I'm a school teacher in central Indiana and we have finally gotten a week off at Fall Break (Mid October) and now I would really like to take a trip in the fall.

First question - is this too late in the season for a trip?

Second question - is it legal to waterfowl and grouse hunt in the BWCA?

Third question - would I be better off renting a cabin and just hunting logging roads for grouse?

I was thinking of base camping on Birch and then day tripping to Frog and Trident.

That time of the year can be the best time of the year, or can be downright nasty. I am not sure about percentages but I would say its a coin flip. I usually take out my dock in Ely at about that time.

It is legal to hunt in the wilderness area. I have only done it on hiking or logging roads.

My 2 cents would be to get the cabin in light of the uncertain weather. That way you can get dry and stay warm. You could also leave yourself some options to adjust based on the weather. There are some really good daytrips if you get the right weather.

if youre wondering its a good time to wander.

October is great canoeing. I have had a layover day because of snow but next day was sunny and fine. Few others out, no bugs, Ely is great with many sales. Go!

No idea on hunting question.

Thank you for all of your replies.

Definitely can be a great time to go, but like mentioned above weather can be either late summery or wintery. Also nice with no entry point reservations; just self-issue a permit as you go in.

Here are the firearm/hunting regs for the BWCA:
• Discharging a firearm is prohibited within 200 yards of a campsite, or occupied area, or in any manner or location that places people or property at risk of injury.
• State game laws apply in the BWCAW.

I don't know those lakes, but it could be tough to fin a shallow enough place to set decoys for ducks, and as I recall you have to be at least partially concealed by vegetation in MN. Wild rice rivers might be best. Honestly, though, in mid October it will likely be just a few local ducks in the BWCA. Also for grouse it will be tougher to walk the woods than any old logging trails outside. Leaves will likely still be on trees then too. If hunting is the priority, I'd personally probably keep outside.

One more thought on fall camp; instead of a cabin, consider renting a hot tent. Nothing takes the ache out of cold, damp fall weather like a nice hot stove in your tent! Stone Harbor in GM and Sawtooth in Tofte rent them for winter, but I bet would rent for October too.

Keep in mind days are short! Plan activities for dark.

quote 3Ball: "That time of the year can be the best time of the year, or can be downright nasty. I am not sure about percentages but I would say its a coin flip. I usually take out my dock in Ely at about that time.


It is legal to hunt in the wilderness area. I have only done it on hiking or logging roads.


My 2 cents would be to get the cabin in light of the uncertain weather. That way you can get dry and stay warm. You could also leave yourself some options to adjust based on the weather. There are some really good daytrips if you get the right weather."

+1 on all points.

Here's what ya do...get yourself a site at Sawbill Campground which you will mostly have all to your lonesome that time of year...comes with all the amenities required in the event of inclement or crappy weather. Get up real early and head up to the north end of the lake and set decoys. This time of year you self-issue your own permit for BWCA entry. When the fun of blasting ducks stops paddle back to Sawbill for a quick snack and head out on the numerous logging roads and trails in the area for grouse. Once you get your fill of that you head back, grab some more grub, maybe a quick catnap, and get ready for the evening walleye bite. Does life get any better?

Just don't take my spot!

How can he take your spot if he doesn't know who the "guest paddler" is? :)

s others have said, mid-October can be great but be prepared for anything weather wise. I was paddling the 6th-13th in 2012. A few days had highs in the low 50's. Two night had lows in the mid-teens with snow. The final morning I had to paddle as an ice breaker through about 1/4" ice in some narrows.

I'm not a hunter but at that time there were a lot of migrating geese and a much smaller number of ducks. No idea on the grouse. The leaves were almost all down so visibility in the woods was pretty good.

I was prepared for the weather and it turned out to be a great trip. Plus, I had the place to myself!

Hope this helps. And thanks for being a central Indiana teacher. Several central Indiana teachers in my wife's family!

Good suggestion to rent a wall tent if it is later in the month especially since you wouldn't need to portage it. As long as you are prepared for light snow, wind, cold rain and sunny shirt sleeve weather you should have a great time.

quote QueticoMike: "How can he take your spot if he doesn't know who the "guest paddler" is? :)"

Thanks, I thought my recommendation was pretty awesome too.

quote : "Here's what ya do...get yourself a site at Sawbill Campground which you will mostly have all to your lonesome that time of year...comes with all the amenities required in the event of inclement or crappy weather. Get up real early and head up to the north end of the lake and set decoys. This time of year you self-issue your own permit for BWCA entry. When the fun of blasting ducks stops paddle back to Sawbill for a quick snack and head out on the numerous logging roads and trails in the area for grouse. Once you get your fill of that you head back, grab some more grub, maybe a quick catnap, and get ready for the evening walleye bite. Does life get any better?


Just don't take my spot!"

This or a similar version of this is probably what I'd do. It gives you options in the event of bad weather and it gives you the flexibility to do 1 or all 3 things or do more of one and less of the others once you get up there and see whats going to be the more productive activity.

And not only that, but it allows you to lock up the gear (shotgun for example) while your out doing other things, rather than leaving it in camp or dragging it along when you don't need it. On top of that, you start banging birds you're gonna need ice and the store is just down the road...and hot showers.

Where do I find these wall tents for rent?

Favorite month of the year up there and its not even close !