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ozarkpaddler
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Been a subscriber since 1988. Used to have the entire "Collection," but thought they deserved better than sitting in storage? I may disagree with Stu on occasion, and feel a little badly about some of the folks on his trips who may not be up to his "Standards." But, I have to admit that it is refreshing that there are still a few left out there with "Balls" whom stand by what they believe and aren't too afraid to be "Politically incorrect" in what they say and write.
Do I think there are better paddles to use in the BWCA/Quetico than the BB Expedition Plus? Yup, no contest. Do I "Dry foot" it portaging? Nope. Do I forgo freeze dried for heavy loads of fresh food? Not a chance! But who cares what MY opinion is, he's spent more nights out there in a few years than I in my decades of experience. He's EARNED those opinions and it's his magazine that he's paid for the paper in which to print those words!
"Our readers tell us they want to sit down and hold this thing in their hand, and save it. They collect the issues. We don’t want to lose those people." God bless him for wanting to keep "Pleasing" that "Core" that he has catered to in the beginning! Most businesses would readily abandon "The ones that got 'em there" for numbers and revenue! The only other "Outdoor" periodical that has ever come close was the old "Hunting and Fishing Journal." Geared toward the Ozarks and chock full of beautiful photography and articles by great outdoor writers it stuck out like "Emerald City" in the '80's. But they tried to expand and market it to the "Masses" and lost sight of their original "Target" audience. They lasted less than a decade because they lost their way diverting from the original idea that made them so different. I'm so glad the BWJ has remained true to their original idea.
Thanks so much for sharing the article. I still read it cover to cover and I anxiously look for it in the mail when it's time for the new issue. Just would not be the same reading it online. And thank you to Stu for putting out such a fine magazine for almost 30 years!
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ObiWenonahKenobi
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quote DuluthPak: "Great article. I also look forward to my BW Journal every quarter. I'm in my mid 40's but have been traveling the BWCAW since I was 14 years old. Stu says that "The younger generation is not into the outdoors like I was". Maybe that's true but I don't think that statement is based on any scientific study. Maybe it is true that his subscribers are older and maybe the crowds at the trade shows are older. But I see plenty of youths on my wilderness trips. Scout groups, church groups, kids with their parents, kids with their grandparents. Just my observation."
+1
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guest
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quote sunnybear09: "... Sure, Stu has some strong opinions on tripping and fishing, can be judgemental at times, but that's his right. And he is not afraid to publish opposing views about anything. ... "
Freedom of the press is guaranteed only to those who own one. (A.J. Liebling)
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Pinetree
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Stu has been a great promoter and ambassador for the BWCA in his writings. Overall it has been very beneficial. Overall he does a good job promoting wilderness values.
That said and nobody is perfect in my book. I think he has went a little to far in indicating specific fishing sites on certain lakes,especially after some individuals shared info with him on their little spot with the idea it would not be published. Recent magazines articles he has gotten really specific. More like a where to go hotspot magazine which I don't care for at all.
After saying that comment I still will say STU's magazine is of great quality and insight,also like his many great guest writers. Love his fall deer season stories around the BWCA.
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2old4U
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Read the article and it was a good one!
I always laugh when I see comments about Stu being controversial or not "politically correct"...the BWCA was forged from and continues to exist from controversary! Personally I admire the guy and wish there were more people that spoke frankly, rather than cowtow to the masses. Too many people like that in society today...they all want to "be" for something right up to the point where they have to stand up and fight for it. Stu often stands alone and never waivers...that is a sign of having true conviction. Those opposed are free to object, or start their own magazine and print the opposing view as they see it.
The comment Stu made about kids not spending as much time in the outdoors is spot on and requires NO SCIENTIFIC STUDY...look around! Sure, there's still kids who like the outdoors, but no way do they recreate outdoors like we used to; no way..
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hooky
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I subscribed for a year, then let it go. There was only so much of his complaining about clients who snored, couldn't fish or enjoyed a cup of coffee in the morning that I could take, in addition to disparaging anyone who wanted to single portage, wet foot or eat anything other than fresh food every night.
More power to him. It's a free country and he can run his business any way he'd like. I'll spend my discretionary money on other things though.
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scat
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I was a subscriber for a while and bought and have used two of his packs for close to twenty years. His ultimate pack, not sure if that is the right name but I think it is, has been my workhorse big pack all these years. And his smaller day pack, don't remember what he calls it, has been with me the same time and usually hauls my fishing gear. For my local canoe fishing as well. Great packs. I can't say enough about the quality and durability. Once I figured out my own tripping system, I guess I didn't need to be told his anymore. Plus the economy made me let the magazines go. Great mag, cool guy, I'm fine keeping his whole scene on the horizon for now.
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TomT
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His way of tripping is really not very common these days. Blue jeans, baseball hat, goretex 10 inch field boots, really really heavy food packs with a gallon of ice and I believe he takes a gallon of milk for the cereal he likes. The guy is 59 and still humping those loads not to mention playing cook for his groups. I admire his work ethic and the life he's carved out for himself. He's done it his way and his magazine is good for the area.
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paddlinjoe
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I happened upon the BW Journal at a Holiday Gas Station in Shakopee one cold winter day in 2005. I quickly became a subscriber and purchased all available back issues that they had. Finding it inspired me to buy a canoe and start taking trips again after a 10 year hiatus and I've taken 1-2 trips a year ever since. The magazine and bwca.com are the two most useful tools I have for planning trips and getting me through the hard water season.
Ironically, I've never seen the BW Journal sold at that gas station since then.
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Pinetree
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magazine
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GraniteCliffs
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Thanks. Interesting article. Biggest take away for me is simply Stu's observation that his audience and canoe trippers continue to age. That is my view as well and it is very concerning to me. If the young folks don't go and the usage of the BW and particularly Quetico declines there will be increasing pressures to allow more development. I encourage young people to get to the BW and Q whenever possible and lend them some of my gear in order for them to go. A young trainer from the gym is there now and has some of my gear. Hope he brings it back before I head up on Tuesday!
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Iowaypaddler
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Good read, and well put Granite.
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DeanL
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I know there is a crowd that isn't too fond of Stu but I'm a huge fan. After looking through my back issues of the BWJ I find it amazing he has been able to keep the same format and layout in the magazines since the beginning. Hopefully he and Michelle can continue to provide a quality magazine in the days of declining paper magazines and an aging demographic.
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mntentman
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I'm the author of the Star Tribune article. It was fascinating interviewing Stu (although it was by phone). The piece I submitted to the paper was a few hundred words longer but was cut for space reasons. There were a few other interesting things in the part that was cut. Would be happy to send the full article to anyone who might want to see it. Just message me. I'm off to Isle Royale Saturday AM, though, so I can't respond until I return.
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tg
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Nice story Jeff! I would love to see the full piece. Stu is a polarizing figure (and says and prints some things which are contraversial) but its hard to argue with his passion for the BWCA/Quetico! I've never been a subscriber but only because I pick up the journal as a special treat whenever I'm at REI or Midwest Mountaineering (at least quarterly). Maybe I should subscribe?
At 37y/o I'm probably still on the younger end of the spectrum of his readers and sadly BWCA paddlers in general. But I intend to do everything in my power to ensure that my daughter and friends' children fall in love with the BWCA and wilderness in general, so hopefully he has an audience for decades to come. In this age of the electronic media revolution there is something romantic and so enjoyable about curling up with the journal in front of my woodstove. I've never been a writer but I dream of someday penning an article for his magazine. Just waiting for the right story to tell.
tg
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ducks
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Nice story mntentman...
I don't always agree w/ what Stu writes but I respect that he writes what he believes instead of what he thinks people want to read. I love the photos and many of the articles. I really love it when I see articles and photos that come from members of bwca.com. He's doing it old school and I hope he can continue.
My 11 yo and 9 yo daughters say their favorite vacations each year are their daddy/daughter bwca trips with me and our yearly MEA weekend family trip in Oct. to Grand Marais. They also LOVE looking through the BWJ when it comes. Hopefully they can help carry on the love of the bwca to future generations.
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sunnybear09
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I thoroughly enjoy the magazine, look forward to it every quarter and review issues often. The info is solid, the authors knowledgeable and the format is very solid. Sure, Stu has some strong opinions on tripping and fishing, can be judgemental at times, but that's his right. And he is not afraid to publish opposing views about anything. May he live long, publish wisely, and remain a welcome contributor to the BW/Q experience!
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TomT
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Stu can be opinionated but that's ok. The magazine is a big part of keeping me going up there. Especially before the message boards came along, the BWJ was my only connection to the place. I've subscribed since the mid 90's and kept all the issues. My big prize is the issue I bought/still have from 1987. Pretty cool.
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The Great Outdoors
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quote tg: "Nice story Jeff! I would love to see the full piece. Stu is a polarizing figure (and says and prints some things which are contraversial) but its hard to argue with his passion for the BWCA/Quetico! I've never been a subscriber but only because I pick up the journal as a special treat whenever I'm at REI or Midwest Mountaineering (at least quarterly). Maybe I should subscribe?
At 37y/o I'm probably still on the younger end of the spectrum of his readers and sadly BWCA paddlers in general. But I intend to do everything in my power to ensure that my daughter and friends' children fall in love with the BWCA and wilderness in general, so hopefully he has an audience for decades to come. In this age of the electronic media revolution there is something romantic and so enjoyable about curling up with the journal in front of my woodstove. I've never been a writer but I dream of someday penning an article for his magazine. Just waiting for the right story to tell.
tg"
Why don't you tell the story about winter fishing on Burntside Lake several years back in 2 million FOW, and never getting a bite?? :)
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missmolly
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Terrific article, Jeff, and thanks, Pinetree, for posting it. I see the good and bad in most things and an aging demographic will let the fish, campsites, and portage trails breathe a bit.
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tg
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Why don't you tell the story about winter fishing on Burntside Lake several years back in 2 million FOW, and never getting a bite?? :)"
Hey! We weren't catching em shallow and trolling crankbaits wasn't an option (we were on the ice) so what was a guy to do?
tg
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bapabear
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Thanks for sharing that article. Have been a subscriber and fan for a long time - my stack of old issues is pretty big. I haven't been to the BW for two years now since cancer surgery and it's not looking good for a return soon. I've kept up my subscription and absolutely feel like I haven't missed a beat when I get that quality magazine and delve into the pics and articles. I will be a fan for a long time and appreciate how he and Michelle have built their product and readership out of their own house over the years . Over a decade ago I wrote a short article and sent it to Stu figuring what have I got to lose - after a while I got a note saying they were going to print it! Gotta say I appreciated that. As to Stu being controversial I don't get wound up about that. I look at him as a guy that walks the walk and he is more than entitled to how he thinks and approaches the style of tripping that he enjoys. I prefer dry foot myself! Before I die I'd love to do the Sutton River trip with him. I don't think I could keep up with an elk hunt but that would be a bucket list item too.
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RoundRiver
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Good article. And yes, it has been obvious for a number of years that the users of the BWCAW seem to be older over time, with fewer younger folks spending time in the wilderness. I have also seen the general age of people in canoe trip presentations at Canoecopia go way up over the years. I am 45 and am often one of the youngest in the room. I was very fortunate to go on a 400 mile canoe trip down the Noatak River in Alaska. I was shocked that I was the youngest person. Only two of us were in our 40's, and half were older than 65 or so. I also got into some whitewater kayaking (nothing crazy), and was really shocked that my wife and I were repeatedly about the two youngest people at weekend paddles.
Granted I usually go in May, early-mid June, or late August, so I will not see as many younger folks. I also tend to go in more than 2 or 3 lakes, and often have at least one long portage to get there. I just came out of Crab Lake yesterday, after a loop through Cummings, Buck, Western, Lunetta, etc. Beautiful day, and there was no one that we saw on the whole lake until after our lunch break. Then two groups had entered. That is only one portage in (granted it is a 340 rod). I was happy that both groups were families bringing in two kids each. One was on a SUP! If that is what it takes to get someone to care about the wilderness, so be it. But only two groups on a minimum of 7 sites that we could see ... in mid August.
I know there is an economic component to this, as well. The average 20 something typically cannot go out and buy a canoe and all the gear. The prices of this stuff has really gone up. And even though outfitter prices are reasonable, they are also higher than most in that demographic may care to spend. Yet, the reality of an instant gratification society with little interest in labored effort and a lack of comfort is a significant driver (and I see this in the broader hunting and fishing community, as well).
I also try to help introduce kids and others to the wilderness, or keep it on their minds by inviting them each year to join me. The paradox is that if a sufficient number of people are not using, at least once exposed to, or in some way experiencing wilderness, it will not have the support to survive as something to be politically valued. I believe that hurts our society as a whole on numerous levels. The importance of everyone having a wilderness listening point continues on.
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timatkn
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Nice article, thanks for sharing Pinetree and thanks for writing Jeff.
T
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HangLoose
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Great article. I also look forward to my BW Journal every quarter. I'm in my mid 40's but have been traveling the BWCAW since I was 14 years old. Stu says that "The younger generation is not into the outdoors like I was". Maybe that's true but I don't think that statement is based on any scientific study. Maybe it is true that his subscribers are older and maybe the crowds at the trade shows are older. But I see plenty of youths on my wilderness trips. Scout groups, church groups, kids with their parents, kids with their grandparents. Just my observation.
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Zulu
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I like to read his yearly article in which he reviews the past years hunting and fishing trips. He is totally honest about his customers abilities or lack of them and what he thought of them. He really says what he thinks even if it doesn't sit well with most people. Kind of like kanoes.
Someone who knows how to write should write an article for BWJ about kanoes and his love of canoe country.
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