I discussed BWCAW permits with a USFS offical today....it is stated on BWCA permits that firearms are allowed, and what type of use is considered non permissive......therefore every visitor to the BWCAW that is issued a permit should expect the chance of experienceing firearm useage or the sounds of it.....aparently those that fought so hard to create a wilderness ,and prohibit cutting of live vegetation, limiting abuse of the land by limiting party size, banning cans and bottles, designating campsites with firegrate and latrine, entry points and entry dates specified.....apparently thought firearms had a proper and necessary existance in the wilderness,,,,,after all....it is written in the permits, that it is O.K. :exclamation [smiley=thumbup.gif]how do you argue with that :question...you may not like it, but........that's the way it is :exclamation....oh yeah, doesn't the party leader have to sign the permit showing recognition of the rules and the agrement to abide by them.