Power Auger in the BWCA

[quacksmackMN]

Does anyone know if there are any rules against using a gas ice auger in the boundary waters?

[Neiko]

I am pretty sure you can't have any motors including electric augers or trolling motors.

[monstermoose78]

No motors and that includes electric as neiko said

[aanderud]

according to the DNR, no they are not allowed:

Quote:

MOTORS NOT ALLOWED

With the exception of a few lakes, motors are not allowed in the Boundary Waters. This applies to all motorized equipment: boat motors, electric trolling motors, chainsaws, power augers, generators, pumps, snowmobiles, ATV's, remote control boats and planes, etc. You cannot have them in your possession, whether in use or not.

Electric powered augers are as quiet as manual ones. They should be allowed there and on the other "motorless" lakes (minneapolis chain, etc). The point of the motor restrictions was to reduce gas/oil pollution on that body of water and reduce noise -- and electric options accomplish both of those goals.

If it was me I'd carry the electric auger in and take my chances. Don't necessarily take my advice -- I also occasionally turn left on a red arrow when there's absolutely nobody around too, since it's silly to just sit there looking around wondering why the arrow won't change. When will they start retrofitting the red arrows with the new standard yellow-flashing arrows?

[DTro]

its not the noise or the pollution they are worried about, its the whole "natural" non motorized assistance thing.

[aanderud]

hippies.

[Neiko]

When ever I am going to a new area for hunting and fishing and have a legal question I always look up the CO in that area and call him directly. If he is the one who will be writing the ticket if you take a guess it is always best to hear it straight from him. I even contacted the Canadian CO last week about transporting a spear and he was extremely helpful. The CO's are a good resource for this stuff and I have gotten many tips on new areas to fish from these guys. What is nice is they will tell you the truth as they have no vested interest in lying to you like a small percentage of resort or bait shops would.

[Surface Tension]

You can't use an electric auger in the BWCAW.

[Great Outdoors]

Does anyone know if there are any rules against using a gas ice auger in the boundary waters?

The laws can get some confused since there are lakes within the BWCA that do allow outboard motor usage.

HOWEVER, that is the only "mechanical" usage allowed.

Augers, both electric or gas powered, along with chain saws are taboo.

Sail boats and bicycles are also illegal to use within the BWCA.

[redneckdan]

If the object in question makes your life easier, it is illegal in the BWCAW.

[BRULEDRIFTER]

Except for flashers.... totally legal.

[Duffman]

Except for flashers.... totally legal.

Shhhh......don't give 'em any more ideas.

[leech~~]

hippies.

[quacksmackMN]

When ever I am going to a new area for hunting and fishing and have a legal question I always look up the CO in that area and call him directly. If he is the one who will be writing the ticket if you take a guess it is always best to hear it straight from him. I even contacted the Canadian CO last week about transporting a spear and he was extremely helpful. The CO's are a good resource for this stuff and I have gotten many tips on new areas to fish from these guys. What is nice is they will tell you the truth as they have no vested interest in lying to you like a small percentage of resort or bait shops would.

That is a good idea... thanks!

[nofishfisherman]

For legal questions regarding the BWCA you'll need to contact the DNR as well as the US Forest Service. The DNR handles game a fish enforcement and the Feds handle just about everything else.

A ticket for running a gas or electric auger could come from either one.

[DTro]

The sticky wicket you can run into when contacting a CO or the MNDNR regarding rules and regs is that in some instances it is up to the interpretation of the CO on how the rules shall be enforced. For example, isn’t a flasher, battery powered and motorized? Ask 5 different CO’s if you can follow the bordering states rules with a MN license on their side of the river and you will get 5 different answers.

[David Anderson]

It does bring up a point which could be argued that a Vexilar and Ion Auger operate under the same principle, a motor does the mechanical aspect of each ones operation. So, maybe only a Marcum. I doubt you would get a ticket for the Vexilar yet without splitting hairs shows the continued ridiculousness of the lack of intent. I have hunted in State Wildlife areas where ATV's were allowed only after hunting hours to retrieve game and was chastised by the hunting party next to us for obeying the law and using my ATV to my advantage in the area when they did it the "old fashioned way" yet it was perfectly fine for the same guys to use the new technology called GPS. I guess the post simply struck a cord!