I went on a week long backpacking/canoeing trip in bwca june last year, and the ticks were the only problem. This year we're planning on going back, but there's a new concern, west nile. Its made it to most every state by now I think. I figure if we go on another trip this summer we're sure to come back with it, should I worry?

Yes Worry! The first two weeks of June are the worst. Nobody should be going to the BWCA then. Mosquitoes will kill everyone. I will ofcourse be there monitoring the situation.
It would be nice to have the whole place to myself. I will never let something like West Nile keep me out of the wild.

Forget west nile, be afraid of them ticks:

http://www.startribune.com/stories/1608/3782277.html

and

http://www.startribune.com/stories/568/3782728.html

A short synopsis:

There was an 88% increase in Lyme disease infections from 2001 to 2002. The total was 867 in Minnesota and 890 in Wisconsin.

Suggested precautions are to avoid brushy areas, wear long sleeves and pants and apply tick repellant containing DEET or permethrin.

But as woolybugger states, it will be a sad day when we all cower inside our homes in fear of overblown risks. Just remember to know the risks and take the appropriate amount of caution when going into the bwca.

Jimbo

Please let me know if I'm wrong but...

I have heard that west nile is carried by a different species of mosquitto than is common in N. Minnesota.

Like other posters have said, worry about the tiny tics (lymes) - not west nile. Pull your socs over your pants and you should be safe - (you don't mind if you look silly, do you?)

Max L.

I checked - West Nile is carried by the "northern house mosquitto" it is found in mostly urban areas. From the insect guy (ictheologist?) I talked to you are much, much more likly to get W. Nile from the couple of bites you get at your local park than the dozens you might get in the BWCA.

P.S. - bug spray isn't worth it, it stinks and melts fishing line...I never use it, I just sweat the bites out on the next portage...of course the N. Minnesota mosquitos are a crafty bunch, I bet they are reading this right now and have me on their menu.