We are grateful land travel through the 4o miles of Canada up to Minnesota’s Northwest Angle is now possible.  There are some criteria travelers must have in order before traveling however.  First, a traveler must download the ArriveCan App.  Second, a traveler must be vaccinated and upload their vaccination card into the app.  Finally, a traveler must have a PCR or molecular COVID test showing a negative test result within the past 72 hours of taking the test.

When COVID first flared up, there were many resources allocated to it.  More people were involved and more tests were available.  Now that many have been vaccinated and numbers had gone down, the availability of resources are not as convenient as they were and one must plan ahead to get a valid COVID test before crossing the border.

With fall fishing and hunting in full swing and looking ahead, a fun season of ice fishing and snowmobiling (for those who prefer to trailer their sleds up vs drive across the lake) on the horizon, the testing options listed below become more handy than ever.  There are actually a couple of testing options listed that are super easy and although there is a fee, the convenience and opportunity to turn in the receipt to your insurance company for possible reimbursement make them attractive.

Thankfully, there are options available as long as you know where to find them.  Here are a few…

PCR COVID Test in 30 minutes, Thrifty White, Baudette, MN.   How convenient.  For $100 (which you can turn your receipt into insurance for a possible reimbursement), you can have a result in 25 minutes.  This testing option provides a PCR test result which satisfies the Canadian qualification for entering the country.

Thrifty White is open for testing Monday – Friday from 9am – 4pm.

Quick Results, LLC in Warroad, MN.  This is a new private testing company that was created out of need.  It has grown to six different locations throughout Minnesota including Warroad, Bemidji, Becker, Brainerd, St. Cloud and International Falls.  If you are near or traveling through one of these locations, this could work out great.

With test results less than 30 minutes for a COVID PCR test that works to travel through Canada, this is an easy solution.  The tests are $125 but you will receive an itemized receipt that most are turning into their insurance companies for reimbursement.  The testing facilities are open 7 days a week.

Amazon.  Yep, this isn’t a typo.  Amazon offers COVID test that meets the requirements for Canada.  This is a PCR test that you order through Amazon to your home.  It is a nasal test with no supervision, such as a Zoom call, necessary.  Includes prepaid UPS next-day shipping to lab at no additional cost. Drop off your sample at UPS within 24 hours from collection. Receive results within 24 hours of your sample arriving at the lab.

MN Department of Health Walk In Testing.  MDH has many walk in testing options available throughout the state of Minnesota.  Both residents and non residents are allowed to use walk in testing locations.  You will be asked for your insurance info and but if insurance does not cover it, there is still no cost to you.  These are normally a saliva test and results are received 24 – 48 hours after you take the test.  This can make things a bit tight with a 72 hour window but certainly doable.

MN Department of Health No Cost Test at Home Program.  Minnesota and various other states offer no cost COVID test at home options.  Basically, you order a COVID test kit and do a Zoom call with someone who oversees your saliva testing process.  Results are emailed typically in 48 hours or less.  The brand name of this test is Vault and there is a question when signing up that asks if you are using this test for travel.  If you reply yes, the cost is $119.  If you reply no, the test is at no cost.

Driving back through Canada on your return trip.  There are no medical facilities up at the NW Angle.  In addition, testing options are limited and take time due to shipping from this remote location.  Consequently, additional 72 hour COVID test protocol has not been required by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) on your return trip.  They accept the initial COVID test used to initially access Canada on your trip.

We have seen a bit of a wait to access Canada Border Services Agency when calling in at Jim’s Corner (where there is a phone kiosk to call) or when calling the 888-CAN-PASS number.

There is no doubt there are a few hoops to jump through to make it up to the NW Angle including getting a COVID test.  The reports we are receiving back from anglers is the fish are biting and well worth the hoops.  There are many others enjoying the hunting, colors and specialness of the Angle that are also telling us they will be back soon!

 

General info about Lake of the Woods

Lodging and Fishing up at the NW Angle

Info about the NW Angle

Fall colors and leaves falling are like a fish taking the lure to the avid hunter. White tail deer season is fast approaching and hunters are scouting the land looking for indications of deer travel and also getting all their gear together for the hunt. Consider Lake of the Woods as one of your hunting destinations.

Now is the time to start thinking about safety using some simple guidelines, especially if you intend on using a tree stand. When it comes to tree stand safety, learn it, preach it, and – most of all – practice it yourself, because it’s easy to get overconfident and become careless. Always remain conscious of safety when you head to the woods.

One of the most common way hunters get hurt is by falling from a tree stand.  Many of these falls happen getting in or out of a tree stand.  It is important to be connected to the tree at all times.  Take a few extra minutes this year to take that one extra step to be safe!  Your life and well being may depend upon it.

The following is a description of some of the more well known types of tree stands:

Fixed position stands – these stands are designed to be placed on a tree trunk and remain secured in that spot.

Vertical ladder stands – this type of stand has a ladder that supports the shooting platform. The ladder is usually divided into short sections that can be assembled on site. The ladder “legs” extend at a slight angle out from the stand and tree trunk, and are secured to the trunk via supporting arms and belts.

Climbing stands – the most popular stand type, the climber is designed to “walk” up a tree trunk with the hunter to a desired elevation.

3 Point Rule
Follow the 3 Point Rule of tree stand safety. Always have 3 points of contact to the steps or ladder before moving. This could be two arms and one leg holding and stepping on the ladder or one arm and two legs in contact with the ladder before moving. Be cautious that rain, frost, ice or snow can cause steps to become extremely slippery. Check the security of the step before placing your weight on it.

Tree stand safety:
1. Always carry a cell phone and keep it on yourself. Don’t put it in a pack that you may take off and hang in the tree because if you fall you want your phone readily available to call for help.
2. Always install and maintain tree stands with at least one other person.
3. Check all your steps and straps and replace anything that is worn or weathered.
4. Always wear a full body harness when in a tree stand. Wear it properly.
5. Always use a rope to pull up your gun or bow.
6. Be aware of your surroundings and never shoot towards another hunter.

Gun safety:
1. Become familiar with your firearm. Know how to carry it, load it, unload it, and know what to expect when you pull the trigger.
2. Always assume every gun is loaded and always point the muzzle in a safe direction. Never point your gun at another person.
3. Never put your finger on the trigger unless you intend to shoot.
4. Your firearm has a safety. Keep it in the ‘On’ position until you intend to shoot.
5. Be sure of your target and what is behind it before pulling the trigger.

There are so many different ways for a hunter to get injured or worse during the deer season, but more injuries and deaths are caused by falls from tree stands during the deer season than any other type of accident.

Wear Blaze Orange!
The visible portion of a cap and outer clothing above the waist, excluding sleeves and gloves, must be blaze orange when hunting or trapping during any open season where deer may be taken by firearms (including special hunts, early antlerless, youth seasons and muzzleloader). Blaze orange includes a camouflage pattern of at least 50 percent blaze orange within each square foot.

Some safety tips for nonhunters:

• Wear bright clothing. Choose colors that stand out, like red, orange or green, and avoid white, blacks, browns, earth-toned greens and animal-colored clothing. Blaze orange vests and hats are advisable.
• Don’t forget to protect pets. Get an orange vest for an accompanying dog.
• Make noise. Whistle, sing or carry on a conversation when walking to alert hunters that someone is in the area. Sound carries well across woods and forests, and hunters should listen for any sounds of animal movement.
• Be courteous. Don’t make unnecessary noise to disturb wildlife. Avoid confrontations.
• Make presence known. If a nonhunter hears shooting, the person should raise their voice and let hunters know they’re in vicinity.
• Know the dates of hunting seasons. Learn about where and when hunting is taking place.
• If hunting makes a nonhunter uneasy, the nonhunter should choose a hike in a location where hunting is not allowed.
  

It is a wonderful time of the year with so many traditions and memories past and yet to be made.  Take a couple minutes of caution to ensure all the memories are positive ones.  Good luck hunting!

 

To learn more about Lake of the Woods, check out the Lake of the Woods Tourism website.

To find a guide, charter boat or lodging, check out our lodging page.