Thanks to Tom and bojibob for the great compilation. I have everything checked off and permits/license/etc in my trip folder.
I will not be using an outfitter this trip. I am going in via Prairie Portage and Carp and exiting via Basswood coming out of Agnes.
One question regarding day use permits for return. I presume when I get the one for entry I actually get two; complete one for the entry and put it in the box. Do I also fill out the return day use permit at that time or take it with me and then fill it out when I do return? Where do I put it?
Thanks

PS three weeks from this morning breakfast will be somewhere along the man chain.

You can mail them in so have one filled out for each way - in and out - and mail them after.

quote billconner: "You can mail them in so have one filled out for each way - in and out - and mail them after."

Not anymore. There is a bold sentence written in red on the back of self-issued permits " DO NOT MAIL" It goes on to say something like, drop it off at a USFS ranger station or put it in the drop box at the entry.

That's a change then yes? Can you drop it in the box after, like you could mail it after? Or if you know date, in advance? Or get an outfitter or someone to drop it in a box on pre-arranged date?

Our outfitter suggested to have it, and if you are not stopped anbd asked for it, don't worry about getting it to USFS. I know it messes up the data a little and should submit.

I have some blank day use permits sitting around and just looked. Sure enough, they say "DO NOT MAIL." They want you to drop in the entry box or at a ranger station. That is a change from the past (not sure when it occurred), but it doesn't really impact the answer to your question.

You can do it two ways: (1) The way you describe, bhouse, which is to fill out both day use permits (for entry and exit) and stuff the FS's copy for both in the box at the beginning of the trip. (2) Alternatively, I prefer only filling out the entry permit at the start, and taking a blank day use permit along with me to fill out when I actually exit. The reason is that I might have a change of plans that results in exiting on a different date. I don't think it's a big deal, but that's how I do it. If you do it my way, you can drop the FS's copy of the exit permit in the box at the EP when you get back there.

Thanks.

My thoughts followed HoHo's input. It is good to get things straight before the departure. I will carry the second along in case there is a change in exit date. I plan on getting out early enough to drop at the ranger station on exit or will stuff the box...just see how I feel when the time comes.

Nice theme for the trip...just see how I feel when the time comes.

quote Ho Ho: "
I have some blank day use permits sitting around and just looked. Sure enough, they say "DO NOT MAIL." They want you to drop in the entry box or at a ranger station. That is a change from the past (not sure when it occurred), but it doesn't really impact the answer to your question.


You can do it two ways: (1) The way you describe, bhouse, which is to fill out both day use permits (for entry and exit) and stuff the FS's copy for both in the box at the beginning of the trip. (2) Alternatively, I prefer only filling out the entry permit at the start, and taking a blank day use permit along with me to fill out when I actually exit. The reason is that I might have a change of plans that results in exiting on a different date. I don't think it's a big deal, but that's how I do it. If you do it my way, you can drop the FS's copy of the exit permit in the box at the EP when you get back there.


"

I do exactly like you do,sometimes coming back from Prairie Portage I dropped it off at the exit box,or I have filled one after the fact coming out of Canada and got the day permit form at the landing at Moose lake landing filled it out and put in into the box. It would be more proper to do as HO HO said and have one on hand.
Day use permits are used to obtain data on recreational use and could be used to check on day users who went in and have not come back out-so it is a healthy safety feature also.

quote bhouse46: "Thanks.

Nice theme for the trip...just see how I feel when the time comes."

I like that too. Another one I use is "Embrace the elements". It sort of helps when your paddling in the rain,... or wind...or.

Have a great trip. I like the "take it as it comes" philosophy.

PS - In my excitement, I have forgotten to fill out day-use permits on occasion before leaving from Moose Lake. I have filled them out (for both directions) when I got back at the end of the trip and stuck them in the box. I think the FS can make more intelligent decisions (can - not necessarily will) if it has accurate data on how many people are using the lakes. It's better to have the permit with you though, so if you get checked, you don't have to hope for the LEO to accept your explanation.