Wolf hunting worth a trip for young (adult) hunter?

[Newk]

Hi all,

Began my process for a lifetime of western trips this last month after a major life event made me realize I need to live like there’s no tomorrow.

Obviously missed a lot of draw deadlines and point purchasing deadlines and definitely know it’s a long process to build up points (luckily I’m only 20 years old). Curious if you guys think that wolf hunting is something you think I should add to my research. It’s obviously overwhelming as a young outdoorsman from western NY who’s experience consists of whitetail food plots and put and take pheasant ranches; However I love a good challenge and as a recently retired college athlete I’m in great shape that I plan to keep.

I am interested in basically any kind of adventure I can get my hands on, and I know wolf populations are large out west (larger than they should be?). Would love to hear some takes on what it’s like to chase one of the (if I had to guess) more challenging and less sought after western trophies.

 

[Team4LongGun]

Welcome!

For some it's the ultimate trophy, as they are hard to kill when targeting them. The large majority of wolves killed (outside of trapping) are when hunting for elk or deer and you happen to see one.
What I mean by hard to kill-hard to find. They cover so much ground in 24 hours, that you could be 5 drainage's away and won't know it. Talk to trappers-they will shorten the learning curve regarding the cycles they run. If you know a houndsman, he will help as well.

Targeting them specifically takes time, effort and quite a bit of hiking, sitting and calling, and moving again. It can be done, and its a ton of fun. Do some research on what used to be some of the best elk units in Idaho, now void of elk and deer due to wolves. You can also look for reduced predator tags in Idaho-this is what the FBI calls a clue.....

If you time it right, you can have a bear, lion and wolf tag in hand and have a chance to call any of them in. When you locate one, the rest of the pack are not far...shoot suppressed and have a chance to double up.

Good luck.

 

[littlebigtine]

Probably the single most challenging animal to target and hunt effectively and you can do it in most of Idaho year-round. It is also a great way to learn areas and units youd like to hunt in the future for ungulates. If you want adventure it can certainly be one. I would call a idaho fish and game biologist at one of the central or northern offices and chat with them about what you are thinking and Id bet they would point you in the right direction. Good luck

 

[weekender7]

Killing a wolf is not that hard. Any deer gun will kill any wolf you hit in the vitals. Finding a wolf to shoot is WHOLE different ball game, especially for an east coaster like us. It ain't easy, but it is possible. You say you love a good challenge, wolf hunting is all that and then some. If you want to learn how to do it from one of the best, look up Sterlings Extreme Outdoors on youtube. Watch all 12. Do exactly what he does and you will up your odds significantly.

 

[BKH55]

Trying to find one is the hardest part of the whole thing have only seen one on public land in 10 years of hunting Montana! See plenty of sign tho!

 

[Newk]

Sounds like a good time, I’ll keep it in the pocket and add a section on wolves to my master excel file. Thanks everyone.

 

[bergie]

shoot suppressed and have a chance to double up.

I will forever more have at least two and sometimes three wolf tags in my pocket. Single tag lead to me missing a chance (albeit hail Mary after the first one went down) at a double last fall.

Also join https://f4wm.org/ beyond helping save the ungulates, if you do shoot one they will reimburse you expenses related to the hunt. $2000 in some units.

 

[VernAK]

I've managed to take a few here in Alaska and a couple in Minnesota when it was legal. Minnesota has a very high density of wolves but Federal protection has stymied the trappers and hunters. There are wolf baiting guides operating just across the border in Ontario.

A wolf can be the most difficult North American trophy to acquire.

 

[wind gypsy]

I've come across a fair bit of them when not targeting them.. Probably be like ghosts if I were.

My house has plenty of game meat so it's frankly a pretty enticing hunt if a guy doesn't draw a premium elk or deer tag on a given year. I might just hunt wolves this year if I dont get lucky with an Elk or muley draw.

 

[wildwilderness]

Lots of other easier options for western hunts. Still time left for many draws. Always OTC options as well. For a novice first time DIY western hunt a rifle pronghorn is a good way to start

 

[flyfisher117]

The cool part is you can come hunt when ever and it gives you a chance to learn specific units.

The uncool part is they are difficult to find, even for experienced locals. Many people will likely go their entire lives and not see one or only see a couple.

I would say if you are ever out here hunting big game 100% just carry a wolf tag. Whether or not it's worth a trip out here just to target them specifically is up to you.