Here are links to websites of companies/entities that we endorse, whether it be their mission and/or their products.

High quality outdoor clothing built to last; not inexpensive, but you’ll be able to pass it on to the next generation. Worn and used by the BPB. Made in the USA.  www.filson.com.

Information on Avon Area Arts and music events. Where fine art meets the front porch. Central MN. www.frontporcharts.com

Unique learning in a beautiful setting. Come and stretch your mind and body. Central MN. www.treehousestudiomn.com

High quality wool clothing at affordable prices. Worn by the BPB.  Made in MN.  www.bemidjiwoolenmills.com

Steger Mukluks.The warmest winter footwear there is, made from moosehide. Worn by polar explorers to both Poles; the Inuit had it right.  Worn by the BPB from November to March.  Made in MN.  www.mukluks.com

The St. John’s Arboretum(Outdoor University). Come explore and learn on 2400 acres of undisturbed central MN hardwoods and restored prairie.  www.OutdoorU@csbsju.edu

The Bible’s teachings in a thoughtful, truthful, and down to earth way. Mentor to Lynx. www.mandolinminute.blogspot.com

Yard out of control? What can we do for you? Yard care to keep you relaxed. Central MN. www.madeintheshadeyardcare.com

Affordable academic coaching for students and families with a personal approach. West central MN. www.greenleaflearningstudio.com

Avon Hills Initiative. Working to preserve the rural character of our communities while protecting the quality of our natural areas and maintaining economic productivity in central MN. www.csbsju.edu/Arboretum/

Traditional black powder enthusiasts! For all your traditional and primitive camp needs go to Track of the Wolf. From powder to patches to gun parts, hawks, and knives. Also a nice selection of traditional percussion and flintlock arms to choose from. Lynx went here to get the parts to build his 36 cal rifle. Right here in MN. www.trackofthewolf.com

At the BPB we love canoeing. Over the years we’ve come to know and love the BWCA and other waterways of MN. To get us there and back we choose Wenonah and Bell(Northstar) canoes for stability, tracking, seaworthiness and performance. Two of the best! Minnesota made.  www.wenonah.com and  www.Northstarcanoes.com.

Canoe packs and daypacks come and go. Spend a little bit more on one that you will be able to pass on. Strong, durable dry goods made from waxed canvas and leather that will stand up to whatever you throw at them. Well thought out and rugged good looks. Used in the wilds by the BPB. Made in MN.  www.frostriver.com.

Looking to upgrade your old splintered canoe paddle? Check out Sanborn Canoe Company’s offerings. Handcrafted of fine red and white cedar and select hardwoods. Many models to choose from. Used by the BPB, made right here in MN.  www.sanborncanoe.com.

How do you like your coffee? It’s always fresh at The Gathering Grounds in Avon, MN, just off the Wobegon Bike Trail. With different blends from Alakef and City Girl you can’t miss. Plus the best in-house scones east of the Rockies! For summertime relief get it iced or try out the great ice cream from Izzy’s. Small town service with a genuine smile, you’ll feel like family in the quaint setting. Also locally produced gifts, photography and maple syrup. The little coffee shop with big heart. On the main drag in Avon. http://www.gatheringgroundsavon.com.

Fisherman did you finally catch that 10 inch bluegill, or that 44 inch northern, or 22 inch smallmouth? Or that huge slab through the ice? Hunters have you finally bagged that big 14 pointer you’ve been seeing on your trail cam for the last two years, or maybe you’ve taken a nice 8 pointer in the snow with a flintlock. Perhaps that limit of grouse has a beautiful red phase bird that would look great on the table, or you have a couple gorgeous male woodies. How about that song dog you took out in North Dakota at 325 yards? Whatever the story you have we can make it come alive at Watab Taxidermy. With years of observation  in the field, a naturalistic approach, professional training, and attention to detail we can make it happen. On Facebook @Watab Taxidermy. No website yet. Found 2 miles south of Avon, MN at 31827 162nd Avenue.  Give us a call @ 320 493-0798.

The Black Powder Beagles are paddlers of kayaks and canoes. How about you? Well if you are or not, right here in Central MN is a hidden gem for paddlers and fisherman alike: the Mississippi River. Notably the stretch from St. Cloud to Anoka. Why? For one, it’s a Federally designated Wild and Scenic stretch of river-the only stretch designated on the entire Mississippi! Beautiful. Wild and scenic it is. Secondly, the fishing is great, especially for smallmouth bass. How good? For smallies, it’s ranked in the top 10 in the country. Twenty inch fish are not uncommon…  How to get there? This section of river is mainly shallow and rocky, with channels changing yearly. Much is less than 10 feet deep, with 3-6 feet and less being very common. Tough for motor boats, tough on motors. Smallies love it. How to fish it then… By buying or renting a kayak or canoe from Clear Waters Outfitting Company, right on the river in Clearwater MN. Fisherman and recreational paddlers alike come to CWOC for river trips, sales, and rentals. In the historic Clearwater Creamery building, CWOC is a local, family owned paddle sports and outdoor retailer with one of the largest selections of canoes and kayaks in the state from Wenonah, Current Designs, Pelican, Native, Jackson, Osagian, Nucanoe and more. Everything you need to get you on the water. The river is calling…  Central MN. http://www.cwoutfitting.com

Paddlers, does your favorite canoe need some TLC? Is the hull worn thin at the stem and stern? Too many scratches to count? Or is there a big hole in the hull from that unseen rock last summer? Contact Northwest Canoe. We can fix it or tell you how to do it. Did your beautiful Kevlar canoe get torn in two while running that set of rapids you should have portaged around? We’ve seen it and fixed it. From skid plates to refinishing the hull to patching holes, replacing gunwales, seats and thwarts, and even reattaching sections of hull Northwest Canoe is your go-to repair shop. With over 20 years of experience. We are one of two designated and authorized repair shops in the US for Wenonah Canoe. Maybe you want to try something new: building a canoe. Northwest Canoe has everything you need to do so, from canoe plans, seats and thwarts, wood strips, fiberglass cloth, and MAS epoxy resins. Located in Clearwater, in central Minnesota. A sister company to Clear Waters Outfitting, right on the Mississippi River. http://www.northwestcanoe.com