Getting the overnight permit for the MR is just a matter of calling the Wilderness Permit number (760-873-2483) and asking (Check the "Wilderness Permit Options" link in the Feature Topics box above on the left.) They become available 6 months in advance.
There are also a few (4) available to walk-in requests the day before your date of entry at 11 AM at any Inyo National Forest station.
> Am I going to get in trouble with the Forest Service for this? I'm concerned that they're going to get wise to my plans and slap me for trying to double-dip on the reservations.
Absolutely not. But the lottery is for something else -- either a dayhike to the summit of Whitney, either via the main trail or the mountaineer's route, OR an overnight hike on the main trail only.
You can enter the lottery multiple times (they don't like that), but if several of your requests gets in, you will be charged multiple times, and it is NOT refundable. Don't even ask for one.
So make the phone call first, and see what you can get.
