Rule is all dogs on a 6 foot or less leash unless in a canoe or hunting. This is meant to include campsites.

I personally think the campsite portion is ridiculous and am fine admitting, I have no plans to follow it. We do leash the dog on all portages and in my opinion that's plenty sufficient.

Outdoor News Article

There was a long and warmly debated thread on this last season. Some fair points on both sides of the coin.

Jade is attached to my hip. She goes everywhere with me. She is my responsibility on or off leash. I choose to carry that burden at the Brewhouse or BWCA.

I edited to remove my smarty pants remark directed to the lawmakers...but I do find it interesting how some laws affecting so few get highlighted while big issues seemingly never get resolved.

I agree with one of the points of the article. The frequency of dogs not under control in public spaces seems to be increasing. I encounter dogs off leash, or leashed but running free, on state park trails while I'm running on a regular basis. Some of these animals have been beyond their owner's eyesight.

My dog was attacked by two other dogs last night while my wife was walking with him, on a city sidewalk on a leash. The two agressor were leashed, but not restrained by their owner. They ran off a porch and across the yard to the sidewalk before my wife could pick up our dog. One of the dogs picked up ours by the neck and was shaking him. My wife was able to kick the attacker and pick up our dog. Both the dog owner and the homeowner ineffectively tried to restrain the two agressors. These two have also attacked other dogs being walked on sidewalks around the neighborhood. The owner is elderly and frail so they can't restrain the dogs. These dogs belong to the unrestrained dogs group I've encountered at the state park.

The concern I am hearing is that campsites in the past were not explicitly called out as places dogs needed to be leased. Although I would agree it is a problem when a dog runs away from camp, I think there is also some conflict in the interpretation of "Developed Recreation Site". On one hand, the nature of a wilderness area is not to have it developed.... "an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain. The Act’s purpose is to preserve and protect the natural ecosystems and wild areas and also provide opportunities for solitude and retrospective or primitive recreation." I am quite sure the writers of this would not have replaced the wording primitive recreation with developed recreation.

Portage rests being removed would be an example of undeveloping the wilderness. A regular BWCA campsite has been slightly developed but to the absolute minimum and with the main intent to better protect the wilderness from fire and pollution by human waste. This would imply that a campsite has not been improved and developed for recreation, but instead for preservation and control with expected wilderness use regardless of improvements/development. A PMA campsite without the same developments of a regular campsite would certainly fall outside of this lease rule.

I feel for all the good dog owners out there. It just seems like there are more and more irresponsible dog owners that ruin it for everyone else.

Quetico has the leash rule for portages as well, but they don’t seem to enforce it. It seems like more of a way to give them the ability to enforce/fine if there is an incident.

T

This new rule does not apply to me because I do not have a dog in this hunt. Pretty funny reading all the responses from this thread and the Facebook page. I can’t see many dog owners ever abiding by this rule. One response reads to fire everyone involved with these new rules. Others say they won’t comply because they have trained hunting dogs. Another guy says my dog is friendly and would never bark or jump up on people. You can make every excuse in the book, but in the end you will be $50 light in your wallet if you don’t comply.

Read the article in the Duluth News Tribune; what I thought will be interesting is about the dog poop. This needs to be disposed of 200 feet away from the water, campsites, and portages. Can't wait to see how hard this will be enforced with the sled dogs.

iCallitMaize: "There was a long and warmly debated thread on this last season. Some fair points on both sides of the coin.


Jade is attached to my hip. She goes everywhere with me. She is my responsibility on or off leash. I choose to carry that burden at the Brewhouse or BWCA.

I edited to remove my smarty pants remark directed to the lawmakers...but I do find it interesting how some laws affecting so few get highlighted while big issues seemingly never get resolved.


"

Nice photo of protection of one of our borders. I like it! Please thank your dog for his/her service.

Tom

Absolutely ridiculous. My dogs will tree a bear at camp I'll take the $50 fine vs the $5000 fine and 6 months in federal prison because the stupid bear wanted to eat my mac and cheese. FML.

I say the same should go for Canis Lupus.

Great Melinko: "I say the same should go for Canis Lupus.
"

Interesting point. What if you told the Feds, "My 'dog' is 1/1,000th wolf" ancestry. Does it have to be a full-blown "dog"?

Tom

I don’t have to control my dog on a leash. This is because my 4 pound Yorkshire terrier identifies as a wolf.

Savage Voyageur: "This new rule does not apply to me because I do not have a dog in this hunt. Pretty funny reading all the responses from this thread and the Facebook page. I can’t see many dog owners ever abiding by this rule. One response reads to fire everyone involved with these new rules. Others say they won’t comply because they have trained hunting dogs. Another guy says my dog is friendly and would never bark or jump up on people. You can make every excuse in the book, but in the end you will be $50 light in your wallet if you don’t comply. "

And herein lies the problem. More and more people nowadays in the wilderness are only following the rules that they agree with. This is beginning to cause all kinds of problems/controversies. We choose to follow only the rules that we think makes sense and agree with., This is when we get birch bark getting ripped off trees, too many people on a campsite, not following permitting and portaging rules, leaving rock art art, burning garbage in a fire pit etc etc you name it. If you don't agree with the rules, weather big or small, are smart or dumb...try to change them but when we arbitrarily only follow the ones that we agree with then we have nothing more than wilderness anarchy.

I think the same person who made the leash rule made the new food storage rules… :)

The last poster, your point is definitely valid. I agree with the premiss, but it also isn’t fair to compare someone that doesn’t leash their well behaved dog in camp to someone ripping birch bark off of trees.

As an example I am definitely the biggest beeotcher about the food storage rules on this site :), but yes I will follow the rules. But leashing a dog at a camp site all the time? I have a hard time looking down on someone for possibly bending the rules. This is from a guy who has never and will never bring his dog and I’ve had bad dog encounters.

Most people are blowing off steam in frustration anyways…

T

quark2222: "

Great Melinko: "I say the same should go for Canis Lupus.
"

Interesting point. What if you told the Feds, "My 'dog' is 1/1,000th wolf" ancestry. Does it have to be a full-blown "dog"?


Tom"

Actually your dog is 100 percent wolf ancestry from everything I've read on the subject.

So...what is the difference between a hunting dog off leash other than MDNR having input on the policy?

All the arguments made by people who support the leash law, do they not apply with hunting dogs?

They will defecate where they want.
They will "disturb" wildlife.
They can run off and disappear.
They can run up and "scare" you.
They can "attack" your dog.

Just stirring the pot a bit in fun...for the record I am a hunter and do not like having my dog on a lease in the wilderness. The pure joy she exhibits while running around, sniffing, jumping, swimming warms my heart. It's definitely huge part of my outdoor experience.

Now I do keep an eCollar on her that has a 400yd range so recall is pretty easy.

How close are the campsites? I think I understand the reasoning for leashing a dog at a campsite if, for example, you are staying at one of the 3 campsites on the north side Caribou Lake just south of Clearwater. Those 3 campsites are fairly close to each other and an unleased dog could easily cover that distance and disrupt another camping party.

If you choose to not leash your dog at a campsite, then you should also accept the increased risk of the dog possibly running off from either pursuing something or scared of something.

Unequivocably, dogs should always be leashed while portaging.

Dogs are definitely an increasing problem on the local trails I'm on. People who believe public areas are their own personal dog parks to do as they please. Inevitably incidents happen and the results are bad for everybody, including the dog. Even the best trained dogs can behave unpredictably when the unexpected happens. That's why the rules are necessary. Just like any other rule. I think most people understand that.

The issue I have with this is the 6' leash rule applying while in camp. That's not very practical.

wxce1260: "...
And herein lies the problem. More and more people nowadays in the wilderness are only following the rules that they agree with. This is beginning to cause all kinds of problems/controversies. We choose to follow only the rules that we think makes sense and agree with., ...
"

I sorta agree with your premise but I will not follow rules that I feel are "bad". I will always do the "right" thing. One key point is that I am willing to accept the consequences of getting caught following my conscience...

For example, I think it is a very bad idea to bury fish guts in the BW. The rule makes sense in the rest of the state and I understand the idea. But in the BW, it actually hurts the wilderness and the animals. So I will discard fish entrails in deep water away from camp sites. Deep water has systems to efficiently process fish entrails.

But back to the "dogs at camp"... I will continue to let my dog lounge around and explore our camp sites. If a ranger wants to give me a ticket, I'll consider that to be part of the cost of the trip...

Would love to see the USFS enforce compliance on the human regulations first before they try to incorporate regulations on other species.

Dogs are a drop in the bucket in terms of problems being caused compared to their human counterparts.

BdubyaCA: "Would love to see the USFS enforce compliance on the human regulations first before they try to incorporate regulations on other species.

Dogs are a drop in the bucket in terms of problems being caused compared to their human counterparts. "

I second that one.

"And herein lies the problem. More and more people nowadays in the wilderness are only following the rules that they agree with. This is beginning to cause all kinds of problems/controversies. We choose to follow only the rules that we think makes sense and agree with., This is when we get birch bark getting ripped off trees, too many people on a campsite, not following permitting and portaging rules, leaving rock art art, burning garbage in a fire pit etc etc you name it. If you don't agree with the rules, weather big or small, are smart or dumb...try to change them but when we arbitrarily only follow the ones that we agree with then we have nothing more than wilderness anarchy."

The above sums it up for me. We are in a day that it seems everyone thinks they only have to obey the rules they agree with. I love my dogs (had two tha that lived 16 years). But would never have taken them somewhere off the leash.

The BWCA is a wilderness area. Your dog is not a part of that but a guest like we are. I would not welcome any dog wandering into one of our camp sites and would definetly not react well to a snarling or barking dog loose on a portage that I met.

iCallitMaize: "

Now I do keep an eCollar on her that has a 400yd range so recall is pretty easy.

"

So here is the problem.

I am a responsible person meeting dogs. I don't approach a dog without its owner's permission. Your dog is now 400 yds (75 rods) down the portage. I am completely defenseless carrying a canoe. Your dog approaches growling and barking. You are 15 minutes or more away carrying a canoe yourself. At 75 rds, no sound from your dog is reaching you. If your dog is over a hill, your recall device does not work (or your dog is too emotionally engaged to respond to your recall). You don't even know there is a problem occurring. What do you expect my response to be?

Seems we have people that feel the rules and laws are not for them. They are above the law. If it was not for stupid and selfish people, we won't need laws and rules.

The only thing of significance that changed is that dogs have to be leased in a campsite now. It is a stretch to call this a clarification as the rule was never enforced prior. I would call it a new interpretation by the powers the be.

People have a right to disagree or agree with this change. Will people continue to have their dogs unleashed in camp? Yes, many will. Just as they jaywalk in Ely or Grand Marais, or go 5-10 miles over the speed limit on their way up the BWCA. When non enforcement has been the rule, the rule is desuetude.

adam: "The only thing of significance that changed is that dogs have to be leased in a campsite now. It is a stretch to call this a clarification as the rule was never enforced prior. I would call it a new interpretation by the powers the be.


People have a right to disagree or agree with this change. Will people continue to have their dogs unleashed in camp? Yes, many will. Just as they jaywalk in Ely or Grand Marais, or go 5-10 miles over the speed limit on their way up the BWCA. When non enforcement has been the rule, the rule is desuetude. "

I agree, I believe everybody here has said or implied they would accept the consequences if caught. But has the law not been enforced? Or is it just rare to have an encounter between an unleashed dog and ranger? I would guess it's the latter. Though the end result is the same, I suppose.

adam: "The only thing of significance that changed is that dogs have to be leased in a campsite now. It is a stretch to call this a clarification as the rule was never enforced prior. I would call it a new interpretation by the powers the be.


People have a right to disagree or agree with this change. Will people continue to have their dogs unleashed in camp? Yes, many will. Just as they jaywalk in Ely or Grand Marais, or go 5-10 miles over the speed limit on their way up the BWCA. When non enforcement has been the rule, the rule is desuetude. "

Sums it up perfectly. The remarks about individuals selecting which rules apply to them - you've never rolled through a stop sign, went 5-10 over, followed to close to another vehicle, jay walked...you've read all your city, county and township ordinances to ensure compliance with everything you do?

Like others have said, if it works out a ranger paddles up and my dog is unleashed in camp...i'll happily pay the $50 dollar fine. Hopefully those dollars go directly into the fund for the BWCA.

The difference in these examples is jay walking, or speeding don't affect others. Letting your dog run loose on portage trails or in areas others may be passing through does. The tough thing for dog owners is: Not everyone likes dogs. I have had two dogs. However I do not want to meet yours loose on a portage trail or running into my camp site from your camp site. Not to mention the barking. Again, I have had dogs for 32 years. I loved my dogs. I don't love yours.

PS: I am a real estate appraiser of 25 years. You know the one statement homeowners say that NO appraiser believes? "My dog doesn't bite"

ockycamper: "The difference in these examples is jay walking, or speeding don't affect others. Letting your dog run loose on portage trails or in areas others may be passing through does. The tough thing for dog owners is: Not everyone likes dogs. I have had two dogs. However I do not want to meet yours loose on a portage trail or running into my camp site from your camp site. Not to mention the barking. Again, I have had dogs for 32 years. I loved my dogs. I don't love yours.


PS: I am a real estate appraiser of 25 years. You know the one statement homeowners say that NO appraiser believes? "My dog doesn't bite""

Speeding doesn’t affect others? Are you joking? Unsafe driving is probably one of the most direct ways for one person’s behavior to affect someone else.

I love meeting dogs on portages and just about any place for that matter. If a dog were to run into my camp, I’d first make friends with it and then try to figure if it was lost or needed help etc.

I don’t own a dog. I love dogs though, LOVE them.

I do like meeting your dog on a portage trail. It’s fun when I see a dog trotting down the trail and the owner coming soon after. Dogs usually like me too and we have a good moment.

A leashed dog at a campsite? Yeah, no.

The same COVID Forest Service people that made the bear vault rules also made this one, or at lest intend to enforce it.

Let’s see what they do next. So far it’s two stuuupid rules in 2024. More to follow I’m sure.

Tom

Common sense. Get some.

I'm with Tom except for the totally gratuitous "COVID Forest Service" reference. Absolutely nothing to do with this topic and a big turn-off as it interjects a totally different conflict into this one.

rertel: "I'm with Tom except for the totally gratuitous "COVID Forest Service" reference. Absolutely nothing to do with this topic and a big turn-off as it interjects a totally different conflict into this one."

It has a lot to do with it. There is a shift in policy with the shift in employee behavior. All of this started with COVID and we are now seeing the effects in policy with the generational changing of the guard.

It cannot be measured day by day or month to month. You don’t have to like what I’m saying but I’m only reflecting on what I see happening. DOGS ON A LEASH IN CAMP.
What prudent person would say this is the best choice?

Tom

I see campsites and portages very differently. We mostly all seek to use a camp so as to not impose on others in nearby camps. Like keeping the noise down and other ways of being thoughtful (and hoping/expecting others do), I would never want my dog coming to your site or yours coming to mine. Keep it leashed or don’t but keep it close.

Portages are different. I was terrified (and luckily avoided injury) last year because of an unleashed “friendly” golden lab. I had a boat above me coming down a tricky wet rock face totally concentrating on my footing when a large animal burst under my boat. The boat and I went down but I was only spooked and winded, not injured. I got out from under and stood up. The owner came along with a boat herself and I said “Your dog scared me.” She just chirped that “Oh, she’s a just a lover and totally harmless.” Oh really? I let her (the human) have it. The dog took it harder (head hung) than the owner did. I later saw the full party, two humans and good girl, at portage end. I more calmly explained what happened. They agreed it was a bad situation they never anticipated. For me, it could easily have been a concussion, broken ankle or gashed boat. It was a terrifying moment and wrecked a big part of a day for me.

No dog should be unleashed on a portage, ever.

I don’t care if your dog is unleashed in your camp or not. But for Gods sake, clean up the dog #%^*

Stayed at a lovely site last week on long island that had about 4 piles of turds laying around camp. Really disgusting that we had to deal with that!

brp: "

ockycamper: "The difference in these examples is jay walking, or speeding don't affect others. Letting your dog run loose on portage trails or in areas others may be passing through does. The tough thing for dog owners is: Not everyone likes dogs. I have had two dogs. However I do not want to meet yours loose on a portage trail or running into my camp site from your camp site. Not to mention the barking. Again, I have had dogs for 32 years. I loved my dogs. I don't love yours.



PS: I am a real estate appraiser of 25 years. You know the one statement homeowners say that NO appraiser believes? "My dog doesn't bite""

Speeding doesn’t affect others? Are you joking? Unsafe driving is probably one of the most direct ways for one person’s behavior to affect someone else.


I love meeting dogs on portages and just about any place for that matter. If a dog were to run into my camp, I’d first make friends with it and then try to figure if it was lost or needed help etc. "

+1

KawnipiKid: "I see campsites and portages very differently. We mostly all seek to use a camp so as to not impose on others in nearby camps. Like keeping the noise down and other ways of being thoughtful (and hoping/expecting others do), I would never want my dog coming to your site or yours coming to mine. Keep it leashed or don’t but keep it close.


Portages are different. I was terrified (and luckily avoided injury) last year because of an unleashed “friendly” golden lab. I had a boat above me coming down a tricky wet rock face totally concentrating on my footing when a large animal burst under my boat. The boat and I went down but I was only spooked and winded, not injured. I got out from under and stood up. The owner came along with a boat herself and I said “Your dog scared me.” She just chirped that “Oh, she’s a just a lover and totally harmless.” Oh really? I let her (the human) have it. The dog took it harder (head hung) than the owner did. I later saw the full party, two humans and good girl, at portage end. I more calmly explained what happened. They agreed it was a bad situation they never anticipated. For me, it could easily have been a concussion, broken ankle or gashed boat. It was a terrifying moment and wrecked a big part of a day for me.


No dog should be unleashed on a portage, ever.

I had the same thing happen to me me this spring. I was climbing up the short,steep portage from upper Pauness lake into lower P/LIs river. I had my boat over my shoulders when a very large all black dog came over the top. My first thought was BEAR! I didn’t fall or drop my boat but it took me a bit to get my heart rate down.
"

tumblehome: "

rertel: "I'm with Tom except for the totally gratuitous "COVID Forest Service" reference. Absolutely nothing to do with this topic and a big turn-off as it interjects a totally different conflict into this one."

It has a lot to do with it. There is a shift in policy with the shift in employee behavior. All of this started with COVID and we are now seeing the effects in policy with the generational changing of the guard.

It cannot be measured day by day or month to month. You don’t have to like what I’m saying but I’m only reflecting on what I see happening. DOGS ON A LEASH IN CAMP.
What prudent person would say this is the best choice?


Tom"

There are several scenarios under which I would say your dog should be leashed in camp.

a. During a thunderstorm - The number of times I have read that a dog has bolted into the forest (never to be seen again) during a thunderstorm are quite a few. I would not trust any dog during a t-storm.

b. A bear visit. What could be an easily manageable situation with a bear could quickly become entirely out of hand with a bear backed into a corner by a dog. How about a dog cornering a cub with the sow nearby?

c. Another wildlife visit. Do you know how your dog will react when a simple rabbit visits your campsite in the dusk? I have seen rabbits take a beagle on a 1/2 mile run through the forest. Will your dog follow?

d. Other animals are as dangerous as a bear. What would your dog do if it came upon a pine marten, a porcupine, a moose? Any of these could severely injure your pet.

e. Not all campsites are pet swimming friendly. I have seen sites where a dog in the water would not be able to get itself out.

There are several other scenarios under which a loose dog would be a huge liability.

rertel: "I'm with Tom except for the totally gratuitous "COVID Forest Service" reference. Absolutely nothing to do with this topic and a big turn-off as it interjects a totally different conflict into this one."

Well it’s the same leader(s) making the rules in both situations with similar “observational” data vs. real data to support the decision. So there is a comparison and shows a shift in how the BWCAW will be managed.

T

I've lived on a suburban city park for the past 30 years.
Leashes required of course, but not always followed.
But I would say that 98% of the time the folks that let their dogs off leash for excersizing or training are dogs that can be trusted to do so.
It's rare that it becomes an issue, my dog has free roam, so it's something I have to pay a little attention to just in case. And she lets out a couple barks at those running free.........I think she thinks she should be the only one allowed to do so in her park. She's kind of a "Karen" in that way.

You can tell which dogs should remained leashed as they walk by on the trail, and the owners realize that.
But I think once these type of owners get up to the BW, they figure it's not as public of a place, the dog can be granted more freedom........and for a lot of untrained/misbehaved dogs, it's a bad idea. It's not the place to train a dog in real time. Or give your dog more leeway than on home excursions.

I have a great well behaved dog. If every dog behaved off leash as my dog, there would be no leash laws. She's totally indifferent to other dogs and people on walks, she loved the social distancing of Covid on the trails.
She will give a "someone is approaching woof" on camping trips.
But I think that's a protective instinct.

Critters?.......the only ones that get her worked up are coyotes.
She must have a non threatening vibe to her. Rabbits, squirrels, ducks.....they know they are safe in our yard.
The only thing I truly worry about her up in the BW is being wolf bait.
Well that and me dropping dead on a solo trip and leaving her to defend herself until we are found.

So yea, this in camp leash law grinds my gears like it does with other dog owners that are lucky enough to have a truly good dog.
I am not leashing up my hound while trekking across a frozen lake, nor will I leash this particular girl in camp. Now my next dog might be a different case. I get it, rotten apple and all that, but the innocent get lumped in with them,

We had a young beaver come and visit us by the campfire one night, she was curious, but I wasn't worried. Same with encountering a buck on a walk the other night, hound wasn't gonna do anything and the buck seemed to know that. And on her first winter trip during a no snow on the ground March, we had a white snowshoe hare bound in between us as we were sitting in camp, I still laugh at the look she gave me after it passed. "Was that a special treat you gave me Papa, a big white rabbit just came into camp?"
:)

timatkn: "

rertel: "I'm with Tom except for the totally gratuitous "COVID Forest Service" reference. Absolutely nothing to do with this topic and a big turn-off as it interjects a totally different conflict into this one."

Well it’s the same leader(s) making the rules in both situations with similar “observational” data vs. real data to support the decision. So there is a comparison and shows a shift in how the BWCAW will be managed.


T"

I'm curious if there has been a rash of dogs crashing into other peoples' camps lately? In the clarification put out by the USFS you have the option to kennel your dog in camp instead of a leash so there's that.
Also- no more unleashed pretty dog pictures at sunset on the lakeshore. That is evidence of your unlawfulness.
Tom

tumblehome: "
Also- no more unleashed pretty dog pictures at sunset on the lakeshore. That is evidence of your unlawfulness.
Tom"

Not even my dog, but one of my favorite BW campmates of all time.

I think the unfortunate event is that the rules seem to made for the exception and not the norm.

The vast majority of dog owners, in fact, I think all of them i've personally come across in the BW were responsible and had well behaved dogs. I've seen dogs leashed on portages and dogs not, the dogs not leashed were all incredibly well behaved. Know your dog, know your limits on control. That said, I'm completely ok with the leash rule on portages...much more risk than say in camp.

Regarding the various scenario's listed above about situations where it may be appropriate to leash your dog in camp, again, know your dog and know your limits of control. Most of them, i've come across with our pup and am aware of his reactions. As a responsible dog owner, I would ever put our pup in a bad situation.

I realize that's not everybody, but for the those that i've come across in the BW, they seem to fall in this category. Could also be the times of the year I tend to trip - Early May and Late Sept, October.

Speckled: "I think the unfortunate event is that the rules seem to made for the exception and not the norm.


The vast majority of dog owners, in fact, I think all of them i've personally come across in the BW were responsible and had well behaved dogs. I've seen dogs leashed on portages and dogs not, the dogs not leashed were all incredibly well behaved. Know your dog, know your limits on control. That said, I'm completely ok with the leash rule on portages...much more risk than say in camp.


Regarding the various scenario's listed above about situations where it may be appropriate to leash your dog in camp, again, know your dog and know your limits of control. Most of them, i've come across with our pup and am aware of his reactions. As a responsible dog owner, I would ever put our pup in a bad situation.


I realize that's not everybody, but for the those that i've come across in the BW, they seem to fall in this category. Could also be the times of the year I tend to trip - Early May and Late Sept, October.



"

+1

It’s doubtful I’ll ever leash my dog in camps in the bwca. We do quite a bit of hiking in the woods north of Duluth. We found this sign last summer in the cloquet river valley, kind of puts a new spin on dog walks, leash or no leash

jwartman59: "



It’s doubtful I’ll ever leash my dog in camps in the bwca. We do quite a bit of hiking in the woods north of Duluth. We found this sign last summer in the cloquet river valley, kind of puts a new spin on dog walks, leash or no leash "

I saw similar signs last fall when out grouse hunting...possibly the same sign. Upper Cloquet area north of Brimson.

So many seem to be so willing to just pay the fine. How about the repercussions when your harmless leased dog freaks out and really chomps on somebody. Happened to my wife and fortunately the dog owner was well insured. Medical costs about $200,000! Then there will be a settlement.

wxce1260: "If you don't agree with the rules, weather big or small, are smart or dumb...try to change them but when we arbitrarily only follow the ones that we agree with then we have nothing more than wilderness anarchy."

It's a nice sentiment, but doesn't reflect reality. The problem is that it is almost impossible to change the rules and there is little to no opportunity to have a say before the rules are put in place.

The real issue here is that they are making rules that they have no intention of enforcing until there is an incident. They know that no one is going to keep their dog on a 6' leash at all times. 6' is way too short to leave your dog tied up in camp for more than 15 min and what about playing fetch in the lake? There is no way that anyone will be in 100% compliance if they bring a dog. Laws and rules like this are only there to give an officer some teeth to enforce good behavior.

The problem with these types of laws/rules, is that they take away the black and white and make everything a gray area. People used to say that they followed the spirit of the rules if not the letter, now it feels more like anything goes as long as you don't get too far out of line or catch an officer on the wrong day.

jwartman59: "



It’s doubtful I’ll ever leash my dog in camps in the bwca. We do quite a bit of hiking in the woods north of Duluth. We found this sign last summer in the cloquet river valley, kind of puts a new spin on dog walks, leash or no leash "

I’d absolutely leash my dog or vacate the area if those signs are up. The sets they use to trap wolves for research will 100% lure in and snag a dog. All wolf research traps have rubber teeth, that’s what it means by modified traps, but they can be incredibly difficult to remove especially with a panicking dog and no way of both holding the dog and opening the trap. You’ll see them in the Superior National Forest, BWCA, and around Voyageurs National Park.

Kermit: "

jwartman59: "




It’s doubtful I’ll ever leash my dog in camps in the bwca. We do quite a bit of hiking in the woods north of Duluth. We found this sign last summer in the cloquet river valley, kind of puts a new spin on dog walks, leash or no leash "

I’d absolutely leash my dog or vacate the area if those signs are up. The sets they use to trap wolves for research will 100% lure in and snag a dog. All wolf research traps have rubber teeth, that’s what it means by modified traps, but they can be incredibly difficult to remove especially with a panicking dog and no way of both holding the dog and opening the trap. You’ll see them in the Superior National Forest, BWCA, and around Voyageurs National Park."

If I bring a dog (I won’t) I’d follow the rules…but this sign has no concern to me. My dog is under control at all times, leash or no leash. If they got caught in a wolf trap (they wouldn’t) it would be easy for me to personally release them. YMMV and that’s okay. Just saying each dog owner has a different concern.

T

timatkn: "

Kermit: "

jwartman59: "





It’s doubtful I’ll ever leash my dog in camps in the bwca. We do quite a bit of hiking in the woods north of Duluth. We found this sign last summer in the cloquet river valley, kind of puts a new spin on dog walks, leash or no leash "

I’d absolutely leash my dog or vacate the area if those signs are up. The sets they use to trap wolves for research will 100% lure in and snag a dog. All wolf research traps have rubber teeth, that’s what it means by modified traps, but they can be incredibly difficult to remove especially with a panicking dog and no way of both holding the dog and opening the trap. You’ll see them in the Superior National Forest, BWCA, and around Voyageurs National Park."

If I bring a dog (I won’t) I’d follow the rules…but this sign has no concern to me. My dog is under control at all times, leash or no leash. If they got caught in a wolf trap (they wouldn’t) it would be easy for me to personally release them. YMMV and that’s okay. Just saying each dog owner has a different concern.


T"

And yet every year we get calls from people to free their trapped dogs who “wouldn’t” ever get caught according to their owners. Good luck!

What if your dog identifies as a seal pup? The rules say nothing about seal pups.