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BWCA PERMITS
A HANDLER'S PERSPECTIVE
NO CHILD LEFT INSIDE
PERMIT INFORMATION
UPCOMING DATES
SPECIAL
BWCA PERMITS
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Monday, January 17th was the BWCAW  permit lottery.  So to those of you unfamiliar with the permit issuing system of the BWCAW, this is a big deal.  It is a great deal for everyone that has been able to apply for permits prior to that date.  The Forest Service takes all the applications that they have on hand and in turn draws them out of the hat.  We have found that basically everyone that is in the Lottery will get their request.  So you can see that to those that are locked in to certain dates for their trips taking advantage of the lottery is a good thing.  

 

Now the great news to those of you who may be considering a trip for this summer and were not able to pin down your dates, there are still a lot of permits available for this summer.  They will be issued on a first come, first serve basis.  So it is important to know that you should move quickly toward deciding on dates and locking in  your permit.  As the weeks go by, you will be forced into greater constraints by days that are full.

 

Now the Quetico Park has a new reservation system that is much easier.  Their permits are issued 5 months to the day ahead of time and then if there are permits remaining, they are issued on a first come, first serve basis.  Just be sure to stay on top of the 5 month deadline.

 

Bottom line, there are plenty of permits currently available, do not hesitate to give us a call and secure one for your trip.  We'll help you with any unanswered questions and make the whole process an easy task.







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Williams and Hall Newsletter
What's Going On in the North Woods
This news letter is designed to help keep you current on the issues of the Boundary Waters and Quetico Park, to give keep you up to date on Williams and Hall Outfitters, and to share some of our knowledge and love of the outdoors and the wilderness around us.  We hope you enjoy these articles and share them with your friends. 
A Handler's Perspective      
 

 

   

Dogs With Full Moon

For those of you who saw our last Newsletter and are a bit more familiar with dog mushing/racing, I can now add a little perspective to the event as this is now the third race I've handled (assisted) in.

It has often been said that if one wants to be the best possible in something, one needs to be fully committed to it. It has also been said that one could be committed for doing what they do! In the Dog Mushing world, I find it's a combination of the two. The time and dedication required to compete in this true Northwoods sport is, to me, akin to what any top athlete does to compete in a major sport. The training is continual and the preparation, critical, not to mention dealing with the sometimes brutal winter elements during a race season.

This year's 130 mile Wolf Track Classic, regardless of the final results, was a big success for everyone. There where no bad incidents for either mushers or dogs and, unlike last year's race, the weather couldn't have been much better.

On the longer races there is mandatory rest time for mushers and dog teams. This race required a total of 8 hours of rest divided between three checkpoints. Veterinarians were on hand throughout the race to make sure the health and well being of the dogs was maintained. For any good musher, this is the basic foundation of a good team.

As a handler, I was responsible for moving dogs to and from the transport vehicle at the race start, finish and at checkpoints. I drove the support vehicle from checkpoint to checkpoint, and assisted in feeding, watering and bedding the dogs at rest stops.  Once the musher gets back on the trail, close attention had to be paid to organizing equipment and preparing for the next checkpoint.

Handling for a dog sled race certainly has its emotional highs and lows. From the near silence of a long layover, with teams resting quietly on beds of straw under crystal clear winter skies at 2 in the morning, to the near fever pitch and excitement displayed by the dogs at race start, there are few,if any things in our summer canoe trip world that compare.

Much the same as a spectator at a golf tournament, it is impossible for one person to view an entire race. Going to the start, finish and various recommended viewing spots along the course, however, will give one a unique opportunity to partake in the fascinating world of Sled Dog Racing...a true "Race of the North". - Dave

For more information on this year's WolfTrack Classic, go to www.wolftrackclassic.com
 

Dog Sled Race

Dog Sled Race

 

NO CHILD  LEFT INSIDE
  Kearney FamilyFor the 2011 season we are starting a campaign to get families out of the house, away from the computer games, and out enjoying nature.  In order to help you we are still offering our NO CHILD LEFT INSIDE package.  This package includes all of the gear that your family will need for an excellent adventure into the Boundary Waters, lodging before your trip with a dinner and breakfast in our dining room, transportation to your entry point, routing and fishing information and tips.  For every child that brings an adult, the adult will get 20% off complete outfitting rates.  Each youth agRyan with fishes 10-18 will get 25% off the regular complete outfitting rates, and each youth 9 and under will go free. 


Kearney Boy


 
PERMIT INFORMATION
Sunset
PERMIT INFORMATION

 

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).  

The lottery is over we can now reserve your permits directly.

 

Quetico Park

Permits are issued on a first come first served basis exactly 5 months to the day before your desired start day.  This year the park will open May 20th, 2011. 

Our Crew will be happy to help you obtain your permits at no extra cost to you. 
 
UPCOMING DATES
Misty Morning
Mark the following dates on your calander:

Canoeing Shows: 

Canoecopia in Madison, WI. March 11th - 13th


Other Important Dates: 

Minnesota Fishing Opener, May 14th

Ontario Walleye Opener, May 21st

Quetico Park Opens, May 20th

(contact us for pre-season Quetico trip information)

SPECIAL PROMOTION

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Because it was so popular last month we are extending our offer for a couple more weeks.   

 We are offering a day of FREE CANOE RENTAL when you rent a canoe for 5 days. A 6th day at no charge when you rent for 5 days.

*Offer applies to regular rates only.  Does not apply to youth groups rates.    

Thanks for taking the time to join us.   We hope to be hearing from you soon.
 

Sincerely,


Blayne, Charlene & Dave
Williams & Hall Outfitters

PO Box 358 Ely, MN 55731
(800) 322-5837
[email protected]

Canoe Trip Specialists
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness / Quetico Park Outfitter
Williams and Hall Wilderness Guides and Outfitters
Located on Moose Lake in Ely, Minnesota