What's Going on in the North Woods

  • Around The Base

  • The Fishing Corner

  • The Scouter's Scene

  • Tip For the Outdoor Photographer

  • More Great Information

This newsletter is designed to help keep you current on the issues of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Quetico Provincial Park, to give you information on Williams and Hall Outfitters, and to share some of our knowledge and love of the outdoors and the BWCA wilderness around us. We hope you enjoy these articles and share them with your friends.

Around The Base

Between The Seasons 

As I sit here in the office, gazing out the window, I see one of the last hearty souls of a season past. A lone Bald Eagle soars high above Moose Lake, splitting the snow flurry filled sky in search of some lingering tidbits. His days on Moose Lake are numbered, as it will finally close up with ice, forcing the few eagles left to seek better feeding grounds where open water remains. During mild winters, that may only be as far south as the St. Croix River which divides Minnesota and Wisconsin, otherwise, points further south are typical.

Yes, we've already had a winter storm that left in excess of a foot of snow in places.  The mild early winter however… often more like mid-fall, nearly melted everything away that we had on the ground. This is an "in between" time of the year for us. There is open water but harsh conditions and ice on the edges make it uncomfortable if not unsafe to venture out onto the water. What ice does exist is not thick enough for the cautious of us, anxiously awaiting the start of the ice fishing season. Big changes are moving in though, as more familiar winter conditions are on the way.

From where I sit here in the office, the view is relaxing. Snow removal...not as much. The winter birds and the squirrels are stocking up at the feeders. The pine martens occasionally pass through looking for a scrap or two from the suet feeder. There is a lull in canoe trip planning as is typical this time of the year but that will be changing soon as well, with the ability to start applying for and reserving permits. (That, by the way, is my subtle hint to take advantage and get the jump on next year's canoe trip plans).

Happy Holidays, Dave

Adventure On!

The Fishing Corner

As we mentioned above, the fall fishing  is over but the lake ice is not quite ready for ice fisherman to safely head out on to the lakes.  It is truly between the fishing seasons, so we don't have much to report.  You will just have to dream about fishing for now...........

Fish On!

Our 2017 Sport Show and Boundary Water Nights Dates 

Don't Miss Us At a Location Near You

January  6 – 8      Collinsville, IL (St Louis)    Let’s Go Fishing Show, Gateway Center

January 9              Indianapolis, IN                   Boundary Waters Night 7 pm                                                                                                                 Indianapolis Marriott North

January  13-15       Cincinnati, OH                    Cincinnati Travel, Sports and Boat Show          and 18th -22nd                                                     Duke Energy Center

January 17              Cincinnati, OH                     Boundary Waters Night                                                                                                                            Hamilton County Parks                                                                                                                          Sharon Woods Auditorium                                                                                                                    Sharonville, 7:00 pm

January  19 – 22      Kansas City, MO                 Kansas City Boat and Sport Show                                                                                                         Bartle Hall

January 23              Park Ridge, IL (Chicago)    Boundary Waters Night                                                                                                                           South Park Building 7:00 pm

January 25               Brookfield, WI                     Boundary Waters Night                                                                          (Milwaukee)                          Fox Brook Center 7:00 pm

January 26-29         Schaumburg, IL                   Chicagoland Fishing, Travel and Expo Show                                     (Chicago)                               Schaumburg Convention Center

See you there.

The Scouter's Scene 

Don't Forget About the Boys Not Going to the 2017 Jambo

2017 is a BSA Jamboree year. It should be a phenomenal event.  But don't forget about the boys in your troop who will not be going to the Jamboree!  A week-long canoe trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area wilderness is the perfect high adventure for the rest of your troop.

At Williams and Hall, we know scouts better than anyone else outfitting trips into the Boundary Waters.  Trust us to help you plan an incredible high adventure.

Duty On. Be Prepared!

Tip For the Outdoor Photographer 

Winter Offers Great Photo Opportunities

Whether you are cross country skiing or snowshoeing in the back country, or just walking in the snow in a local park, winter offers unique wildlife and landscape photo opportunities.  Here are a few tips for winter photography.

  1. Dress for the conditions.  Winter photography is more fun when you are warm.  You have more patience for the perfect shot and you won't be shivering.

  2. Generally, cameras will work well in the cold.  However, remember that your lens might fog up if you take it from a warm car or house into very cold temperatures.

  3. Bring several batteries and keep the batteries not in use in a warm pocket.  Cold can weaken batteries.  If your battery weakens, simply swap it for one in your pocket.

  4. Think in terms of both color and black and white.  Winter snow can offer great contrast for black and white shots.

Shoot On!

We Can Help You Secure Your 2017 Permits for Boundary Waters  and Quetico

Quetico Park permits are available no sooner than 5 months, to the day, ahead of the actual start date and Boundary Waters permits will available for application on a first-come, first serve basis in mid-January.  Now is the time to apply.

Remember...We are happy to secure your Canoe Country permits at no extra charge!

Time of the Year for Reflection and Thanks

This time of the year is also a time to reflect. At the risk of sounding redundant, we say again, how much we appreciate You, our Guests...our Friends. We wouldn't be here without You. As we come to the close of another year, we hope you too can reflect on all the good things from 2016. As always, let us know how we can help with your future canoe trip plans to Moose Lake.

We Wish You the All the Best for the Holidays and a Prosperous New Year!

From your friends at Williams and Hall,                                                                            

Charlene, Blayne, Dave and Kevin
Williams and Hall Outfitters and Canoe Adventures

(218) 365-5837
canoe@williamsandhall.com

Paddle On.  Be Free.