August is nice because the living is easy but in a way, it's a little too easy, too forgiving for my taste. I'm stuck with it for a few more years but I don't mean to complain to much. It's wonderful.

Mid May is my favorite. Moving through the forest is easier and you can see farther. Portages are easier to spot as are other things that get hidden once things leaf out. The weather is often challenging and can be rather unforgiving but I always liked that little threat as a reminder to pay attention, think and be careful. In August, worse case if you screw up? You're a little uncomfortable for a while. It fosters bad habits I'm afraid.

The easy reasons the early shoulder gets my vote is you can self permit, steak takes a few more days to thaw and Kool-Aid is always better ice cold. I always saw more moose then too. (I think there's less now in general though.)