I am still confused about picking up permits. If I reserve permits online, can I pick up the permit at any outfitter? Do I need to register with a specific outfitter and have them reserve for me? It seems to me that just walking into a business and saying, "Issue me my permit and show me the videos-- here is 2 bucks" is just wrong. If the ranger stations couldn't afford to issue permits, how can the outfitters?

Get your permit on line and set up to pick up at the outfitter. This year I watched 3 videos the BW people sent me before my trip at home, and the outfitter didn't even ask. There is no mystery to it.

When you reserve a permit, you specify where you will pick it up. You can designate any outfitter you see fit. The outfitter only gets the $2 for the service but hopes you will spend some other money with them, outfitting, buying gear, etc.

merlyn: "It seems to me that just walking into a business and saying "issue me my permit and show me the videos-- here is 2 bucks" is just wrong."

Yes, that would be a rude way to talk to an outfitter. First you could say, "Hello." Maybe add a please and thank you. You could also compliment their business. Then there would be nothing wrong.

merlyn: "I am still confused about picking up permits."

I don't think you are. I think you're trying to stir the pot.

YaMarVa: "

merlyn: "It seems to me that just walking into a business and saying "issue me my permit and show me the videos-- here is 2 bucks" is just wrong."

Yes, that would be a rude way to talk to an outfitter. First you could say, "Hello." Maybe add a please and thank you. You could also complement their business. Then there would be nothing wrong.

merlyn: "I am still confused about picking up permits."

I don't think you are. I think you're trying to stir the pot. "

Pot meet kettle... lol!

Barca, you can point out the obvious. Great job.

I'm always down for a debate and Merlyn is clearly looking for one by beating this dead horse topic asking questions I'm sure he knows the answers to. In his profile he claims he's smart.

While this post does seem to attempt stirring the pot. Pick an outfitter that also has a heavy retail presence- they are already paying for billboard advertisement and mass mailings 4 times a year. How many people go into stores and walk out empty handed? A lot. It’s basically the same thing. If I don’t need canoe rentals, which is about half the time, I go to the main retailers who also have permits. IF we do need cane rental, then I go to the place that heavily relies on outfitting and doesn’t really have much for retail.

I’m sure none of this is earth shattering, but it’s my nuanced approach.

If using a bunkhouse, I use them, regardless of whether I also rent canoes.

YaMarVa: "Barca, you can point out the obvious. Great job.

I'm always down for a debate and Merlyn is clearly looking for one by beating this dead horse topic asking questions I'm sure he knows the answers to. In his profile he claims he's smart."

As I know neither of you, I hesitate to assign motives.... However, as one who truly loves a good debate (no violence please)... I applaud you sir/madame.

May your fishing always be fruitful and the wind at your back. Cheers!

To answer the question, maybe this got past you, the ranger stations can't afford to stay open because the federal funding got slashed, putting people out of jobs and closing the stations. Outfitters are retail income generating businesses that have a staff full time, they are going to be there and more than happy to help you out with your permit and with a smile. If paying a 2$ fee bothers you that much I don't know what to tell you.

Same to you Barca, tight lines.

You have to choose where you want to pick up the permit.
The info is in this link but it may be hard to parcel it out.


BWCA Permits USFS

I will add this, it’s a lot more fun picking up the permit at an outfitter where you can joke around, bs ask about the fishing get some last minute supplies etc. I’ll get my bait from VNO if I’m on the Ely side. Rather than the ranger station where you feel more scrutinized or whatever, hey it’s the feds you never know what they might do haha. I have all my own gear but I have been picking up my permit at outfitters for several years.

If you think the $2 fee is too low, you can always give them a tip...

Guilty! I know I'm flogging a dead horse but whenever I picked up a permit at the ranger station, I had to watch the videos and answer a few questions. Well over 20+ times over the years. I have used independents several times and have never been shown the videos, It's a weakness in the system. Not blaming them a bit as they have a business to run. A $2 charge is an insult to the issuers. Bump it up to $10 or so and make it worth their time.
Did someone really think I was complaining about the $2 charge?
My profile says I'm too good looking to be this smart. A stable genius perhaps? The sarcasm is implied.


PS: My confusion was real, missed some fine print.

The $2 is besides the point. Most stores are just happy to get you in the door. It's better than any advertisement. I'm not going to feel guilty about wasting their time when it's getting their target market in their store and looking at their products.

NEIowapaddler: "If you think the $2 fee is too low, you can always give them a tip..."

I got my permit at Frost River this past spring and they would not take my 2 bucks so I left them a tip in their jar.

merlyn: " Guilty! I know I'm flogging a dead horse but whenever I picked up a permit at the ranger station, I had to watch the videos and answer a few questions. Well over 20+ times over the years. I have used independents several times and have never been shown the videos, It's a weakness in the system. Not blaming them a bit as they have a business to run. A $2 charge is an insult to the issuers. Bump it up to $10 or so and make it worth their time.
Did someone really think I was complaining about the $2 charge?
My profile says I'm too good looking to be this smart. A stable genius perhaps? The sarcasm is implied.



PS: My confusion was real, missed some fine print."

Thanks for the response, I don’t necessarily disagree with anything you posted. I’d pay the $10 too. I appreciated the sarcasm in your profile.