How many on this forum subscribe? I do for one. Moderator: If you would, provide an estimated percentage when the subject has spent its course. Thanks. If privileged information, please regard request.

I do. I always enjoy it when the new issue comes out and there's an article that raises a "discussion" like pine boughs.

I do not... I don't subscribe to any magazines or papers. No real reason, just like to read books more I guess.

I do. Have for years. Stu is very opinionated (straight paddle, J-stroke, frozen food, 5-star campsites, fishing), but I like most of the articles, especially the ones about the history of the BW.

+1 subscirber here.

i do not.

I did but now have fallen off that wagon.

Love it, really like seeing the awesome photography and great articles from many of the members right here on this site.

Also like making fun Stu and his opinions is just plain fun. Don't get me wrong he can paddle and portage with the best, but there is more than one way to skin a cat :)

T

I don't subscribe but I always look for the free copies at the Mpls. Sports Show.

I do, and like timatkn said, this pics are incredible, and I get a kick out of Stu bantering with others. Kind of like listening to Cliff speak, only with high res pics.

Of course, I have a bias when it comes to the pics. For years my wife taught with the wife of someone who regularly has his work published in this magazine, and I like to find his pics in each issue. My kids also enjoy this, especially my middle daughter who had said teacher when she was in 1st grade.

I do.

Yep, traded a dicecup for one of his hats. Great reads.

I do. I treasure each issue. After a 19 year hiatus I am buying back issues and immediately putting them in binders. I just got a new batch yesterday and in one of the issues there is a review of the exact route I am doing this summer. I don't agree with some of stu's opinions but I respect them and admire him greatly.
Primitiveman

I have subscribed to BWJ for about many years. I have seen it change over the years for the worse but still hanging in there for a while more.

I do and keep a gift subscription up for my brother as well. I really enjoy reading it down here in TX and dreaming about the next trip.

I do but he pays for an article from time to time.

I'm a subscriber.

I do and look forward to each issue. 3 years ago I renewed my subscription and a month later I got a gift subscription in the mail from my parents. I emailed Stu and he combined the 2 into 1 six year subscription.

I subscribe.

Yup, 15 years I think.

I don't subscribe but usually pick one up.

Have been a subscriber since 2005. Really enjoy the pics and articles.

No longer a subscriber, no longer a reader.
CB

I've been a subscriber for 12 or so years now. One of the best moments of my life was when my wife handed me the winter 2002 issue after she got the mail. She didn't realize that my photo was on the COVER! I nearly fell off my chair when I saw it.

Love the pics and articles. Always something in each magazine that makes the price well worth it.

From the mid 90's until I joined this site I always bought them.

That was where I got info and trip reports. This site provides that for me now and I just don't read them Like I did before.

I do, for the past 3 years or so.

I did back in the day. Not now. I buy one occasionaly.

Long time subscriber. Did some business with those folks last spring, Stu was out guiding but his wife Michelle was really great to deal with, she got a kick out of seeing my Mustang with a canoe on top. FRED

I subscribe.

Since day one, in 1987, until last year. I've grown tired of it & let my subscription end.

I had every one, except the one an old girlfriend stole... and the one another girlfriend tore up because she said I paid more attention to it than her.

She was right.

Nope, but I enjoy the issues I pick up along the way.

Yes

Since 2001 and look forward to every issue.

I dropped my subscription after 11 years. I decided to put the $23 toward this website instead. ;)

I have been on board since the summer of 2002.

I get it for now... I'd rather put my money to this site. On bwca.com you get all the great pictures... great trip reports... tons of ideas... and a few laughs. Not saying the BWJ isn't good... I just think this site is the better value.

I don't subscribe but pick one up off and on at the book store. I get faster feedback on product and routes here.

I enjoy the magazine and have been a subscriber since the first issue in Summer 1987. Stu has also published quite a few of my photos.

Maybe it would be fun to have monthly articles on this site? Sort of like trip reports but to include other topics besides just the trips.

Tom

I am a current subscriber - and have had a subscription since the late 90's. I enjoy reading the magazine and like the pictures - it helps bring the northwoods close throughout the year. I have saved every issue sometimes refer to back issues when researching for a trip.

I do. Being so far away from the BW it makes me feel like I'm there.

I did for many years...but the articles all began sounding alike....and the pictures, as great as they are, all began looking alike. There were several things that could have made it better (i.e. different) but Stu refused to incorporate them....so I dropped my subscription.

Have subscribed since 1997. Continue to do so.

quote chesapeakes: "I do. Being so far away from the BW it makes me feel like I'm there."

Same here, although if I lived closer I'd probably quit working :)

Yes, since the 2nd year he started publishing it. Picked up an issue at the Lake Superior Trading Post in GM and was hooked! Yes, it's obvious from reading it all these years that the editor is somewhat of a narcissus. But, the articles are about my favorite place in the world, a place I've immersed myself in since my first trip in 1984. Last year, BTW, I did go ahead and sell a bunch of my old issues to a couple folks here on the forum. For years I would re-read them, but the last few years they were just collecting dust. But I read each new one cover-to-cover. Heck, I've even submitted a few stories and had one published in 2000 or 2001.

I do and enjoy the read during the winter months

I am a subscriber. Enjoy every word and photo.

Not me. I only heard about it maybe 10 years ago reading forums like this. I’m surprised such a special interest magazine that targets such a tight demographic still exists now days.

I subscribe, but feel the quality of the articles is starting to slide. Needs some upgrading/freshening IMO.

I was for years...since 1994 or so. I got a little tired of the lengthy "On the Edge" articles with details of dogsledding/hunting, so I lost some interest for awhile. Got a subscription as a gift, but now it's again the lengthy articles that include a dozen people writing on the same topic...like what kind of underwear is best. I will probably not subscribe in the future, but I'll miss the photography, near-disaster stories, and interesting routes through canoe country. I won't miss the haiku though.

I have for 18 years. I enjoy all of it, especially Stu's opinion, many of which I don't agree with, but I always like reading them. If you compare this product with ANY other outdoor magazine, its light years better than any of them. It could use some new writers though.

Yes

We have had a subscription for many years. Spartan1 reads every word, I think. I have gotten rather tired of it and often just skim through now, reading the articles written by my friends (Jim Carrier and Tim Mead come to mind specifically), and looking for articles and photos by people that I know, mainly folks I have met on this website or Quiet Journey.

I have had one article published in the magazine, and have tried with others, but I had an altercation with Stu (he can be very rude sometimes) years ago, and that sort of colored my feelings about the magazine, unfortunately.

I can remember when I waited impatiently for it to arrive and put everything aside to read it right away. Now it is sort of ho-hum in my grand scheme of things.

I am a subscriber and have been for 11 years. I love reading the articles and the pictures are terrific! Although I could care less about Stu's mountain hunting trips. They have nothing to do with the Boundary Waters.

Nope. Although I do enjoy scanning through them at the library, it takes a lot less time per issue than it used to.

Last month I sat down at the Hennepin County Library-Southdale and got all of the information I wanted out of these 59 back issues in just under 2 hours:

quote misqua: "If you compare this product with ANY other outdoor magazine, its light years better than any of them. It could use some new writers though."

I have to agree with that comment. My dad was visiting a few years back, at that time had never been to the Boundary Waters and he had no interest, but he saw the magazine on the counbter and read it. He said, "That's the highest quality magazine I have ever seen for the outdoors." Most outdoor magazines scrimp on the photos making them small or black and white---they are still high quality and glossy.

I totally see why some people are turned off or have become tired of it though. Between the websites out there and just doing the activity for many years it can become the "same old thing" after a while. Not for me, but I don't devour the magazien like I used to either.

T

I let my subscription expire due to the fact that I really only look forward to the Winter edition for Stu's annual hunting recap...all the other articles seem a rehashing of past articles best as I can tell. Now I just buy the Winter edition off the shelf and forgo the other three editions.

I do, and have for several years. Still look forward to the arrival of each issue.

And thanks Frenchy19. Hope you're able to continue to spot some in upcoming issues.

quote Outdoorsfan69: Although I could care less about Stu's mountain hunting trips. They have nothing to do with the Boundary Waters."

Although BWJ has some good articles and great photography, it's a bit too "hook & bullet" for my tastes. That's all well and good if that appeals to a would-be subscriber, but it's not me.

I also understand that for many BWCAW users, fishing is one of their primary goals during their canoe trip. So, many of the fishing related articles can be of great interest or helpful to them.

That said, some of the articles seem more appropriate for "Field & Stream" or "Outdoor Life" than a publication focused on "Quetico-Superior Canoe Country" and canoe-camping.

I've been at Stu and Rob Kesselring's Canoecopia presentations, where both of them are debating their different canoe-camping "styles", and BWJ tends to reflect Stu's interests more than Rob's IMHO. (Yes I know, Rob has articles published in BWJ as well.)

I'm more in the Rob Kesselring camp with regards canoe-tripping "styles". Like Rob, I often don't pack a rod & reel, especially for solo trips in the BWCAW, because I'm too busy traveling to take the time and/or just don't have the patience.

Additionally, and to be brutally honest, the ads for "Rainy Lake House Boats" cranks me off and seem out of place in a canoeing periodical. I understand that the BWJ is a business, and that advertisers are a source of capital for the publisher, but it just doesn't sit right with me.

I realize I may seem a bit extremist. But, it's also my prerogative to patronize a business or not, based on my sentiments towards a particular product or business ethic.

For all the aforementioned reasons, that's why I don't subscribe to BWJ, but I'll freely admit, I have occasionally read a few issues, provided there's an article or two that appeals to me.

Just my two cents worth.

Hans Solo

I have for years. A member of one of our parties submitted a pic of my daughter and me in my canoe a few years back and Stu used it for a full page.

I just really support the MN connection in outdoor publications. It was sad when the Lindners mostly left In-Fisherman.

I like Outdoor News as well. Seems like Rob Dreslein, the publisher, is a stand up guy. Lots of info the sportsman would be interested in.

I did,then for several years just occasionally bought a copy then for the last two years my daughter gave me a subscription for Christmas.

I am a long time subscriber and enjoy the magazine I also like Canoeroots Magazine.

I used to, but after a few years most of it sounded the same.
-What they ate for breakfast.
-Paddle
-Portage
-Paddle
-What they ate for dinner
-Repeat.

If I read one more article about someone's "Wilderness Rythms" I think I will puke.

I do.

It's simply another resource. And, much like topics on this forum, I don't always agree with everything that is presented. But, the bottom line is, I'm a canoe country junkie. So hearing about the gear, reading the reports, seeing the photos is always great therapy.

Been a BWJ subscriber since its inception. It is the only magazine that I know of that covers my favorite piece of heaven and annual go=to spot (Quetico).

At times it can be redundant for sure but I never tire of reading each and every article when it arrives. Before I became a regular member of internet canoeing forums like BWCA.com, the BWJ was my main source of information about equipment, routing, campsites, fishing etc.

It is a niche market magazine and I hope it will stay around.

The internet is having a major impact on newspaper and magazine subscriptions. Experts are predicting that in a few years there will only be as few as 4 or 5 newspapers (USA Today, Wall street Journal, LA Times and NY Times). Local newpapers will go by the wayside. Magazine subscriptions are way down too and we will certainly see fewer magazines available to read.

Nope. read it at the library or occasionally buy a copy at the gas station.

Was a subscriber at one time but not anymore....I buy one at the newstand once in a while, if something in there gets my attention.

Yes I subscribe. Look forward to it and have no plans to stop because my wife also reads it. Helps meep her interest in BW.

Yep

I asked for a subscription last year for christmas.

For the sake of having a magazine that centers on an area and activity that I love to frequent I'm glad that this resource is available. Going on 8 years ago I had a brain surgery that resulted in episodes of seizures. When I couldn't go on my canoe trip the following summer Stu surprised me by printing a lament I sent in to him about not being able to have my trip - at first he told me he didn't think it was a good "fit" and when I got my next copy there it was! The following year I was blessed to be well enough to return and thrilled my son was able to get time off and make it a father/son journey. After the trip I submitted what it was like to return after thinking I'd never get back. I was disappointed when I was told my story was too much like a regular trip report to be published. At that point I felt like Campcraft does that some stories do seem like trip reports.

That being said when I see the number of folks that live for wilderness canoe camping I see the huge potential for some really great stories covering various topics, different areas of BW and Quetico, kinds of camping, adventures/misadventures, great trips/worst trips, etc. If you have a story that others might like have you tried submitting it?

Yep

I do and I love it. Its always nice to read about new ideas and methods from people who live it.

I subscribe. I certainly enjoy the good articles and photo's

I love reading the magazine especially in the winter time

I have sent in 3 articles but the one that got rejected that should not have was for HERE FOR THE IMOGIONATION. Stu wrote that he could not imagion what I wrote concerning dehydration in BW.

I do. Enjoy reading the BWJ.

Sitting in a hotel in Duluth, three copies with me. I really like the magazine and I pass them on.

I subscribe. Aside from the magazine itself, which I love, I've taken advantage of the TRIPS program. Stu will mark up your map according to your trip plan with campsite ratings, fishing spots, and general notes. I've used it twice and my trips have been better for it.

I do, long time suscriber, but the all about Stu approach is getting very old.

Yep. That and a local weekly newspaper are the only print subscriptions I can keep up with.

Used to, years back, but lapsed. I think websites like this one and QuietJourney and MyCCR fill that role, now. And you can read all the trip reports you like... an editor is not culling them... And some of the photographers on this site are phenomenal! All that said, I think I will check out the library and see if they carry BWJ.

I used to pick it up, but it was a little too cerebral for me.

Used to. No more.

Do not

Used to, not anymore.

Same here, used to but not any more. No reason really why I did not renew...I just did not.

I do

I do, and personally, I do not mind the addition of a little more hunt n' fish. It puts everything I like in one mag. The only other magazine I buy is Traditional Bowhunter, another excellent periodical. Both of these mags were pulled off the shelf and read years ago for the first time, and sparked the motivation for pursuing both passions. Just would like to see a little more hunt from outside contributors, if possible. Personally, I think that a canoe country bowhunt in early-mid October would be like heaven on earth. No bugs, no people, fall pattern fishing, colors, solitude, and maybe a deer. OK, I'm in!! Whose with me?

I subscribe. I enjoy reading articles that I otherwise would not have read. (Hunting) I am not a hunter so it is nice to be exposed to things outside of my normal. It is the only publication I subscribe to. I actually enjoy the adds and have sparked some vacation ideas for the future.

I do. I really enjoy the articles and find lots of great tips

I've subscribed for about seven years and just renewed. My uncle gave me all his back issues, evey issue from the beginning. They are fun to read and find articles that have something to do with an upcoming trip. I really like to ready the mid 90's issues and marvel at the exceptional mustaches that fill the pages.

I do get tired of the wet foot/dry foot, dry food/fresh food point counter point articles but take them with a grain of salt, it's better than reading about everybody suing or killing each other in the news papers.

Never subscribed. I've picked it up at the lodge and thumbed through it. I don't hunt or fish and it really seems heavy on that stuff. Don't like the "style" they use for articles either.

I let my subscription lapse a while ago, but this site inspired me to renew it for another three years. Thanks.

Wally13:
It is a niche market magazine and I hope it will stay around.

The internet is having a major impact on newspaper and magazine subscriptions. Experts are predicting that in a few years there will only be as few as 4 or 5 newspapers (USA Today, Wall street Journal, LA Times and NY Times). Local newpapers will go by the wayside. Magazine subscriptions are way down too and we will certainly see fewer magazines available to read. "

I came across this post while looking for back issues of the BWJ. I was just thinking it would be interesting to see what everyone thinks 5 years later. The demise of "newspapers" was maybe off a little bit!?
Personally, I would rather read about Boundary Water Adventures to help plan for the summer. Going for one or two weeks a summer makes it hard to really figure out what you are doing without paying for the lessons. I love reading the trip reports on this website, but I also enjoy getting my BWJ and look forward to reading about all the adventures and advice in them to help with my future trips.
I just upped my subscription and enjoy reading all the articles, because we don't have the time or resources to do everything, but reading about them sure is fun!
I still think of myself as young, but I love have the books and magazines in my hands and making my library that I can go back to for reference.
Anybody else have thoughts on this thread - Subscribe or Don't!

+1 Suscriber.

I read any and every article about fishing and camping in the BWCA/Quetico. This BWCA forum and reading the quarterly Boundary Water Journals are my main sources of information.

I have met Stu Osthoff, the editor of BWJ many times while I have been tripping in Quetico. I also attend his seminars at Copia in Madison WI every spring. He has given me lots of fishing and campsite recommendations that has served me well up in the Q over the years. Yes, Stu is a bit opinionated and has a unique style of trippin’ and you may not agree with his style of tripping but I feel he has a lot to offer those who read his BW Journal.

Not me but I did enjoy reading old issues that MHS67 gave me.

Since my last response I have let my subscription lapse. I’ll just leave it as that.

I subscribe and have for many years. Enjoy it very much.

TomT: "I've been a subscriber for 12 or so years now. One of the best moments of my life was when my wife handed me the winter 2002 issue after she got the mail. She didn't realize that my photo was on the COVER! I nearly fell off my chair when I saw it.


Love the pics and articles. Always something in each magazine that makes the price well worth it.


"

So maybe we should change your handle to Cover Boy.

MagicPaddler: "

TomT: "I've been a subscriber for 12 or so years now. One of the best moments of my life was when my wife handed me the winter 2002 issue after she got the mail. She didn't realize that my photo was on the COVER! I nearly fell off my chair when I saw it.

Love the pics and articles. Always something in each magazine that makes the price well worth it.
"

So maybe we should change your handle to Cover Boy. "

Not. It WAS a very cool moment for me though. The magazine is framed under glass and proudly displayed in our first floor bathroom. I can't believe how heavy I packed for this solo. This is on the Isabella River north of North Bay of Basswood.

And yes, I still subscribe. I look forward to them very much.

Like TomT I have a favorite issue with my picture in it. Spring of 2009 on page 66 I am checking map and compass just before the first lake on Darrel and my bushwhack to McKenzie. I even dig out the issue occasionally and re read The Hard Way To McKenzie. Yes I am still a subscriber.

I have for quite a few years and was lucky enough to acquire a complete set of issues all the way back to the beginning. While I don't take everything Stu writes as gospel I have a ton of respect for a guy who spends that much time in the back country and then turns around and shares his hard earned info with people he'll never meet.

Yes, I've had a subscription for quite a few years, having renewed for a 5-year term a few years ago. I look forward to it, even though I don't fish, which makes about half of it of little interest to me personally.

Was surprised to see my handle again for this thread after about 5 years. I still subscribe.

I am a subscriber. Have been for many years. It will expire summer of 2018 and I won't renew. Seems like they rehash a lot of the same over the years. I don't think I will miss it. Have a good night! Marc

Look forward to the issues, but then again I am biased I’ve written an article before :) I also look forward to articles and pictures published from contributors from this website.

T

I had subscribed from the very first, however, I stopped my subscription with the last issue of 2015. I enjoyed every issue and looked forward to their arrival. However, I got tired of reading the same thing over and over again, written by the same authors. I mentioned that to them too when they called me to ask why I stopped my subscription. I sincerely hope that they can attract new authors, but I'm well aware how hard to do that is. Its still a wonderful read.

I advertised my (mostly complete) set of all issues on Craigslist and a person purchased very quickly. The person drove over a hundred miles to come pick them up and was extremely happy to receive them. So I know they went to a person that will enjoy and cherish them as I had.

It was wonderful to be able to pass them on to a person much younger than myself!!

The Old Thread Bumper strikes again. I don't subscribe, but I do pick one up now and then just to see what I am doing wrong and to enumerate the ways in which I am deluding myself into thinking I am enjoying myself while camping. I suck compared to Stu and am not worthy of his admonishments. Thank you sir may I have another.

Seriously, though, it is a beautiful magazine and word is they pay OK for the articles. I like that there is no website. He is hilarious, though.

Yep
But I have a lot of reservations that others have expressed. Repetition, too much of Stu's other pursuits, same authors, etc. That said, my son and I get a lot of fun nitpicking his arguments with other writers.
Can only hope Stu will read this thread and take some of the hints.

Never thought too much about the redundancy as a problem. When you take anywhere from 8 to 12 major articles per issue for 30 years, you have a need to have some estimated 1200 articles at a minimum. Given the limited geography covered and the generally exclusive nature of the area covered, it is to me remarkable to keep the magazine revenant and interesting. Codoos to BWJ.

As a comparison, I never tire of actually going to the BWCA every year even though what I see and do are by now essentially the same as I have always done there. Albeit slower and not as nearly as aggressive.

I've subscribed since the beginning. It's not "Aged" like a fine wine IMHO, but heck, neither have I. I used to read it cover to cover, but some of the fishing articles are I just can't finish. Too much about "Numbers" and how great a fisherman the author is. I wish I'd kept more of the older issues from the '80's, they were better reading IMHO?

You know, Stu has done a pretty good job over the years with the BWJ. He might get a little full of himself some, but he's made it good and bottom line has lived the typical American dream. He's entertained many people over the years and probably promoted the BWCA as well or better than anyone. His style is his style, like each of us has our ways of doing things. I'll keep subscribing as long as I find it worthwhile. He should be on BWCA.com... maybe he'd learn a thing or two.

For someone who spends the kind of time in canoe country as he says he does, he does seem to be in this rut. But I've seen that in myself too. Both he and Michelle have worked hard for what they have. I wish more young people would think more about a small business of their own. To me, that is more American than getting McDonald's to pay a living wage for thawing out precooked hamburgers.

Stu and Michelle, to me, are good hard working people. I've bought some of their stuff over the years, but the Kondos brand which they promote is not quite as innovative as, say, a better brand of said products we've all come to love and enjoy.

A magazine that only comes out quarterly should be pretty loaded with interesting articles and such, and Stu has done ok there. I'd like to see a canoe tripping magazine that covers a wider range of canoe tripping areas. The BWJ has dabbled in this, but Stu has spent more time trying to be Al Lindner.

I'm a subscriber not because I agree or disagree with stuff in it. I subscribe because it does have value yet and it does promote the BWCA and Quetico better than I ever could on my own.

IMHO Stu is here. If I were him, I would not publicize that possible fact.

I have let my subscription lapse since I've had some surgeries and not been canoe camping. Funny the timing of things in that last weekend I brought up all my old copies of the BWJ from the basement as a winter reading project. Looking forward to them all over again. I admire Stu and Michelle for what they have accomplished with this publication and their other pursuits.

Wally13: "+1 Suscriber.


I read any and every article about fishing and camping in the BWCA/Quetico. This BWCA forum and reading the quarterly Boundary Water Journals are my main sources of information.


I have met Stu Osthoff, the editor of BWJ many times while I have been tripping in Quetico. I also attend his seminars at Copia in Madison WI every spring. He has given me lots of fishing and campsite recommendations that has served me well up in the Q over the years. Yes, Stu is a bit opinionated and has a unique style of trippin’ and you may not agree with his style of tripping but I feel he has a lot to offer those who read his BW Journal."

I subscribe as well.

bwcadan: "IMHO Stu is here. If I were him, I would not publicize that possible fact."

Hahahaha, well if he was... Would he still use a katodine gravity filter. He buys one for each eight day trip... A backflushable Sawyer is good for 100,000 or 1,000,000 gal depending which one you get is one example.

I still subscribe and still have all of my old issues back into the 90s. I really like the smallmouth fishing articles and the excellent poetry when published :) haha

Here is poem from BWJ 1998 Winter..........

Boundary Waters Day


Hazy mist, pale sunrise
Meandering creek, bull moose surprise

Streams drift gentle, waterfalls thunder
Wolves prowl, otters blunder

Pine smell, brown, green
Crystal clear, drinking clean

Long portage, rocks and holes
Hard on the body, good for the soul

Fluffy white, sky blue
Martens chase, eagles flew

Fish on, bronzeback jet
Toothy pike, stringy net

Catch, release, do not take
Lone loon, solitary lake

Deep muscle stroke, kevlar light
White caps roll, wind fight

Force stranded, island paradise
Torn food pack, scraps for mice

Set camp, clothes hang
Walleyes fry, pots bang

Belly full, sunset glow
Stories told, spirits flow

Gather wood, ignite fire
Gaze endless, flames higher

Stars shoot, splash of milkyway
Night dream, boundary waters day

Boundary Boy: "I did but now have fallen off that wagon."

I've fallen off as well.

QueticoMike: "I still subscribe and still have all of my old issues back into the 90s. I really like the smallmouth fishing articles and the excellent poetry when published :) haha


Here is poem from BWJ 1998 Winter..........


Boundary Waters Day



Hazy mist, pale sunrise
Meandering creek, bull moose surprise


Streams drift gentle, waterfalls thunder
Wolves prowl, otters blunder


Pine smell, brown, green
Crystal clear, drinking clean


Long portage, rocks and holes
Hard on the body, good for the soul


Fluffy white, sky blue
Martens chase, eagles flew


Fish on, bronzeback jet
Toothy pike, stringy net


Catch, release, do not take
Lone loon, solitary lake


Deep muscle stroke, kevlar light
White caps roll, wind fight


Force stranded, island paradise
Torn food pack, scraps for mice


Set camp, clothes hang
Walleyes fry, pots bang


Belly full, sunset glow
Stories told, spirits flow


Gather wood, ignite fire
Gaze endless, flames higher


Stars shoot, splash of milkyway
Night dream, boundary waters day
"

There was a great article a few years back about fishing Zulus for smallys---I wish I knew who the author was...lol

I subscribe. I appreciate the photography and I have used Stu to mark maps for a kids fishing trip. EXCELLENT!

my subscription expires spring 19. i will probably end it. i have read over 30 years worth and it is the same old, and should be for an old fart like me who has gone on as many trips as i have, and have read the same articles as i have in the bwj.

it does have it's place, but just not for me anymore. i just received the winter edition, and to me, it is as if i have read those stories before.

good for stu and family for keeping the magazine going. i will have a stack for sale if anyone is interested.

I look forward to it each season. Especially love the pictures. I enjoy everyone’s stories and perspectives. I don’t always agree with the editor’s perspective but at least it gives me an alternative perspective.

I buy it at the magazine store. They carry it here in Davis, CA. Kind of amazing.

The first time I went to the BW, I cold called Stu to ask him about fly fishing. He was eating dinner and said he would call me back in 15 minutes. He called me back and then we talked for half an hour. Seems like a generous guy who loves canoeing and fishing although he does like to do it his way.

Nope, I buy 1 every summer.

I've been reading the latest issue - Winter 2018, and I got to where the Field Editors detail how they prepare for future trips over the winter. Rob Kesselring cracks me up here. He tells of laying out tarps on the living room floor of his house and carrying his canoe inside through the front door. Then he details all the work he does on it.

I'm pretty sure Rob lives in the Twin Cities area and yeah it's cold, but if he's not single he's got one heck of a wife! That's pretty hard core.

TomT:


I'm pretty sure Rob lives in the Twin Cities area and yeah it's cold, but if he's not single he's got one heck of a wife! That's pretty hard core."

He does!

Subscribed since 2009ish. Love the articles and pictures and the ideas for future trips. it probably helps that I appreciate Stu's style of trips to other variations.

Somewhat off-topic: Have y'all noticed Stu'd "endorsement" of the Katadyn Basecamp filter? He says he buys a new filter for every. single. trip. Yikes. Can someone tell him there are some better options out there?!? :)

carmike: "Somewhat off-topic: Have y'all noticed Stu'd "endorsement" of the Katadyn Basecamp filter? He says he buys a new filter for every. single. trip. Yikes. Can someone tell him there are some better options out there?!? :) "

If he would just use cleaner water to filter and clean the filter after each trip he would not need to buy a new filter after each trip.

carmike: "Somewhat off-topic: Have y'all noticed Stu'd "endorsement" of the Katadyn Basecamp filter? He says he buys a new filter for every. single. trip. Yikes. Can someone tell him there are some better options out there?!? :) "

He's got more experience than any of us on here. He runs a business and I'm sure he knows all the options. Gotta respect what he does.

Johnh: "The first time I went to the BW I cold called Stu to ask him about fly fishing. He was eating dinner and said he would call me back in 15 minutes. He called me back and then talked to me for half an hour. "

Now THAT is an impressive testimony!

TomT: "

carmike: "Somewhat off-topic: Have y'all noticed Stu'd "endorsement" of the Katadyn Basecamp filter? He says he buys a new filter for every. single. trip. Yikes. Can someone tell him there are some better options out there?!? :) "

He's got more experience than any of us on here. He runs a business and I'm sure he knows all the options. Gotta respect what he does. "

Yes, I like giving a hard time myself. I'll probably buy a BWJ till I die. I may even send a gift subscription to a son of mine. My only points were he's human like all of us. He's done a great job with his businesses. He promotes the BW well... and he's not perfect like us. Although he's had the perfect job. Haha.

I bet there are few of us who could balance what he does. There are few if any mistakes in his magazines and the photography is pretty darn good. He picks some of the sweetest pictures. Yes, articles can become redundant, but it's canoeing. He's given quite a few people opportunities to feature articles. I was looking forward to another from Bear. Like one he's getting to know Claire, then they are getting closer and just when the story is getting good someone else is featured. Haha. Guess I'll have to go visit and find out myself how he's doing. Haha.

All these people like Stu, Bear, Ted, Kevin, Cliff... we've come to know and love are people just like us. They've put themselves in the spotlight with their respective endeavors and have served us well. They all have worked hard to provide what they figured would better the industry and us... and they have! I also know of many people behind the scenes that do a lot for us all too. Many here on this website. Adam for one has done a superb job here. Then there's the regular guys who come and pull their friends out of a rut and into the woods. The regular folks who share awesome ideas, recipes, equipment ideas and so on.

So I retract any negative things I've maybe said of Stu. Mainly because I respect the man more than that. And maybe have put negative stuff in others heads and such. I'm a tongue-in-cheek kind of guy. Lot's of what I say is off the wall. Who cares about the filter issue? Who cares about someone's way of doing things maybe different than others?

Stu has given us years of good reading... and picture gazing. My hat is off. Wait, I never take my hat off. I'm afraid my head will fall off. Haha. Like how we support each other. I think it's good we support guys like Stu. So if you're sick of reading it yourself, think about the idea of sharing it in the form of a gift subscription to a son, daughter, grandson or daughter, friend or whoever. Kind of a good way for us to promote the area we love when we can't get out there ourselves anymore. Love ya all...

He's done a great job with his businesses. He promotes the Bwca well... And he's not perfect like us. Although he's had the perfect job. Haha. I bet there are few of us who could balance what he does. There are few if any mistakes in his magazines, and the photography is pretty darn good. He picks some of the sweetest pictures. Yes articles can become redundant, but it's canoeing... He's given quite a few people opportunities to feature articles."

Nctry - I love it!
I read the Winter article from Stu's Elk Hunt. I don't think I'll ever go elk hunting, but it was fun to read the story and see how it goes. Also the Montana guy who has beat cancer, what a great uplifting story - coming to the BWCA to ice fish for trout! If I was a hard water fisherman - that sounds like fun!
But like you say, rather than complain that he doesn't cover this or that, submit an article. I was looking on the bwj website, and you can submit an article about what you think is missing - so start typing - if you like reading the BWJ, a business man needs to make a profit, or he will stop doing it! I'd love to see a long story about a trip without fishing - why do people enjoy paddling and camping without catching dinner?

I didn't mean my comments to sound too disrespectful...I just genuinely don't understand why someone would buy a new filter for every trip when there are so many excellent inline filters that work so well.

Either way, I have a subscription and plan to renew it the next time it's up. I've been lucky enough to run into Stu in the Q, and I purchased some maps from him and picked them up at his place south of Ely. Ended up chatting with him and Michelle for an hour or so, and really enjoyed it. I have a ton of respect for him and how he makes a living. And every three months I get antsy waiting for the next issue, even if I have a pretty good idea of what the content will be. :)

carmike: "I didn't mean my comments to sound too disrespectful...I just genuinely don't understand why someone would buy a new filter for every trip when there are so many excellent inline filters that work so well. "

Well, I've tripped with friends whom were anal about maintaining their filters and guess what? They still failed during the trip. One of the reasons I don't bother, but that's another thread.

Since his trips are part of his "business," I suspect he feels that this is what "works" well for him and he doesn't have to worry about any nasty surprises. If he always has a "new" filter, he doesn't have to worry about it going bad when he least expects it. And because of the liability or at least the bad publicity he would get were someone to get sick on one of his trips....

That is what I suspect is going through his mind.

ozarkpaddler: "

carmike: "I didn't mean my comments to sound too disrespectful...I just genuinely don't understand why someone would buy a new filter for every trip when there are so many excellent inline filters that work so well. "

If he always has a "new" filter, he doesn't have to worry about it going bad when he least expects it. And because of the liability or at least the bad publicity he would get were someone to get sick on one of his trips....

That is what I suspect is going through his mind.
"

My thought exactly. This guy has done the research and probably why those clog so easily is that it is a good filter. It works and does what it says it will. If someone came down with giardia after his trips it would be very very bad. Kudos to him for taking care of all the equipment and being prepared.

Northwoodsman: "I do and keep a gift subscription up for my brother as well. I really enjoy reading it down here in TX and dreaming about the next trip."

This could be why we are cold right now.

I subscribe here in Austin and maintain a gift for my brother In Milwaukee and brother in law in Charlotte.

I subscribe. JG

TomT: "

ozarkpaddler: "

carmike: "I didn't mean my comments to sound too disrespectful...I just genuinely don't understand why someone would buy a new filter for every trip when there are so many excellent inline filters that work so well. "

If he always has a "new" filter, he doesn't have to worry about it going bad when he least expects it. And because of the liability or at least the bad publicity he would get were someone to get sick on one of his trips....


That is what I suspect is going through his mind.
"

My thought exactly. This guy has done the research and probably why those clog so easily is that it is a good filter. It works and does what it says it will. If someone came down with giardia after his trips it would be very very bad. Kudos to him for taking care of all the equipment and being prepared.



"

This is tongue in cheek... But we haven't done our research? I think cotton jeans, katodine filters, and heavy fresh foods when traveling any distance all have extremely greater options. Boy, I avoided his services because it always appeared he hasn't weighed his options. Never wanted to be the sucker carrying his food. Haha. That said, I respect his style for him. That's how he rolls... And he's found success. I hope he always keeps his eye for good photography and penmanship. His diversity in articles is improving in my opinion and sticking with the bwca. Rolling with the tides like winter camping. There is not another magazine that covers the Bwca like he does. I find the current issues are improving in a lot of ways. Love hearing some of the testimonials here too. His "contributors" one of who works in the dental office I frequent is huge in bringing people to canoe country. There is a certain amount of expertise in these people also. That feature alone is very good for the newbies to weigh in on how they might travel. I hope any criticism IS taken tongue in cheek. I think it has been and personally it's lead to improvements.

nctry: "

TomT: "

ozarkpaddler: "

carmike: "I didn't mean my comments to sound too disrespectful...I just genuinely don't understand why someone would buy a new filter for every trip when there are so many excellent inline filters that work so well. "

If he always has a "new" filter, he doesn't have to worry about it going bad when he least expects it. And because of the liability or at least the bad publicity he would get were someone to get sick on one of his trips....
That is what I suspect is going through his mind.
"

My thought exactly. This guy has done the research and probably why those clog so easily is that it is a good filter. It works and does what it says it will. If someone came down with giardia after his trips it would be very very bad. Kudos to him for taking care of all the equipment and being prepared.
"

This is tongue in cheek... But we haven't done our research? I think cotton jeans, katodine filters, and heavy fresh foods when traveling any distance all have extremely greater options. Boy, I avoided his services because it always appeared he hasn't weighed his options. Never wanted to be the sucker carrying his food. Haha. That said, I respect his style for him. That's how he rolls... And he's found success. I hope he always keeps his eye for good photography and penmanship. His diversity in articles is improving in my opinion and sticking with the bwca. Rolling with the tides like winter camping. There is not another magazine that covers the Bwca like he does. I find the current issues are improving in a lot of ways. Love hearing some of the testimonials here too. His "contributors" one of who works in the dental office I frequent is huge in bringing people to canoe country. There is a certain amount of expertise in these people also. That feature alone is very good for the newbies to weigh in on how they might travel. I hope any criticism IS taken tongue in cheek. I think it has been and personally it's lead to improvements."

Heheheh, Ben, I know the cotton jeans always gets me too, but I HAVE done that. Not since the '70's but...... I know he likes baseball, maybe I should send him a "Tip?" I used to paddle in my old wool baseball pants. Pull 'em up when you get out of the boat or when it's warm and pull 'em down if it's chilly. Worked for a lot of years for me until someone invented nylon paddling pants.

Here you go, upgrade from cotton jeans circa late '70's. I just noticed I'm also wearing a WATCH. You'all know I don't do THAT anymore either:

Hey Ozark, I thought that I was looking at a picture of the kid from Stranger Things.

Hey, Ozark-

I've wondered if wool golf knickers would make good BW tripping wear in Sept.. They'd be pretty similar to the baseball pants, I guess. What did you not like about them that made you switch to the nylon pants?

I never understood the jeans thing. I think he's changed that style over the last few years. He also brings fresh milk and cereal. I don't get that either. Something tells me it won't be long before he's hiring college kids to perform like sherpas on his guiding trips. The guy is 60 now. He's not a big guy either, just a tough as nails dude who doesn't compromise.

Campcraft: "Hey Ozark, I thought that I was looking at a picture of the kid from Stranger Things."

I just googled that and it IS freaky (LOL)! As a girlfriend once told me, I kinda had the "Bozo" the clown thing going on back then just like my nephew does now. Funny thing is one has my exact personality and the other looks just like me when I was younger.






I think the way my respiratory meds have me "Buzzing" awake for 20 hrs a day, I may have be posting at a pace almost worthy of 'ol Kanoes (LOL)!

boonie: "Hey, Ozark-


I've wondered if wool golf knickers would make good BW tripping wear in Sept.. They'd be pretty similar to the baseball pants, I guess. What did you not like about them that made you switch to the nylon pants? "

Boonie, I think they would work great? I quit wearing them because they all became too threadbare and by then baseball pants were no longer wool. As I priced wool knickers, they were "Pricier" than nylon so.... But, as a matter of fact, I have had elastic sewn into my Piragis paddler's pants. Let's see. Well, I went and took a picture:

I subscribe. Helps me deal with my months-long longing for the next trip.

Absolutely--just to follow Stu and Michele--what a life they're living.