BWCA Info needed

In case you don’t follow the hunting forum, I’ve been lucky enough to draw a once in a lifetime moose tag for northern MN. The unit I’ll be hunting is completely in the BWCA. So, not only do I have a lot to learn about moose, but I also have a lot to learn about the BWCA. I’ve read most of a couple websites, so I’m pretty up to date with day to day rules.

Where I need your assistance is what mistake have you made on BWCA trips?? Too much gear, not enough?? How did you keep stuff dry? How do you pack 5 days worth of food(keep in mind I’ll be working hard all day, so I’ll need something to keep my energy level up)?? I’m soliciting all opinions. Thanks!!

Oh, one other thing. Can anyone recommend a decent collapsible rod?? There is a lake really close to our camp site that is loaded with eyes. Might have to try to catch a meal or two….

I’ve been to the bwca a bunch of times.
My biggest problem is that we always bring way to much stuff.

Look at what your bringing and be selective.

Leave the axe at home and bring a small camp saw.
If you’re at a designated camp site, it will be stripped clean of good wood. Go out on the lake and collect driftwood from the shore.
A small pack of baby wipes will go a long way by day three.
Dry bags are great to keep things, well, dry.
We always vacuum packed clothes to save space.
Don’t skimp on food. MRE’s and dehydrated food sucks.
Bring a small water filtratrion unit, easier than boiling.
Chapstick, sunscreen, and bug dope.
A few nice bottles of good drink (I prefer bourbon).
Aspirin.
Tweezers.
Duct tape.

The wardens do not have a sense of humor.

Good luck.
Jake

You might consider using one of the outfitters. They offer guided trips where they basically take care of everything. Then you can focus on the hunt and enjoy yourself. If you decide to outfit yourself, feel free to PM me for suggestions. I go up there a few times each summer and have learned a lot of tricks to stay comfortable out there. Good and light raingear is your best friend

I don’t know if u have seen this before, but if u havent, u should, it’ll get the blood pumpin

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/volunteer/sepoct06/moosehunt.html

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So, not only do I have a lot to learn about moose, but I also have a lot to learn about the BWCA.

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Kooty

Cheryl’s dad has been going into the BWCA 6 – 8 times a year for the last 20 years or so. He runs a military-tight trip in and out… the efficiency of the entire process under his guidence is impressive. If you’d like to get some time with him I could arrange it. In fact he’ll be staying at our place in MPLS all weekend.

LMK.

You won’t need to bring bug dope. I’ve done about 4 October trips and the bugs are long gone. You are gonna need layers and wool is better than newer materials. It has been as cold as the high teens and as warm as the upper 60’s on my trips. You are also gonna want to keep track of water levels up there. A lot of the rivers are running super low right now. Hopefully we will have a wet summer.

Good luck sir!

dd

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BWCA Info needed

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1. Don’t urine off the bears.

2. Do not litter.

3. You can not run that big Yamaha on the lakes up there.

4. Bring rain gear.

5. No glass beer bottles.

Need anymore help let me know.

Good pair of Water proof boots and extra socks. There is nothing worse than wet feet.

James, I’ll be in touch in the next day or so.

Fear, if that doesn’t get the blood flowing, nothing will. I just hope to see moose!!

All, thanks for the info(Except you Rob)!! Also thanks to those that sent PM’s(again, not you Rob)! I’ll be in touch.

Hey Kooty, Like I offered before- I ahve tons of BWCA gear and you are welcome to it. Shoot me a PM before you go spend a bunch of money on something I might already have.

John

Space Bags. The ones that Roll up. They keep your cloths dry and take up alot less space. I think we got ours at Bed Bath & Beyond. I love those things, especially for camping.

Good luck Kooty!! Man does that sound like a great hunt. I read the attached article…WOW…what a hunt!!! You will have to post your trip after you get back. Good luck. Ted

I’m documenting everything at this point. If anything, it will be a what not to do. I will be posting over in the hunting forum as soon as I feel I can start putting valuable information out there.

We had our first planning session tonight. I’m not sure how I’m gonna focus for the next few months. It’s better than Christmas!!!!!!!!!

We have two areas that an experienced person has shown us. I’m going up in July for a test run and to get a lay of land. I’ll probably go back in Sept to scout one weekend, then we are going to hunt the second week. It’s a once in a lifetime license, so I plan to make the most of it.

I have heard and it is probably true that if you want to draw a moose permit apply in the remotest area of the BWCA that there is. The harder it is to get to the better chance you got of getting the permit. And in my case the better chance of dropping dead in the wilderness from a coronary!

Start doing those excercises sir! And good luck!

dd