It all started when…

As best as can be determined, the Moncton Fish and Game Protective Association was formed in 1924 and became affiliated with the New Brunswick Fish and Game Protective Association that same year. "Protective" was used by many groups in the 1920s and 1930s, including beef, dairy, export and trade associations. In the 1960s, the word protective was removed when the Canadian Wildlife Federation changed its name, and the New Brunswick Wildlife Federation (NBWF) and Moncton Fish and Game Association (MFGA) followed suit.

A search of local newspapers resulted in some exciting notations. In 1939 the Moncton group was involved with a project to introduce Hungarian (Grey) Partridge to South East New Brunswick. Interestingly, Grey partridges were introduced across North America in the early 1900s, and many field guides still indicate a small pocket of Grey Partridge in SE New Brunswick. In 1940 and 1941, the MFGA, along with the IODE hosted film evenings for Royal Canadian Air Force trainees stationed in Moncton. Throughout the 1950s to 1970s, the club delivered Safe Fisherman and Junior Hunter Safety courses.

Of particular note, in 1980, the MFGA sponsored a resolution to the NB Wildlife Federation to permanently open the gates on the Petitcodiac River Causeway (in 2020, a new bridge will be opened). Also, in 1980, the MFGA introduced a resolution for Canada to continue negotiations with the USA on an Acid Rain Reduction Agreement because of impacts on fish habitat. 1981 marked the group’s formal incorporation.

Today the MFGA is still active in the community by supporting: Camp Centennial in their efforts to provide youth with an outdoor day camp experience; the Atlantic Wildlife Institute in rehabilitating wildlife; the Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in eagle and raptor rehabilitation; and the Petitcodiac and Kennebecasis watershed groups involved with fish habitat remediation. The association has also adopted a position against the use of glyphosate on Crown Land forestry production and the voluntary reduction in the use of lead ammunition in large game hunting.