But please bear in mind that the permit you reserve will often dictate the type of route you will be able to do. As I mentioned earlier they are issued on a limited basis so don't assume there will be one when you get around to contacting the permit office. Over the years, as an outfitter, I saw many parties get the cart before the horse where permits are concerned. Changing dates is not necessarily easy where the Boundary Waters is concerned. When you make plans with an outfitter they will call the same permit reservation office that you would and try for a permit on your behalf.
Outfitters get no special consideration for reserving permits.
Many Cooperators are open later, and sometimes earlier, than Forest Service offices. If you are not using the services of an outfitter you can still pick up your permit at any Cooperators place of business. Obviously, they need to give their attention to the folks outfitting with them and they may not have time to shoot the breeze about the weather or fishing. And, what most people don't realize, is that they do this permit work for free. If you lose or forget your permit confirmation letter a Cooperator can call in and obtain that confirmation number for you.