My wife (40) and I (45) are thinking that we would like to explore the possibility of one day investing in a BWCA outfitter service when we "retire" in the next 10 years. As part of our due-diligence, I'd like to spend a couple summers with one or both of us working as a hired hand, in order to ensure we get an adequate taste of what life as an outfitter would entail.

Having reviewed a number of job postings that were on the board earlier in the year, it seems that most outfitters are looking for college age temps to hire for the summer. This squares with our own observations that most of the staff at the places we've outfitted from are in their early to mid 20's.

For those of you who are outfitters, or have worked at one, are there ever any 'mature' individuals doing the summer gigs, or is there actually a preference for the 20 somethings?

from past experience, anyone willing to do the work that needs to be done is welcome! the drawback is usually housing. most outfitters/lodges have onsite staff housing which is usually shared, sometimes a complex of smaller units, generally occupied by these 20 somethings.

i think your idea to walk the walk before deciding to invest is the best idea. you'll never know how much time and effort all the tasks take to complete without doing them yourself, or how many staff it takes to get through a day or a week or a month. also, how much business you'll need to generate so you can hire staff, unless you want to do it all yourself! and believe me, you don't want to do that!

talk with the newest owners of some of the businesses up the Gunflint Trail, Sawbill Trail and perhaps there is 1 in Ely. Hopefully they'd be willing to share some stories and advice with you.

Good Luck!

sometimes in the Fall, when kids leave for school, they need somebody for sep, oct and to put stuff away and winterize in nov. I've seen "older" people at those jobs

Talk to the new owners of Rockwood. Last season was their first season but I believe they were around helping the old owners some prior to purchasing. They might have some insight on how they went about it and can possibly offer some guidance.

A lot of the outfitter staff are young, college age people, but I think that is because they are the ones who are readily available during the season. I know Sawbill currently has a grey beard on staff. He's been there for a couple of years. They have had school teachers on staff as well in previous years. Also the outfitters are in need of people after the students return to school in September. Pays to ask the people doing the hiring.