How hard is it to trap a wolf ?

[HunterGatherer]

I’m a lifelong hunter with almost zero trapping experience. During the winter and early spring I do a ton of snowshoeing and hiking to stay in shape and I run into very fresh wolf sign frequently, like bumping them off their beds. I’m in their areas constantly but almost never see them, mostly due to being in thick country. I find their kills, their scat, their travel routes…

I got a more packable rifle with the intention of using it for wolves and will try some calling but I also know that trappers are much more successful at getting wolves than hunters .

How hard would it be for a guy like me to get proficient at trapping wolves ? I’m willing to do my own reading and research if there’s any specific books or online resources that I should be looking at. Just point me in the right direction. Thanks in advance for any helpful advice.

 

[wytx]

The traps used are quite eye opening, they are strong animals.

 

[Chris in TN]

I've trapped coyote, fox, bobcat, raccoon, opossum, beaver, and otter.

Never been anywhere that wolf was even a possibility. But I'd darned sure be caught trying if I lived near an area where it was a possibility.

 

[tuffcity]

If you're finding kill sites then snares would be your best option (IMO)... if they are legal to use where you're at. Lots of how-to's online to builds snares. I use a 5/64th's 1/19 black cable, cut around 5' lengths which will give you an approximately 18" loop. I also use 500# break aways on the lock as my accidental catch would be caribou or moose (haven't hooked one up yet ) Tie them off to trees with heavy wire. My preferred height to set is the bottom of the loop at my knee- gives a quick reference ( i'm 6' tall) Scent control on your gear is important.

Set the snares back 50 yds or more from the kill site. This will minimize risk of catching raptors and other birds that will glide in to feed on the carcass, and give the wolves a sense of security when approaching the carcass.
Lots of trial and error!

 

[Ross]

If you want to have a legitimate chance at trapping wolves, would recommend tagging along with a successful trapper of them, or participate in one of the Foundation for Wildlife Management classes. There is an art to trapping them. I’ve met 3 guys who have trapped over 50 and one close to a 100. They live and breathe to trap wolves.

 

[HunterGatherer]

If you want to have a legitimate chance at trapping wolves, would recommend tagging along with a successful trapper of them, or participate in one of the Foundation for Wildlife Management classes. There is an art to trapping them. I’ve met 3 guys who have trapped over 50 and one close to a 100. They live and breathe to trap wolves.

Good advice, thanks. I joined F4WM this year. I will definitely look into the classes.

 

[HunterGatherer]

I’ve never trapped a thing before but I gotta get these wolves thinned out in my spots. Maybe I can try to partner up with a trapper near me since I have a good idea of where to trap them, just not how…

 

[Nine Banger]

This is the first activity I have planned post retirement.

Can't wait.

 

[HunterGatherer]

If you're finding kill sites then snares would be your best option (IMO)... if they are legal to use where you're at. Lots of how-to's online to builds snares. I use a 5/64th's 1/19 black cable, cut around 5' lengths which will give you an approximately 18" loop. I also use 500# break aways on the lock as my accidental catch would be caribou or moose (haven't hooked one up yet ) Tie them off to trees with heavy wire. My preferred height to set is the bottom of the loop at my knee- gives a quick reference ( i'm 6' tall) Scent control on your gear is important.

Set the snares back 50 yds or more from the kill site. This will minimize risk of catching raptors and other birds that will glide in to feed on the carcass, and give the wolves a sense of security when approaching the carcass.
Lots of trial and error!

Based on a quick search, snares are legal in my area. I’ll dig into it more and make sure I get all the regs figured out before I do anything, of course. Thanks for the insights.

 

[mtnbound]

I’m a lifelong hunter with almost zero trapping experience. During the winter and early spring I do a ton of snowshoeing and hiking to stay in shape and I run into very fresh wolf sign frequently, like bumping them off their beds. I’m in their areas constantly but almost never see them, mostly due to being in thick country. I find their kills, their scat, their travel routes…

I got a more packable rifle with the intention of using it for wolves and will try some calling but I also know that trappers are much more successful at getting wolves than hunters .

How hard would it be for a guy like me to get proficient at trapping wolves ? I’m willing to do my own reading and research if there’s any specific books or online resources that I should be looking at. Just point me in the right direction. Thanks in advance for any helpful advice.

Yes, there are some skills to develop and going to a wolf trapping class like Foundation for Wildlife Management puts on is great and is strongly recommended. Learning from these guys shortens the learning curve.
In Idaho you also have to take a class approved by Fish and Game to get your license.
The thing that most don’t get is the huge amount of time it takes to set and monitor your traps. The cost also adds up real fast buying traps and gear. Typically you will also need a snowmobile or tracked ATV/UTV for winter travel. Just thinking you will be able to snowshoe is not gonna be effective for very long. In Idaho you have to check your traps every 72hrs and the anti-trappers have been trying to get that reduced to every 24hrs. Snaring is typically cheaper than trapping but there still are very specific requirements.
The F4WM is a great resource and if you are not a member you should be, plus as a member you can get reimbursed for trapping expenses in Idaho and Montana.

Foundation for Wildlife Management – Ensuring wildlife populations recover in areas negatively impacted by wolves

Ensuring Wildlife Recovery Ensuring Wildlife Recovery Foundation for Wildlife Management's Mission: Foundation for Wildlife Management's Mission: Ensure that elk and other wildlife populations recover in areas negatively impacted by wolves. Ensure that elk and other wildlife populations...

f4wm.org

2026 Wolfer Summit

2026 Wolfer Summit

foundationforwildlifemanagement.ejoinme.org

 

[cnelk]

Snares are the way to go. Period.

Wolves are cagey around traps but it can be done.

 

[HunterGatherer]

Yes, there are some skills to develop and going to a wolf trapping class like Foundation for Wildlife Management puts on is great and is strongly recommended. Learning from these guys shortens the learning curve.
In Idaho you also have to take a class approved by Fish and Game to get your license.
The thing that most don’t get is the huge amount of time it takes to set and monitor your traps. The cost also adds up real fast buying traps and gear. Typically you will also need a snowmobile or tracked ATV/UTV for winter travel. Just thinking you will be able to snowshoe is not gonna be effective for very long. In Idaho you have to check your traps every 72hrs and the anti-trappers have been trying to get that reduced to every 24hrs. Snaring is typically cheaper than trapping but there still are very specific requirements.
The F4WM is a great resource and if you are not a member you should be, plus as a member you can get reimbursed for trapping expenses in Idaho and Montana.

Foundation for Wildlife Management – Ensuring wildlife populations recover in areas negatively impacted by wolves

Ensuring Wildlife Recovery Ensuring Wildlife Recovery Foundation for Wildlife Management's Mission: Foundation for Wildlife Management's Mission: Ensure that elk and other wildlife populations recover in areas negatively impacted by wolves. Ensure that elk and other wildlife populations...

f4wm.org

2026 Wolfer Summit

2026 Wolfer Summit

foundationforwildlifemanagement.ejoinme.org

Thanks for the info. Looks like I actually have to take the general trapping class as well as a wolf specific trapping class, which I registered for. They only do 1 or 2 a year of the regular classes so looks like I’m going to be on the bench for this season or like I said, working with a licensed trapper hopefully . Didn’t expect there to be so few classes…

 

[MDR]

@tuffcity has given you some good info. I'll further echo his statement on scent control...be super diligent.

Wolves are territorial and you can capitalize on this by using a piss post set if you have a few footholds ($$$). Find a tree along a travel route for the wolves. Place, cover your footholds and brush the area over to disguise the disturbance. Spread out some snow that your dog peed on near the post and wait. They'll come by to investigate the scent of an intruder and eventually step in one of the traps.

Educated wolves can be suspicious if they see a boot print, use your judgement.

 

[HunterGatherer]

Holy crap, there is a lot to learn about trapping ! Spent several hours the last few days looking into all the different aspects of it and feeling pretty overwhelmed. At this point I’m 100% convinced the first, best step is to find a mentor, who will hopefully trade some knowledge for the chance to trap in some hot spots I have found. Am I still able to check traps if I’m not the licensed trapper ?

I looked at the Idaho Trappers Association website and they’re not having any group meetings or anything in the near future. Neither is F4WM. Where would be the best place to search for experienced trappers in Southern Idaho ? Maybe on another forum …?

 

[mtnbound]

Holy crap, there is a lot to learn about trapping ! Spent several hours the last few days looking into all the different aspects of it and feeling pretty overwhelmed. At this point I’m 100% convinced the first, best step is to find a mentor, who will hopefully trade some knowledge for the chance to trap in some hot spots I have found. Am I still able to check traps if I’m not the licensed trapper ?

I looked at the Idaho Trappers Association website and they’re not having any group meetings or anything in the near future. Neither is F4WM. Where would be the best place to search for experienced trappers in Southern Idaho ? Maybe on another forum …?

Call or email F4WM and ask them if they can put you in contact with any trappers in your area. You also might go to your local F&G office and ask them.