U.S. Forest Service Clarifies Dog Leash Rule for BWCA

If you are a Boundary Waters visitor, and enjoy having your four-legged friends along on your hunting, camping, or fishing trip, you might have noticed a change to one of the rules listed on the back of your BWCA Permit. BWCAW FAQ #16 of the Regulations reads "Dogs must be under human control at all times on a 6-foot or shorter leash." Previously, this rule read "Dogs must be on a 6-foot or shorter leash or under control at all times." The new language was intended to clarify the existing rule, but instead led to concerns about how dogs would be allowed to hunt in the BWCA. The Boundary Waters offers incredible waterfowl, grouse, and woodcock hunting opportunities and a chance for hunters to experience the wilds of northern Minnesota far removed from the heavily-used ATV/OHV trails outside of the designated Wilderness. The new interpretation would effectively make hunting birds with a dog impossible. 

On July 10th, 2024, the United States Forest Service issued a press release to address concerns brought forth by BHA members, NGO partners, and local busiesses about new language that would change how people recreate with their dogs in Superior National Forest. According to Cathy Quinn, Assistant Manager of Wilderness on the Superior National Forest, “With respect to hunting, if you are participating in an active hunt, you can have your dog off-leash. If you are engaged in an active hunt and you’re out with a hunting dog that’s going to retrieve birds or point birds, you can have your dog off-leash.” The Forest Service’s press release went on to clarify further with 5 FAQs about bringing your dogs into Superior National Forest:

Does the Superior NF have a “leash law?”  

The following is prohibited within Developed Recreation Sites under 36 CFR 261.16J: Bringing in or possessing an animal, other than a seeing eye dog, unless it is crated, caged, or upon a leash not longer than six feet, or otherwise under physical restrictive control. 

In addition, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness rules and regulations state: “Dogs must be on a 6-foot leash or shorter at all times. Dogs can endanger wildlife and barking intrudes on the experience. Dispose of dog waste 200 feet from water, campsites, portages, or put it in a latrine.  Annually, visitors lose dogs within the BWCAW due to a run-away or wildlife encounter, please follow the law to protect your dog and wildlife.” 

What is the legal consequence, if any, if someone is in the Superior NF including BWCA Wilderness and does not have their dog on a 6-foot leash or shorter? (a ticket, fine, asked to leave the wilderness, etc.?) 

The minimum fine is $50. 

Did a Superior NF official recently change or adjust the language in the “leash law?”  

No. We recently included the official language from the regulation that has been in existence for many years across the Nation, on the Superior NF and also visible on the back of BWCAW permits to provide clarification. In recent years we have received feedback from the public, recreation managers, and wilderness rangers regarding dogs “misbehaving” on trails, portages, and campsites not just in the BWCAW, but in other areas of the Superior National Forest. In sharing the official language from the code of federal regulations we hope to raise awareness and educate visitors regarding responsible dog handling while visiting a National Forest.    

Does the leash law for dogs apply to duck hunters and grouse hunters in the BWCAW?  

Hunting with a dog off-leash is allowed if taking place outside of developed recreation sites (campsites, campgrounds, boat landings, portages, trailheads, etc.). If on a designated trail, hunters may have dogs off-leash while actively engaged in hunting. Remember, if hunting on a trail, you can only shoot away from the trail corridor, not down or across a trail.  

Does a dog need to be on a leash while in a canoe or in the water in the BWCA wilderness? 

No, a dog only needs to be on a leash in a developed recreation area such as a campsite, portage, trail, picnic area, or fishing pier.

 

"Although our bird hunting community is pleased that the clarification was offered, this entire situation draws to light a growing concern about hunters & anglers being left out of management decisions.”, said Minnesota BHA Chapter Chair Eli Mansfield. “Omitting the recent clarification in the original rule change marginalizes the hunting community. We not only seek to be included as respectful partners management decisions, but also validated in our existence and our ethical pursuit of adventure.”

The Minnesota Chapter of BHA appreciates the partnership with the USFS on recent projects and thanks the U.S. Forest Service for its prompt response. While the FAQ offers some answers for hunters planning to visit the BWCA this fall, the definition of "developed recreational site" still raises some questions and we would request that the hunting dog exceptions be formally included on the BWCA permits, as well as print and digital materials moving forward.

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Minnesota BHA seeks to ensure our North American heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting on wild, public lands and waters through education, advocacy, and boots on the ground work.

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