A group of buddies and I have began an annual tradition of going to the BWCA each year. This year we had a bunch of guys who said they wanted to come too. So in order to introduce eight new guys to the BWCA we came up with a plan.

We can only go for 7 days total because of work and family conflicts. So we decided to chop our 7 days into two 3 1/2 day trips. We have 4 guys driving up on the 4th day to swap spots with 4 others who will be headed home and then we will be going in a different entry point nearby.

My question is this: For the second half of our trip do we need to go to a ranger station or other permit station? Or can we pick up both permits the day we go in for our first 3 1/2 day trip?

you should need to get your new permit the day before or the day of heading into your new EP. generally, permits can only be picked up 24 hrs. in advance.

because you're bringing newbies, i would think you'd want them to get the education from the USFS when they issue your permit.

Just list the second group as alternate trip leaders and they can pick it up.

Possible to set up camp near an entry point / outfitter (one lake deep) and have the four newbies paddle out and meet the other four newbies coming in on their own permit? Take the canoes from the other guys and shove off to meet you. That way, you and the regular crew that stays in on the first permit don't have to mess with coming out and paying for a second permit. Maybe some more seasoned BW travelers will let you know if this is a possibility.

First permit: Regular crew (4?) + 4 newbies for 7 days, second permit: 4 people / 4 days. If you leave the BW border to paddle to an outfitter or entry, I think you'd technically need to have the second permit for eight people. Not a big diff in cost either way.

Easiest to just have two permits and treat like two groups/two trips.

In any case the second week folks have to be on a separate permit - all must enter on entry date of permit.

As long as the leader stays in, and anyone else can leave without the permit becoming in valid. The named leader leaves and the permit becomes invalid.

Bumstead's comment to use a lake/campsite close to the entry as a - switch over lake could work out well. This might be confusing but a ranger told us how to do this.
First of all, Bill Connor is right - If the designated trip leader leaves, the permit is void!! The leader must be a consistent person for the entire trip.

You could make a switch of people at a landing where 3 leave, leader stays in BWCA, 3 come back in on a day permit until they meet up with the leader on that same day. They then take the places of the other 3 on the permit.
But, the best would be to just get a second permit. An outfitter near your entry/exit might be the best.

Just list the other three guys as alternative leaders when you reserve the 2nd permit and have them pick it up on the way in to meet you.

it sounds like you're also using a different entry point than your first trip, so it would seem logical you would exit the BW anyway so you can get to the other entry point. two permits.

quote Mocha: "it sounds like you're also using a different entry point than your first trip, so it would seem logical you would exit the BW anyway so you can get to the other entry point. two permits."

I think this makes the most sense.

I'm fairly sure you will need 2 permits, separate permit for each group.
BWCAW Rules and Regulations

Call a ranger station for clarification. Get name of the consulting ranger for reference.

butthead

quote billconner: "Easiest to just have two permits and treat like two groups/two trips.


In any case the second week folks have to be on a separate permit - all must enter on entry date of permit.


As long as the leader stays in, and anyone else can leave without the permit becoming in valid. The named leader leaves and the permit becomes invalid.


"

+1.

You can only pick up your permit on the day of entry or the day before, so you won't be able to pick up both at once. As mentioned above though, you can have the second group coming in pick it up on their way to meet you if you don't want to go all the way out to a ranger station or outfitter to get the second permit.

Personally I'd be all for 3 days in, go out for a burger with extra cheese and fries, pick up permit number 2 and get back in there. I do have a weakness for cheeseburgers though.

Very nice of you to introduce 8 new people to the BWCA. Hope you enjoy both trips.