For those "in the know" : )

What are my chances of running into a nuisance bear in the Sawbill Lake/ "fire" lakes area this time of year? Thanks for any info.

I'd call the outfitter right there. If anyone is in the know, it's them

cyclones30: "I'd call the outfitter right there. If anyone is in the know, it's them "

+1 I had no trouble last fall, but I've never had any trouble in 20 years.

I think it's been about 10 years since the last "naughty" bear was causing problems there. Bill Hanson the former owner called them that. I haven't heard of any problems there since that one was eliminated.

That last one was really bad. It would make it's rounds through Alton, Sawbill, Fire Lakes, and the Campground. That one was not afraid of anything or anyone.

I agree that checking with the outfitters would be the best bet. If there are new problems they would definitely know.

I will give them a call.

I can’t believe it’s been that long!! That is the bear I remember. Yogi that would swipe picnic baskets. Ha ha It has to have been longer than I thought. My daughter was a little itty-bitty. And is now 17. Seems like just yesterday.

Did the Hansen’s sell Sawbill?

Portage99: "Did the Hansen’s sell Sawbill?"

I think they did a few years ago, but I don't know exactly when. New owners seemed really nice when I used them in 2018. Love that area and hope to make it back there later this year if possible.

No bears in my camp, but I did see one shuffle off into the underbrush on the trail leading to the outfitter.

The new owners are the daughter and son-in-law of the Hanson's. Same great service and now the 3rd generation. Great story!

Portage99: "I will give them a call.

I can’t believe it’s been that long!! That is the bear I remember. Yogi that would swipe picnic baskets. Ha ha It has to have been longer than I thought. My daughter was a little itty-bitty. And is now 17. Seems like just yesterday.

Did the Hansen’s sell Sawbill?"

Right!! I started to type that it was a few years ago, but when I started to think about it and I realized that I was camped at Sawbill Campground with my FIL the summer after that bear was taken care of and that was about 3 years before he passed away which was 8 years ago now.

As Northwoodsman stated. Still in the family!

They are definitely a good family and I enjoyed some great conversations with Bill. He treated everyone the same whether they were fully outfitted by them or just stopping in the store after a trip. One time I was staying in the campground and when I bought some leeches he spent 10 minutes showing me spots on a map where to fish. I tripped out of Sawbill the day they opened up travel on Alton and west of there when the Pagami Creek fire was finally under control. It was a fascinating conversation with him about the days the fire was out of control and what it was like for them knowing it was coming towards them.

Yes, I agree. My kids loved it. They were very engaged with my kids. I appreciated that.