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Boundary Waters / Quetico Discussion Forums >> General Boundary Waters / Quetico Discussion >> Would you use this campsite? https://quietjourney.com/community/YABB.cgi?num=1536859665 Message started by db on Sep 13^th, 2018 at 5:27pm

Title: Would you use this campsite?
Post by db on Sep 13^th, 2018 at 5:27pm

I stop at campsites all the time just to stretch my legs and see how they are doing. There have been times when a site was so inviting, with lots of good wood or something else I liked, that I'll just stay there and plan on doing a longer day tomorrow.

There's been times that sites I planned on staying at weren't up to par so I'll probably move on if that's reasonable.

Here's a question that's never been asked before as far as I know.

This pile of bear scat was at the edge of a campsite, 10 or so feet away from the best tent spot. It wasn't steaming fresh, maybe one hot, breezy, sunny day old? I don't know. Question is, in your decision making process on campsite selection, would you consider this pile of scat a plus or minus? Would you keep it in mind if you took the same route in the future?

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Title: Re: Would you use this campsite?
Post by Old Salt on Sep 13^th, 2018 at 6:18pm

It wouldn’t stop me from using the site unless I saw signs of messy camping habits, such as garbage. At least the bruin didn’t leave TP scattered about. I might use my paddle to move it somewhere away and downwind from Camp. The key question, in my mind, is this random occurrence or a habitual bear looking for an easy meal? Either way, it’s a good reminder to keep a clean Camp. ;) 8-)

Title: Re: Would you use this campsite?
Post by MossBack on Sep 13^th, 2018 at 6:50pm

That very thing happened in the year 2000 with 3 others who had never been on a canoe trip. We started at Minn, traveled the Darky River and finally arrived on the North end of Darky lake just as the daylight was giving up. One of the new members found a still damp pile complete with candy wrappers. He asked where we were going to stay now, and was not happy with the "right here" answer.

MB

Title: Re: Would you use this campsite?
Post by solotripper on Sep 13^th, 2018 at 11:02pm

I think OS has the right idea.
Bears have a pretty big range but are smart enough to go back to areas they have found food in.

One of the first things I do when scoping out a campsite is look in the firepit. Lot's of unburnt or half burnt garbage makes me hesitate unless it's just to nice a spot to pass up.

Bear/wolf scat is part of that natural world, I'd rather find a fresh pile of that than a field of Turd Blossom's any day. >:( :P :P

Title: Re: Would you use this campsite?
Post by Magicpaddler on Sep 14^th, 2018 at 10:46am

Many times I have been tempted to dig into my SH kit and get a few sheets of TP and poke into the pile with a stick and leave. I know I am sick.

Title: Re: Would you use this campsite?
Post by solotripper on Sep 14^th, 2018 at 11:12am

Magicpaddler wrote on Sep 14^th, 2018 at 10:46am:

Many times I have been tempted to dig into my SH kit and get a few sheets of TP and poke into the pile with a stick and leave. I know I am sick.

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Title: Re: Would you use this campsite?
Post by MossBack on Sep 14^th, 2018 at 1:40pm

Magic, You might consider carrying a whistle and a label from a can of bear spray to tuck into the pile instead of TP.

MB...sick as well.

Title: Re: Would you use this campsite?
Post by Old Salt on Sep 14^th, 2018 at 6:05pm

Don’t even think of using the motel pool at Copia! >:( :o 8-)

Title: Re: Would you use this campsite?
Post by BillConner on Sep 15^th, 2018 at 11:13am

MossBack wrote on Sep 14^th, 2018 at 1:40pm:

Magic, You might consider carrying a whistle and a label from a can of bear spray to tuck into the pile instead of TP.

MB...sick as well.

And some bells?