1/14/06 – We are getting a lot of worried phone calls from people who have noticed the “lottery” for BWCA Wilderness entry permits on the permit reservation website.
The so called “lottery” is not really a lottery. They just accumulate the permit applications and then process them starting on January 15th. In the unlikely case that they have more applications for an entry point on a given date than the quota allows, they randomly pick who gets the permits and reject the others. For all the entry points around here, it is very rare that anyone is rejected. The “lottery” really is only a lottery for the few entry points (none near Sawbill) that allow overnight camping with motor boats, and one or two small, but popular, entry points near Ely.
Once the “lottery” is over, you can reserve permits in real time at the permit reservation website or by calling toll free 1-877-550-6777. Or, you can call us at 1-218-663-7150 and we’ll reserve a permit for you.
Now is a good time to be planning your canoe trip for the upcoming season, but you don’t need to panic. In past years, the entry points near here have been available for even the most popular entry dates during the summer until near the end of March.
As always, if you have questions, need route advice, or just want to chat about the weather, give us a call at 218-663-7150 or email at :info@sawbill.com. – Bill