I have a permit for East Bearskin. What are the rules on how to enter the BWCA with a permit. What I would like to do is paddle outside the BWCA to Flour Lake, Hungary Jack, Bearskin, and Duncan before I actually enter the BWCA. Is this permitted or do I have to enter the BWCA at East Bearskin? Thanks for your help.

I believe the rule is you must enter on the same day and at the same point reserved on your permit. If your permit is for East Bearskin EP 64, you would not be allowed to enter instead at Duncan Lake EP 60.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe your exit is only an estimate, though. I believe you can exit at a different point and day than what you originally put on your permit.

Yes you must enter at the assigned entry point on the day of your permit. If you enter on a different day or different entry point you are subject to a fine if caught.

The exit date and location is only for statistical information for the USFS. You can exit any day or place you want.

Please note, the exit place and time are not tracked by the USFS-so if you do not exit the day you think you will no one is paying attention to that and will come looking for you. A loved one will need to contact the county sheriff to do a search and they should know that windy conditions may mean you are forced to exit a day or two late. The sheriff and USFS may not send out a search party if it is real windy and you don't come out., They will assume you are windbound and not coming out that day.

Thank you never really had a issue with this before -I have one more question. During your trip if you leave the of the BWCA can you re-enter say if you go to McFarland from Pine and from there continue east on to South or North Fowl by way of the Royal river. I think you actually leave and re-enter the BWCA is that ok?

btw....i believe duncan is TOTALLY within the bwca. dont fully rely on beymers maps for actual boarders. Jan

JAC-I do not think you could do that.

Once you leave the BWCAW you can not re-enter without another permit for the area. I would check with the USFS and see, but I think once you hit the road that crosses the north end of McFarland you are technically exiting the park and would need either the John Lake or North Fowl Lake EP to continue on.

I am not completely sure on this point so checking with a USFS ranger would be your best advice to make sure you are doing things by the book.