Here's an interesting article I was just reading from L. David Mech. Here's the whole article --- http://www.wolf.org/wolves/learn/ba...11Considerations4DevelopingWolfHarvesting.pdf And here's a portion on hunting wolves.
Not sure of the impact they are having back east, but they are a plague out here. Our wildlife populations have literally been decimated. The wolf is just doing what the wolf does best..being a wolf. It was a horrible agenda by pro-wolf politics and now it is our job, as hunters, to fight back. The reintroduction simply got out of hand without a management plan in place. They need to be controlled. They are a very smart animal, and very hard to hunt. Trapping is a very effective form of control, but they can be happened into at any time. SSS.
Sometimes you have to do what you have to do. It's a matter of protection for our wildlife and hunting future out here. Until you are out here and exposed to it, I will not argue the fact. That being said, I have not shot a wolf. If I had the chance, however, I would. Regardless the circumstances. People put too much of a personal stature into wolves. People shoot and kill coyotes, at night mind you, every year to help with predator control. The difference being?
Brad their is a real nice size pack south of 64 in and around the reservation. This is the first time in a couple years since i've seen a updated map. I must tell you I am really surprised at their expansion across the area I hunt up there.
I kinda figured it was more luck hunting them. I can see where they would be extremly hard to call in!
Seriously? This sounds like the typical propaganda BS that caused this undesirable situation in the first place. To think that wolves will routinely seek out coyotes to hunt for reasons other than territory control is purely asinine. Sure they kill them, but not near as often as they will attack/kill hoofed animals. Fitz, I have the utmost respect for you. You are absolutely one of favorite posters on this site in terms of ethics, maturity, and quality of information/posts. This is simply something we will never agree on. I have NOTHING against wolves, they are an absolutely gorgeous animal that demands respect. They way they have been handled, however, is disgustingly out of control. It's time that we step in. I would like to see a sustainable population of wolves, but at this moment they need to be reduced to that point. Elk hunting in MT will not be the same as it was for many years now.
Yeah I was surprised as well that there is as much south of 64. My land is 1 miles south of 64 and is basically at the Langlade/Marathon/Lincoln county boarders. Which puts me in a green area.
Agreed. But territory control is enough. I've only had one trail cam photo of a coyote ever. I attribute that to the fact that wolves never left this area. Yotes are around here, but at a manageable level. I would argue that wolves are more efficient at predator control than we are. Likewise Dave. I think it's good however, to exercise debate under these circumstances. What better conditions than under mutual respect similar interest. I do not disagree with any of this. In fact I think we agree on 90% of the wolf issue. I'm all for controlling wolves, and finding a balance. I plan to hunt them myself. I think the main parts we disagree on is what a sustainable population for both wolves/elk/deer/aspen are and how do we get there. It's ok that we disagree, and I don't expect to change your mind. You have experience in that area, as do I, and what we say to each other won't change those experiences. But there are many lurking in here that have little or no experience in this particular area. I think it's best that they see it from as many points of view as possible. This is why I've always enjoyed this site. For the most part, folks have been able to debate various controversial topics while remaining civil. It's good to see. We certainly don't see it in Media or our political system.
I would tend to agree with this. Wolves are just plain nasty at killing. They are tough animals. And before we get too far into it I will agree to disagree. I think we share similar insights on most of the situation, just differ on population control plans.
I had one come in to my while sitting in a tree bowhunting. 40 yds right in front of me. pretty cool to see. I'd like to get a tag and a chance to shoot one. There are quite a few up there where I hunt. I'm sure the locals up therer are more than happy to shoot them.
Brad: I saw the biggest wolf I have ever seen about a mile from your place. He was HUGE. If you get pic's go for a permit. Some years I see them a couple of times and hear them on many evening sits. Other years I do not hear them at all. If you get pics trapping would be an option. I can always check your traps if you are back home. I drive to Merrill almost everyday.
Wolves Latest news update is that the season would run from October to February giving bowhunters and possibly gun hunters a shot at them... Todd Ttraveler Bowhunting.com Pro Staff
