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09/22/2016 09:46AM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
We were coming out of Cherokee and were at the end of the portage into Sitka on 9/7 when a young man came rolling up in a kayak and jumped out barefooted. I asked where he was coming from and struck up a conversation. Matt had been out since May 2. He said he had come out for one night on the first of September and went back in the following day. His plan was to be out for 2 more weeks and then call it a season. It was a great conversation and I admired him for taking the opportunity to spend that much time out in woods. Didn't think to ask what he did for a living, but not really any of my business at the end of the day anyway.

I'm assuming he's coming out this week sometime.

Oh, and the only bear troubles he'd had was one night in May at a site on Knife. Said he chased a bear off the site twice during the night and one more time that morning before deciding it was the bear who was doing the chasing off the site.
 
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smoke11
distinguished member (248)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
09/22/2016 10:18AM  
I saw the same guy on a portage going into Hudson on June 4th and talked to him for a minute. Glad to hear is still doing ok.
 
09/22/2016 11:06AM  
Seen him at the end of May at Prairie Portage with his Kayak. Very friendly and I in my solo, we paddled along side each other for a couple miles until I turned north in Bailey bay. he was heading toward U.S. point Basswood.
Very friendly and nice. We had a great conversation and I could of paddled with him all day. He does a little fishing to eat, a occasional red squirrel or so. No rabbits. Loves catching lake trout. Picks blueberries.

I know sometime in June his Mom and friends were going to meet him and resupply him with food. I think in the May 2 entry he came back out after a month for just a few days. Tries to stay in touch with his Mom as much as he can so she doesn't worry to much.That trip in the spring he was in the Knife-Hansen area I believe.

Last year he spent much of the summer 2015 in the BWCA also.

I asked him how about winter camping. He said no he really had not or so little for he has to work and make some money than. I think he works hard than to catch up.
 
09/22/2016 02:15PM  
Very friendly is a great description. I really enjoyed talking with him. I asked him about his favorite way to fix lake trout and he reached into his yak and pulled out a stainless steel rod that he used to skewer them and smoke them over a fire. Said it was like eating smoked salmon.

I thought it sounded he was catching resupplies from friends who were meeting him at predetermined locations and times.
 
09/22/2016 07:20PM  
I wasn't going to say anything about him to respect his privacy, but I had about a 45 minute conversation at a campsite I was staying at on Sunday, 9-11-16 in the afternoon, on the far west end of Gaskin. Super nice guy, and yes, he said he does not wear shoes, and does shoot squirrels and grouse for food. I was going to the shore at my site to get some water, and he just happened to be right by the shore. I gave him one of my cheap cigars during our conversation, which he enjoyed. He complained about the high price of cigarettes in Chicago (go figure).

By the way - he told me his name was Mark. I confirmed that right as he left my area, so I don't think his name is "Matt".

He said he goes into the BWCA every year for about 4 months straight, resupplying every month with wild rice and pasta. He said he eats squirrel, grouse, and walleye. Doesn't like to eat smallies. I believe that as of about 9-16-16 or so, he was pretty much done with the summer and he would go back home to central Minnesota to do some odd-job welding, which he does in the winter. He told me the name of the town he lives in during the winter, but I'll keep that to myself.

I asked him if he is on bwca.com, and he said he has a login, but he only rarely visits.

He really has his act together, and is a really great spirit. I'd love to meet up with him again sometime.

When I first saw him, I thought, "uh-oh", could this be the "Aaron person" that I've heard about? No worries with Mark. Good guy.

Tomster
 
09/22/2016 08:08PM  
By the way - I asked Mark about the portage from Cherokee to Ranger Lake on the west side of Cherokee, as he said he liked to travel (bushwack) to hard to get to lakes. He said that he found the start of the portage from Cherokee, but only was able to go about 100 feet or so, and then it was a total bushwack, so he gave up. The portage does appear on most maps, but it is toast these days, and not maintained.

Tomster
 
Jackfish
Moderator
  
09/22/2016 08:42PM  
No shoes... wow. I can't even imagine that...

Good for him on being able to spend so much time in the BW though. Pretty lucky to have the time.
 
09/22/2016 08:48PM  
quote quark2222: "By the way - I asked Mark about the portage from Cherokee to Ranger Lake on the west side of Cherokee, as he said he liked to travel (bushwack) to hard to get to lakes. He said that he found the start of the portage from Cherokee, but only was able to go about 100 feet or so, and then it was a total bushwack, so he gave up. The portage does appear on most maps, but it is toast these days, and not maintained.


Tomster"


He was real excited to explore new areas.
 
09/23/2016 10:06PM  
My feet began to hurt just reading about shoeless Mark.
 
ozarkpaddler
distinguished member(5163)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberpower member
  
09/23/2016 10:56PM  
quote bwcadan: "My feet began to hurt just reading about shoeless Mark."


Mine too!
 
09/23/2016 11:01PM  
quote ozarkpaddler: "
quote bwcadan: "My feet began to hurt just reading about shoeless Mark."



Mine too!"


Had neighbor kids when I was small ran barefoot all summer because they wanted to. Your feet get pretty callus after awhile.
No I got tender feet and my front lawn is about the only bare footing I do.

I can't remember at the end of May when I met him if he was barefoot or not? It just doesn't stick out when we were on land at Prairie Portage
 
mutz
distinguished member(1267)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
09/24/2016 09:56PM  
Not sure about Minnesota but in Michigan squirrel and grouse season doesn't
Open until the middle of September how does he shoot them throughout the summer to eat?
 
09/25/2016 08:08AM  
He told me he was shooting red squirrels and that is all. Seasons open year around on them.
 
ellahallely
distinguished member(844)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
09/25/2016 10:06AM  
quote mutz: "Not sure about Minnesota but in Michigan squirrel and grouse season doesn't
Open until the middle of September how does he shoot them throughout the summer to eat? "
Same with Minnesota, grouse opens sept 17 th. I think. Poster said they talked on the 11th. Seems many visitors make their own rules these days.
 
09/25/2016 03:54PM  
quote ellahallely: "
quote mutz: "Not sure about Minnesota but in Michigan squirrel and grouse season doesn't
Open until the middle of September how does he shoot them throughout the summer to eat? "
Same with Minnesota, grouse opens sept 17 th. I think. Poster said they talked on the 11th. Seems many visitors make their own rules these days."


I believe he said that he shot grouse early in his trip, which would have put that time in the May to early June period. When does grouse season end? Seemed like a really good guy that is not one who would abuse the rules. He was all about being in sync with the BWCA woods and all it has to offer spiritually and otherwise.

Tomster
 
09/25/2016 04:24PM  
quote quark2222: "
quote ellahallely: "
quote mutz: "Not sure about Minnesota but in Michigan squirrel and grouse season doesn't
Open until the middle of September how does he shoot them throughout the summer to eat? "
Same with Minnesota, grouse opens sept 17 th. I think. Poster said they talked on the 11th. Seems many visitors make their own rules these days."



I believe he said that he shot grouse early in his trip, which would have put that time in the May to early June period. When does grouse season end? Seemed like a really good guy that is not one who would abuse the rules. He was all about being in sync with the BWCA woods and all it has to offer spiritually and otherwise.


Tomster"
I know he was not shooting snowshoe hares when it was closed,Also I seen him about June 1,at that time he said he only shot red squirrels with his 22 caliber pistol or rifle.
 
Grouseguy1
distinguished member (472)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
09/25/2016 08:04PM  
Grouse season is CLOSED from January 1-Mid September. Same with squirrel. Was this guy poaching?
 
09/25/2016 08:07PM  
quote Grouseguy1: "Grouse season is CLOSED from January 1-Mid September. Same with squirrel. Was this guy poaching? "


I don't know if he was poaching or not. He was doing a subsistence lifestyle. Didn't really bother me. Grouse are nice to see, but if he nailed a few out of season, I'm not really concerned about it. He would have to be a great shot to nail a grouse with a .22 handgun.

What is, is, as far as I'm concerned. Not trying to start anything about whether it is right or wrong. I think he mostly ate squirrels and pasta, and maybe a grouse. If you can find him, ask him.

Tomster
 
09/25/2016 08:09PM  
quote Grouseguy1: "Grouse season is CLOSED from January 1-Mid September. Same with squirrel. Was this guy poaching? "


Red squirrel has no season,it is open year around. We have a season on grey and fox squirrel in this state. None of those two species is found in the BWCA or anywhere close.
 
Grouseguy1
distinguished member (472)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
09/25/2016 09:33PM  
quote Pinetree: "
quote Grouseguy1: "Grouse season is CLOSED from January 1-Mid September. Same with squirrel. Was this guy poaching? "



Red squirrel has no season,it is open year around. We have a season on grey and fox squirrel in this state. None of those two species is found in the BWCA or anywhere close."


and the grouse?
 
Grouseguy1
distinguished member (472)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
09/25/2016 09:33PM  
quote Pinetree: "
quote Grouseguy1: "Grouse season is CLOSED from January 1-Mid September. Same with squirrel. Was this guy poaching? "



Red squirrel has no season,it is open year around. We have a season on grey and fox squirrel in this state. None of those two species is found in the BWCA or anywhere close."


and the grouse?
 
09/25/2016 09:46PM  
quote Grouseguy1: "
quote Pinetree: "
quote Grouseguy1: "Grouse season is CLOSED from January 1-Mid September. Same with squirrel. Was this guy poaching? "




Red squirrel has no season,it is open year around. We have a season on grey and fox squirrel in this state. None of those two species is found in the BWCA or anywhere close."



and the grouse? "
Grouse is closed.
 
ellahallely
distinguished member(844)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
09/26/2016 05:04AM  
I have no time for poachers, period!! Have turned one in in the past.
More picking and choose the laws that are ok for bwca travelers to break.
turn in poachers
 
MikeinMpls
distinguished member(1338)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
09/26/2016 08:28AM  
quote ellahallely: "I have no time for poachers, period!! Have turned one in in the past.
More picking and choose the laws that are ok for bwca travelers to break.
turn in poachers "


I agree. He said he was shooting grouse. The grouse season is not open. I don't care if it's subsistence or not, it's out of season, illegal and poaching. Calling it "subsistence" (unless he is in an emergency) matters not at all. That there might be a lot of grouse and somebody wouldn't miss a few matters none.

Mike in Minneapolis
 
Savage Voyageur
distinguished member(14414)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished membermaster membermaster member
  
09/26/2016 08:42AM  
I have no problem with someone spending time in the BWCA all summer long.

But there are some questions I would like answered. I read he was resupplied by his Mom. Did he exit and get food and supplies then go back in on the same permit? Does he have a fishing license with a trout stamp? Does he have a small game license to take Grouse and Squirrels? If he had a small game license he would know he can't shoot them at this time of the year. Now let's talk about the pistol. This would be the last weapon I would choose to hunt with. How many wounded animals did he leave in the woods. No way can you get a clean kill shot with a pistol. People like this that have no regard for any laws need to be shown the door with a citation in hand.
 
09/26/2016 08:59AM  
I can only answer what he said about June 1. His Mom resupplies him and meets him inside the BWCA. For red squirrels you don't need a license. he had a 22(rifle or pistol I have no idea).
He told me had not shot any rabbits in May,just red squirrels. Later on I have no idea. He told me he likes fish and said 1 fish lasts him quite awhile.

He also said he was checked various times by the BWCA rangers and they got along real good.
 
09/27/2016 11:56AM  
Sorry I outed the guy.
 
09/28/2016 07:29AM  
quote hooky: "Sorry I outed the guy."


Ditto that.

Tomster
 
HoosierPaddler
member (6)member
  
09/28/2016 07:34PM  
quote hooky: "We were coming out of Cherokee and were at the end of the portage into Sitka on 9/7 when a young man came rolling up in a kayak and jumped out barefooted. I asked where he was coming from and struck up a conversation. Matt had been out since May 2. He said he had come out for one night on the first of September and went back in the following day. His plan was to be out for 2 more weeks and then call it a season. It was a great conversation and I admired him for taking the opportunity to spend that much time out in woods. Didn't think to ask what he did for a living, but not really any of my business at the end of the day anyway.

I'm assuming he's coming out this week sometime.

Oh, and the only bear troubles he'd had was one night in May at a site on Knife. Said he chased a bear off the site twice during the night and one more time that morning before deciding it was the bear who was doing the chasing off the site."


My wife and I also met Mr. Zimmer on 9/7 at the North Temperance to Sitka portage, we found him to be a very nice and interesting guy. I can only admire someone with such a deep appreciation for the wilderness, and to be able to spend that much time alone.
 
09/28/2016 08:14PM  
quote HoosierPaddler: "
quote hooky: "We were coming out of Cherokee and were at the end of the portage into Sitka on 9/7 when a young man came rolling up in a kayak and jumped out barefooted. I asked where he was coming from and struck up a conversation. Matt had been out since May 2. He said he had come out for one night on the first of September and went back in the following day. His plan was to be out for 2 more weeks and then call it a season. It was a great conversation and I admired him for taking the opportunity to spend that much time out in woods. Didn't think to ask what he did for a living, but not really any of my business at the end of the day anyway.


I'm assuming he's coming out this week sometime.


Oh, and the only bear troubles he'd had was one night in May at a site on Knife. Said he chased a bear off the site twice during the night and one more time that morning before deciding it was the bear who was doing the chasing off the site."



My wife and I also met Mr. Zimmer on 9/7 at the North Temperance to Sitka portage, we found him to be a very nice and interesting guy. I can only admire someone with such a deep appreciation for the wilderness, and to be able to spend that much time alone."


Like I said before I was impressed by him and was a good intelligent person. He also told me by doing what he is doing has helped him mature as a individual this last year.
 
Solotripper
  
09/28/2016 09:29PM  
Hey everyone. It's Mark.

I really liked meeting all of you this summer. I get super lonely and your conversations were all extremely meaningful to me. I'm glad I was able to interest you enough to make this thread about me. That's pretty cool.

Crazy how this thread turned from being about something cool that I do, into people worrying about every step I take. That is part of the reason I choose to spend lots of time alone. Sometimes its more enjoyable to just relax and not worry about every aspect of life. That being said - I am not poaching grouse or rabbits, or any other game. No need to worry about that. I have a trout stamp. Not that any of this is anyone's business besides my own. And by the way, red squirrels are like eating a large mouse so I'm not actively going out of my way to eat the things. I know my body and I know what it's like to be extremely hungry and go without food. If I truly feel that my body is short of protein then I will explore the option of taking game. It's just a part of life. Sorry that I had to go there but I feel it was forced on me.

Anyway, recently I made a simple pamphlet with some of the bwca's edible wild plants. It's free of charge and available to download on a website I made at zimmerpamphlets.weebly.com. I also emailed the people who run this site but I'm not sure if they will make the pamphlet available here. Also, I have some YouTube videos. Just search for Zimmer pamphlets. Not all of the videos will be 100 percent perfect. I made one called BWCA 2016 that has 25 different lakes all in a 3 minute video. I think it's kinda awesome. :) The pamphlet is kind of basic but the information is good and I made it as a gift for all of you. Please appreciate it. I don't make money of my site so there isn't ads or other nonsense. The pamphlet is on the home page so you don't even need to explore my site if you don't want to.

I'll try to keep up on this thread if any of you have any questions or comments for me.
-Mark Zimmer
 
09/28/2016 10:33PM  
Welcome back and hope to paddle along side of you in the waterways again before we go our own way.. Enjoyed the chat and exchange of information I had with you as you headed for Basswood and I headed toward Burke lake in early June.

Its nice to get away from much that goes on outside the BWCA. That is why many of us love going inside the BWCA. Coming out you learned you missed not much,but gained a lot while inside.
 
09/28/2016 11:40PM  
 
09/29/2016 11:11AM  
Welcome back, Mark. I really enjoyed the conversation and I'm anxious to try the steel rod smoked trout.

Sorry I got your name wrong. :)
 
Oneforthought
  
04/07/2018 12:39PM  
Ive known shoeless mark for 14 years now and he is a weirdo=) and her skilled guy he can do it all... Its true he does it barefoot for 2 years now and he is going out there for 6 months this year =)
 
analyzer
distinguished member(2162)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/08/2018 12:04PM  
I would very much like to spend an entire summer in the boundary waters/quetico. Perhaps if I am still in shape when/if I retire, I can still make that happen. The idea of getting "off the grid" for an extended period of time, is very appealing to me.

To be twenty again....
 
Duluthian
senior member (51)senior membersenior member
  
04/11/2018 03:24PM  
Very cool story.

How about an apology from all the people who jumped to conclusions, without having any first hand information or facts, and were ready to burn the guy at the stakes? Jiminy Christmas! I'm talking to you Ellahallely, MikeinMpls, Grouseguy1 and mutz. Get all the facts before you grab your pitchforks next time. Hearsay isn't facts.
 
04/11/2018 04:41PM  
Yeah well, it just doesn’t pay to be a nice guy. If you are a good guy, better than most, there will always be people looking to bring you down.
Nice story. At least one person knows the difference between being alive and living.
 
Moss Tent
Guest Paddler
  
04/12/2018 06:35AM  
Hey Mark if you’re still on the board...how did you adapt to the bugs?

Did they leave you alone once you were no longer an exotic delicacy?
 
slewison
member (11)member
  
04/18/2018 08:55PM  
I’ve been having serious BDub fever the past few weeks. Spending evenings plotting and planning our trip in early June, looking at maps and noting the good sites on each lake. Meal planning, replanning, looking at recipes we’d never make.

I am also relentless about telling my paddling partner (aka husband) that I want to go on a long adventure in the BW. Like for a month. I’m obsessed. The idea of going off the grid for an extended period of time holds a strong allure for me. A quest to find a deeper connection in nature and with nature. *sigh* yep...that’s what I dream about.

No doubt...we WILL do an adventure. I find a lot of inspiration in people like Mark who are drawn to their own path in life, and to do it with a generous spirit, sharing bits of themselves with people they meet along the journey. That’s the way I want to roll. For a month.
 
04/19/2018 04:21AM  
slewison: "I’ve been having serious BDub fever the past few weeks. Spending evenings plotting and planning our trip in early June, looking at maps and noting the good sites on each lake. Meal planning, replanning, looking at recipes we’d never make.


I am also relentless about telling my paddling partner (aka husband) that I want to go on a long adventure in the BW. Like for a month. I’m obsessed. The idea of going off the grid for an extended period of time holds a strong allure for me. A quest to find a deeper connection in nature and with nature. *sigh* yep...that’s what I dream about.


No doubt...we WILL do an adventure. I find a lot of inspiration in people like Mark who are drawn to their own path in life, and to do it with a generous spirit, sharing bits of themselves with people they meet along the journey. That’s the way I want to roll. For a month. "





Having done extended trips I can hear ya on your passion to do such a trip. I'm glad I did mine when I did. You take what you can until your paddling partner can do it with you. Mine was my dog... They can get away easier... Haha. In the meantime, you can plan what you might bring for food etc. I don't know your experience, but I'd for one get your husband on the same page. Thirty days may be a stretch for many people. There are other women on the website here that may have the same ideas. But I'll say, familiarize yourself with an area or areas on maps. When you go, go with the idea you are going at your pace. Play with cooking options like reflector oven or outback oven if that's your thing. Upgrade equipment with this trip in mind. Many things can get you through until the big trip can happen. Only caution is don't let a passion of this nature get between you and your spouse. Hopefully he shares the same thoughts and this trip happens. Tell him, hey... it's only thirty days, not a year. Good luck!
 
Papa09
distinguished member (188)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/19/2018 10:20AM  
Duluthian: "Very cool story.


How about an apology from all the people who jumped to conclusions, without having any first hand information or facts, and were ready to burn the guy at the stakes? Jiminy Christmas! I'm talking to you Ellahallely, MikeinMpls, Grouseguy1 and mutz. Get all the facts before you grab your pitchforks next time. Hearsay isn't facts. "



Agreed, police yourself as Mark does!
 
MikeinMpls
distinguished member(1338)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/19/2018 03:46PM  
Duluthian: "Very cool story.


How about an apology from all the people who jumped to conclusions, without having any first hand information or facts, and were ready to burn the guy at the stakes? Jiminy Christmas! I'm talking to you Ellahallely, MikeinMpls, Grouseguy1 and mutz. Get all the facts before you grab your pitchforks next time. Hearsay isn't facts. "


Whatever.

If you read my comment carefully, I was replying to quark2222's post, which summarized a September 11, 2016 conversation quark2222 personally had with Mr. Mark. According to quark2222's personal verbal interaction with him, Mr. Mark told him he shot grouse. Can't get much clearer than that. My comments were based on quark2222's conversation with the guy, for crissakes. Perhaps I was to not believe quark2222's post, lest I jump to conclusions? I posted with the information I had at the time. Now that Mark contradicts himself, am I to print a retraction?

Relax.

Mike
 
04/19/2018 04:43PM  
Whatever. Save the retraction and get a life.
 
brantlars
distinguished member(557)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/19/2018 08:00PM  
MikeinMpls: "
Duluthian: "Very cool story.



How about an apology from all the people who jumped to conclusions, without having any first hand information or facts, and were ready to burn the guy at the stakes? Jiminy Christmas! I'm talking to you Ellahallely, MikeinMpls, Grouseguy1 and mutz. Get all the facts before you grab your pitchforks next time. Hearsay isn't facts. "



Whatever.


If you read my comment carefully, I was replying to quark2222's post, which summarized a September 11, 2016 conversation quark2222 personally had with Mr. Mark. According to quark2222's personal verbal interaction with him, Mr. Mark told him he shot grouse. Can't get much clearer than that. My comments were based on quark2222's conversation with the guy, for crissakes. Perhaps I was to not believe quark2222's post, lest I jump to conclusions? I posted with the information I had at the time. Now that

Someone else said he was shooting grouse....on the internet. ..so that must be true..right?...watch your own bobber dude
 
MikeinMpls
distinguished member(1338)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/20/2018 03:15PM  
brantlars: "
MikeinMpls: "
Duluthian: "Very cool story.



How about an apology from all the people who jumped to conclusions, without having any first hand information or facts, and were ready to burn the guy at the stakes? Jiminy Christmas! I'm talking to you Ellahallely, MikeinMpls, Grouseguy1 and mutz. Get all the facts before you grab your pitchforks next time. Hearsay isn't facts. "




Whatever.



If you read my comment carefully, I was replying to quark2222's post, which summarized a September 11, 2016 conversation quark2222 personally had with Mr. Mark. According to quark2222's personal verbal interaction with him, Mr. Mark told him he shot grouse. Can't get much clearer than that. My comments were based on quark2222's conversation with the guy, for crissakes. Perhaps I was to not believe quark2222's post, lest I jump to conclusions? I posted with the information I had at the time. Now that


Someone else said he was shooting grouse....on the internet. ..so that must be true..right?...watch your own bobber dude"


 
MikeinMpls
distinguished member(1338)distinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished memberdistinguished member
  
04/20/2018 03:25PM  
So lemme get this straight: I did something wrong because I didn't check to see if quark2222's information was correct? I did something wrong because I didn't actually confirm that quark2222 actually spoke with Mark and that Mark told quark what quark claimed he did? I didn't check my sources?


It's a message board. It's where people comment on other people's comments. People make comments about things that might later be found incorrect all the time. That said, I commented on a comment that was later (after my comment) found to be inaccurate. Your bitch should be with quark2222 who apparently reported inaccurate information. Listen, Woodward and Bernstein, if this is what you gotta do to make yourself feel better, than I feel bad for you. Fu%$ing pathetic.


Mike
 
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