Has anyone received their copy of the BWJ Spring 2021 issue yet?

Received yesterday.

Yesterday, East-Central Iowa

got mine today!

Got mine yesterday in NC.

Not yet...Doesn’t he release it at the beginning of each season? So I don’t think any copies started shipping until 3/21...

Being a subscriber for probably 20 years Stu seems to vary which region he ships first and can take up to 3-4 weeks before everyone gets their magazine.

T

Got mine 03/22--I'm in western NC. And, typically, a nice article ('Canoe Country Reflections', by Jim Janssen) explains the author's progression to lighter gear and food over his 45 years of BWCA/Q paddling. Since Jim's techniques run counter to Stu's, Stu injects an eight-column-inch 'editor's note' explaining why the Grand Slam Guide Service philosophy is better. I've enjoyed the BWJ for over 30 years, but really wish Osthoff would allow a bit more freedom of expression in submitted articles and just drink a cup of STFU when someone expresses an opinion that isn't in lock-step with that of Stu!

TZ

Mine arrived earlier than normal. Received it a couple days ago. Eastern Wisconsin.

Got it today. Pretty impressive trout pics! I'm a big fan that in one pic of a "Hog" they list it came from a "Mystery" Lake. I'd like to see more of that kind of thing STU!

Got mine today 3/24/21

Nashville, TN

TrailZen: "Got mine 03/22--I'm in western NC. And, typically, a nice article ('Canoe Country Reflections', by Jim Janssen) explains the author's progression to lighter gear and food over his 45 years of BWCA/Q paddling. Since Jim's techniques run counter to Stu's, Stu injects an eight-column-inch 'editor's note' explaining why the Grand Slam Guide Service philosophy is better. I've enjoyed the BWJ for over 30 years, but really wish Osthoff would allow a bit more freedom of expression in submitted articles and just drink a cup of STFU when someone expresses an opinion that isn't in lock-step with that of Stu!


TZ"

+1 I recently did not renew my 5 year subscription for this very reason. I was getting a little tired of hearing about how foolish wet footers are and how dehydrated meals are for slackers.

GopherAdventure: "

+1 I recently did not renew my 5 year subscription for this very reason. I was getting a little tired of hearing about how foolish wet footers are and how dehydrated meals are for slackers. "

That stuff never bothered me. He's the guy who wore blue jeans on trips for years. It's to each his own. I think he knows he's stirring the pot and it creates debate. Just like we're doing now. :)

What I have a beef about is his direct naming of fishing holes and lakes. Campsites as well. To me, that information should be earned and not made public. He breaks the fisherman's code to sell magazines. Not cool Stu.

Received my issue yesterday in the mail. I take the recent points about the contents of each issue. I enjoy reading the narratives that yield conflicting and even contradictory advice (I'm sure Stu would disagree with me here :). Never portage with rods outside of case, never troll to a portage, don't wet-foot, etc. I break all of these rules and so does he occasionally on some of his trips. But, to each his own. My wife loves this magazine for the outdoor photography. I enjoy Stu's adventures (and sometime misadventures :) during his summer guiding trips. Stuff happens out there that you can't control and a guide's life is not all gravy! Last issue had an article written by a contributing author who had met and was mentored by 5 canoe country legends -- that alone made the issue worth it to me. YMMV

Not a subscriber, but I always look forward to the "collective wisdom" section. First thing I look for when I get a new copy is the topic they are wrestling with.

JW

3/24

GopherAdventure: "

TrailZen: "Got mine 03/22--I'm in western NC. And, typically, a nice article ('Canoe Country Reflections', by Jim Janssen) explains the author's progression to lighter gear and food over his 45 years of BWCA/Q paddling. Since Jim's techniques run counter to Stu's, Stu injects an eight-column-inch 'editor's note' explaining why the Grand Slam Guide Service philosophy is better. I've enjoyed the BWJ for over 30 years, but really wish Osthoff would allow a bit more freedom of expression in submitted articles and just drink a cup of STFU when someone expresses an opinion that isn't in lock-step with that of Stu!



TZ"

+1 I recently did not renew my 5 year subscription for this very reason. I was getting a little tired of hearing about how foolish wet footers are and how dehydrated meals are for slackers. "

Yup totally agree. It was a great article until he had to hijack it with his rant about his way, and how it's better. We got it the first 5 times Stu brought it up. I was an original subscriber and really enjoyed it. BWJ is a quality publication, but stopped after about 10 years, mainly because of redundancy. I don't fish so that's another chunk of the magazine that I don't read. I started back up a few years ago, but this will probably be my last year due to more redundancy and stuff like this

TrailZen: "Got mine 03/22--I'm in western NC. And, typically, a nice article ('Canoe Country Reflections', by Jim Janssen) explains the author's progression to lighter gear and food over his 45 years of BWCA/Q paddling. Since Jim's techniques run counter to Stu's, Stu injects an eight-column-inch 'editor's note' explaining why the Grand Slam Guide Service philosophy is better. I've enjoyed the BWJ for over 30 years, but really wish Osthoff would allow a bit more freedom of expression in submitted articles and just drink a cup of STFU when someone expresses an opinion that isn't in lock-step with that of Stu!


TZ"

Agreed. I was enjoying that article . . . and all of a sudden I'm reading something entirely different and looking for where the story picks back up. It totally disrupts my reading experience. I wish he'd just save it for his article, editorial, advertisement. I don't fish and am happy to find an article that's not explicitly focused on fishing, "real food", blah, blah, blah that it would be nice if he could just save it until later.

Got mine last Monday.

Reading it right now.

boonie: "

TrailZen: "Got mine 03/22--I'm in western NC. And, typically, a nice article ('Canoe Country Reflections', by Jim Janssen) explains the author's progression to lighter gear and food over his 45 years of BWCA/Q paddling. Since Jim's techniques run counter to Stu's, Stu injects an eight-column-inch 'editor's note' explaining why the Grand Slam Guide Service philosophy is better. I've enjoyed the BWJ for over 30 years, but really wish Osthoff would allow a bit more freedom of expression in submitted articles and just drink a cup of STFU when someone expresses an opinion that isn't in lock-step with that of Stu!

TZ"

Agreed. I was enjoying that article . . . and all of a sudden I'm reading something entirely different and looking for where the story picks back up. It totally disrupts my reading experience. I wish he'd just save it for his article, editorial, advertisement. I don't fish and am happy to find an article that's not explicitly focused on fishing, "real food", blah, blah, blah that it would be nice if he could just save it until later. "

The more and more Stu "corrects" people, the less and less I listen to him.

boonie: "

TrailZen: "Got mine 03/22--I'm in western NC. And, typically, a nice article ('Canoe Country Reflections', by Jim Janssen) explains the author's progression to lighter gear and food over his 45 years of BWCA/Q paddling. Since Jim's techniques run counter to Stu's, Stu injects an eight-column-inch 'editor's note' explaining why the Grand Slam Guide Service philosophy is better. I've enjoyed the BWJ for over 30 years, but really wish Osthoff would allow a bit more freedom of expression in submitted articles and just drink a cup of STFU when someone expresses an opinion that isn't in lock-step with that of Stu!



TZ"

Agreed. I was enjoying that article . . . and all of a sudden I'm reading something entirely different and looking for where the story picks back up. It totally disrupts my reading experience. I wish he'd just save it for his article, editorial, advertisement. I don't fish and am happy to find an article that's not explicitly focused on fishing, "real food", blah, blah, blah that it would be nice if he could just save it until later. "

I've often wished, and have emailed Stu with the suggestion, that there was a letters to the editor section. Of course, he'd have editorial control, and probably wouldn't publish letters that challenge his opinions, but may provide a bit of a sounding board for the magazine, get him to think outside the box.

I always go into reading the issue knowing that 1/4 of the magazine is a promotion for his services, which is fine by me. I just wish he'd edit some of the articles to correct the folks who don't know the difference between me and I, and would correct some of the photos where the dang lake is crooked!

I quit Stu's mailing list and got tired of his blah, blah blah. I don't need to look at his pictures, I've got my own. Too repetitive.

I agree that by him pointing out the best campsites and fishing holes, he has done a disservice to the wilderness. The mag is written completely to sell more mags. The best way to ruin a great campsite is to tell 10,000 people about it.

Putting the owner/authors mug on a full page photo every issue is an egotistical expression few would dare.
Tom

tumblehome: "I agree that by him pointing out the best campsites and fishing holes, he has done a disservice to the wilderness. The mag is written completely to sell more mags. The best way to ruin a great campsite is to tell 10,000 people about it.


Putting the owner/authors mug on a full page photo every issue is an egotistical expression few would dare.
Tom
"

The campsite info and fishing hole give away thing is terrible for the area. I hope he stops. But that said, the magazine is one of a kind and I really do enjoy the vast majority of articles. It doesn't bother me that he puts his picture in it and poo poohs others way of tripping. He's selling magazines and his guide business. Kudos to him for actually busting his butt to keep this magazine going since 1987. That's a great accomplishment and I know I am better for it.

But someone's gotta get him to stop giving away so much info (Campsites and fishing spots) that most of us earned the hard way. He can pack in all the ice and milk and fresh food he wants, I'm fine using my dehydrator and powdered eggs with pre cooked bacon. My hips thank me after every portage.

Stu knows a lot about the BW and Q. Far more than most of us. He has made a career out of the knowledge between guiding and the magazine. Hats off to him for that.

I liked the magazine a lot. I wrote several articles for the Journal. I let my subscription end a couple of years ago for one primary reason: Stu’s know it all, my way or the highway style of writing. He and I trip in completely different styles. I am fine with however he wants to trip, but I could not stomach his constant preaching and judgment of those of us who travel light, wet foot, don’t fish, don’t base camp and don’t care about fresh food a week into a trip. My way is simply not Stu’s way and I have loved my way for multiple trips a year for nearly fifty years.

I give him a tip of the hat for how he trips. I gave up my subscription simply because the respect was not a two way street.

I agree with most of the comments about the BWJ. Both the positive and negative ones.

Personally, I still find it valuable. (That is the key for me... I can’t speak for others). There were two great articles on ultralight canoeing this edition and the trout fishing article was one of the best (for me) articles ever. I'm sure one of them would have been better without the editorial comments. :) I still enjoy it.

Compared to many outdoor magazines, the photography is awesome.

But I cannot reasonably disagree with the counter arguments of those letting subscriptions lapse either.

It is what it is at this point...hope it continues though.

T

Finally arrived today!

timatkn: "Compared to many outdoor magazines, the photography is awesome. "

Pretty cool that some of the regular photo contributors are members here at BWCA.com.

I used to let Stu's methods bug me, but it's his magazine, and he can do whatever he wants with it. Like others, I get turned off by his constant opinions, but I read them as humor at this point. I never thought about the campsite ratings tipping people off to the best campsites, but I can see that happening. I agree that knowledge of the prime campsites should be earned...but he's in the magazine selling business.

In terms of his "style," Stu comes across as rigid, but sells it as "really livin'." Again, if he wants to hump ice, deli meats, brats, steak, loafs of bread, fresh veggies, and milk into the BWCA/Q, good for him. We've all carried in things/food/equipment that are important to us. I like milk, and I like cereal, but can go without it when the situation dictates. I wouldn't want to hump one of those packs just so we can have cereal with milk. And dry feet? It's a million acres of water!

Mike

The “Collective Wisdom” article he’s had for the past few years has been nice as it adds some additional opinions that aren’t just Stu’s. I generally skip his annual Colorado hunting wrap up as well as his summary of how many fish he caught each summer. I’ll keep subscribing, I’m always happy when one arrives in the mailbox.

gotwins: " I’ll keep subscribing, I’m always happy when one arrives in the mailbox. "

Yep, that's the bottom line. I page through and check out the pics as soon as I see it then keep it on the kitchen table to read with my breakfast. It gets me in the mood. I just wish he would be more "general area" instead of specific lake when giving fishing hotspots. We who fish have a code to keep. To Stu (I know you will read this thread) - Let people find out for themselves otherwise your "honey holes" might go sour for you as well.

I was wondering how much leash he'd let Rob K. have, then Stu couldn't contain himself on the footwear section! I agree with Stu here, Chacos/Tevas area stupid up there. At the very least, get some Keens that cover your toes (that's what I use)!

Does anyone remember when Stu was 100% in on the LL Bean 16" Maine hunting shoes? He hasn't said squat about them in over a decade.

TomT: "

GopherAdventure: "


+1 I recently did not renew my 5 year subscription for this very reason. I was getting a little tired of hearing about how foolish wet footers are and how dehydrated meals are for slackers. "

That stuff never bothered me. He's the guy who wore blue jeans on trips for years. It's to each his own. I think he knows he's stirring the pot and it creates debate. Just like we're doing now. :)


What I have a beef about is his direct naming of fishing holes and lakes. Campsites as well. To me, that information should be earned and not made public. He breaks the fisherman's code to sell magazines. Not cool Stu."

I guess there are two 180-degree separate opinions on the "fisherman's code". Quoting Stu from page 70 of the current issue: "Few things torque my screws more than anglers who guard canoe country intel like it is top secret." Apparently he has as much disdain for your point of view as you for his. This type of debate will probably go on forever from two sides that will likely never agree.

TrailZen: "Got mine 03/22--I'm in western NC. And, typically, a nice article ('Canoe Country Reflections', by Jim Janssen) explains the author's progression to lighter gear and food over his 45 years of BWCA/Q paddling. Since Jim's techniques run counter to Stu's, Stu injects an eight-column-inch 'editor's note' explaining why the Grand Slam Guide Service philosophy is better. I've enjoyed the BWJ for over 30 years, but really wish Osthoff would allow a bit more freedom of expression in submitted articles and just drink a cup of STFU when someone expresses an opinion that isn't in lock-step with that of Stu!


TZ"

What I found interesting is Stu's editorial insert into Darrel Brauer's segment of "Collective Wisdom". I appreciated Darrel's point regarding asking another party about providing them assistance rather than just going ahead and doing it. Part of the satisfaction for us on a BWCA trip is demonstrating to ourselves that we can operate with a degree of self sufficiency.

I remember once when we were working through a challenge with our gear at a portage when someone from another party jumped in to lend us a hand. It was a thoughtful gesture and I wanted to be a gracious enough human being to recognize it as such and thanked him. At the same time I would not have "minded" had this person let us on our own to work the problem independently. On another occasion, we were offered help and very gratefully accepted as assistance right then was sorely needed. Again, always good to ask.

Stu's "JUST GET OUT IN THE WOODS MORE" response to those who would prefer being left alone and who carry a let's-do-it-on-our-own mindset forgets that many, many of us have limited opportunity to do so. That's part of what makes the trips we CAN take so special. And part of why we strive for satisfaction from each trip in each hoped-for way. It's harder to say, "Oh well, maybe next time" when your next times have more limits to them. I completely get why a particular party may not WANT your help and I can't say that I agree with Stu on this one.

This all being said I don't begrudge him one bit the right to insert and publish his opinions in BWJ. It's his magazine! A lot of what he says I don't agree with but I also do find my self right on board with many of his ideas. He certainly thinks his way of tripping is the best and isn't afraid to tell people this. In his blunt way he can come across as thinking his way is the ONLY way. I don't think he really believes this or he would not allow dissenting writers any ink in what is, again, HIS publication. Frankly, I think the methods I use are the best, but I guess that's just me. I saw him at a sport show one time and told him how much I agreed with the opinions he had expressed in a recent BWJ article and how I appreciated him for doing so. He responded that this was nice to hear, especially since moments before someone else had told him he was a horse's a** for writing the very same article. To each their own!

Another example would be how I just really don't get the solo thing. I LOVE being with friends in the BWCA and most often enjoy the encounters I have with other parties. I do know that many of you equally enjoy solitude and have little interest in travelling through canoe country other than by yourself. If that is what brings enjoyment to you then I sincerely hope you have many opportunities to take a solo trip and that you find them all to be very fulfilling. That shouldn't keep me from talking about what I like.

I've subscribed to BWJ now for over 25 years. I don't read each issue cover to cover as voraciously as I once did because their are now other ways (like this forum) in which I can feed my BWCA jones. But I still enjoy it and it is still a pleasant moment when BWJ arrives in my mail each quarter. I will continue to subscribe.

bottomtothetap: "

TomT: "

GopherAdventure: "



+1 I recently did not renew my 5 year subscription for this very reason. I was getting a little tired of hearing about how foolish wet footers are and how dehydrated meals are for slackers. "

That stuff never bothered me. He's the guy who wore blue jeans on trips for years. It's to each his own. I think he knows he's stirring the pot and it creates debate. Just like we're doing now. :)



What I have a beef about is his direct naming of fishing holes and lakes. Campsites as well. To me, that information should be earned and not made public. He breaks the fisherman's code to sell magazines. Not cool Stu."

I guess there are two 180-degree separate opinions on the "fisherman's code". Quoting Stu from page 70 of the current issue: "Few things torque my screws more than anglers who guard canoe country intel like it is top secret." Apparently he has as much disdain for your point of view as you for his. This type of debate will probably go on forever from two sides that will likely never agree."

As long as there are fish.

Ours was in the mail today. South central Michigan.

Neil

TomT: "

GopherAdventure: "


+1 I recently did not renew my 5 year subscription for this very reason. I was getting a little tired of hearing about how foolish wet footers are and how dehydrated meals are for slackers. "

That stuff never bothered me. He's the guy who wore blue jeans on trips for years. It's to each his own. I think he knows he's stirring the pot and it creates debate. Just like we're doing now. :)


What I have a beef about is his direct naming of fishing holes and lakes. Campsites as well. To me, that information should be earned and not made public. He breaks the fisherman's code to sell magazines. Not cool Stu."

Isn't that half the purpose of this website? I don't give up fishing intel and cringe when my hotspots are posted on the internet for the drooling masses to see, but it happens here everyday..... The maps have access to campsite reviews and tons of fishing information. The trip reports and forums are full of advice on how to approach a myriad of situations. Are you going to stop logging on here because people do the same thing? I think not......

IronRangeMike: "

TomT: "

GopherAdventure: "



+1 I recently did not renew my 5 year subscription for this very reason. I was getting a little tired of hearing about how foolish wet footers are and how dehydrated meals are for slackers. "

That stuff never bothered me. He's the guy who wore blue jeans on trips for years. It's to each his own. I think he knows he's stirring the pot and it creates debate. Just like we're doing now. :)



What I have a beef about is his direct naming of fishing holes and lakes. Campsites as well. To me, that information should be earned and not made public. He breaks the fisherman's code to sell magazines. Not cool Stu."

Isn't that half the purpose of this website? I don't give up fishing intel and cringe when my hotspots are posted on the internet for the drooling masses to see, but it happens here everyday..... The maps have access to campsite reviews and tons of fishing information. The trip reports and forums are full of advice on how to approach a myriad of situations. Are you going to stop logging on here because people do the same thing? I think not...... "

What I didn’t appreciate is his talking about specific unnamed lakes off a main route where you need to bushwhack to get in to. And him mentioning it was full of trophy bass. It’s like, really? Just how many people would you want beating down the trail to these relatively small lakes? “No portages, no names, but here ya go”. That’s selling magazines at the expense of people who put in the work to find spots like that. I bushwhack into these types of lakes and strike out more times than get in to good fishing. To me that’s how it should work.

gotwins: "The “Collective Wisdom” article he’s had for the past few years has been nice as it adds some additional opinions that aren’t just Stu’s. I generally skip his annual Colorado hunting wrap up as well as his summary of how many fish he caught each summer. I’ll keep subscribing, I’m always happy when one arrives in the mailbox. "

The photography and a few articles of interest in each issue will probably keep me as a subscriber, but with Stu's comments added to each opinion not in line with his own, I would suggest the "Collective Wisdom" feature be renamed "Corrected Wisdom".

TZ

I typically read the magazine from cover to cover, except for the fishing articles, and don't let the other stuff bother me too much. This edition seemed to be about 1/3 fishing, still I know others enjoy that subject.

For the first time, I was really annoyed by Stu's interjection into Jim Jannsens article about progressing to lighter gear, which most of us eventually do as the years add on. The only other magazine I subscribe to is Fine Woodworking so I thought about if the publisher added an editorial into why he did something differently than the person who wrote the article, in the middle of the article. It would be very unprofessional and as a contributor I would walk away and never write another piece for them again. The magazine publisher would also get hundreds of emails about it and would actually post many of them.