L.Bean for use at their stores.

• Sea Dogs Admission Ticket: The Maine Department of Health and Human Services will purchase up to 5,000 tickets from the Portland Sea Dogs, the Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, will make available up to 5,000 for baseball games at Hadlock Field in Portland for 2021 regular season.

• Oxford Plains Speedway Pass: The Maine Department of Health and Human Services will purchase from Oxford Plains Speedway up to 5,000 tickets for weekly events in the 2021 racing season.

Maine adults vaccinated at a Maine vaccination site between May 11 and May 31 can register for their incentive beginning Monday, May 17, 2021, by filling out an online form or calling the State’s community vaccination line at 1-888-445-4111.

People will be asked to submit basic information, such as their county of residence and where they received their vaccine, and may request their incentive of choice. Quantities are limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Individuals who are interested in tickets to the Sea Dogs will then be contacted directly by these organizations on when and how to obtain their tickets, while individuals who express a preference for the other incentives will receive an email with information on how to redeem their incentive.