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FeedOn wolves
During a conversation earlier this week with Mark Johnson, executive director of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, I let slip that I failed to apply for a license to hunt wolves in the state this fall.
Truth be told, I forgot. Like many Minnesotans, I wait until the very last moment to buy my deer license and apply for an antlerless tag. So when the deadline rolled around, I focused on that and overlooked the wolf application.
And when I told Johnson what I’d done, he chastised me. In truth, though, I probably wasn’t going to apply for a wolf license anyway. I just figured I didn’t have much of a chance of seeing one within shooting range, and that I had better uses for $34 (the $4 application fee and, if drawn, the $30 license.)
So if I’m sitting in my stand come the first week of November and have to watch a wolf stroll by, shame on me.
But something else from my conversation with Johnson struck me as interesting. And that’s this: People who have a wolf license potentially can find some pretty good opportunities if they’re willing to do a little work. (Or, in some ways, let others do the work for them.)
Johnson, for example, has spoken with several people who go to deer camps and plan to invite folks with a wolf license up for a weekend.
“You are going to find a lot of deer camps and livestock producers who are willing to allow that late-season predator hunter to come in and hunt wolves,” he said.
Depending on how widespread the practice is, there could be some effect on the overall wolf harvest. Because a guy who hunts where wolves are known to be – versus someone who just goes into the woods and hopes to stumble upon one – is going to have better results.
Even so, here’s betting hunters this fall and winter don’t take even half of the 400 wolves available under the quota.
Tribes
While none of the state’s tribes have indicated they plan to hunt wolves, the possibility exists. And any wolves they say they’ll take would reduce the state quota. So far, DNR officials say, none of the bands have declared a hunt. But if they did say they planned to take 20 wolves, for example (I’m simply pulling that number out of thin air), the DNR would take them at their word and automatically reduce the state quota.
Truth be told I don't think I would hunt them either. I really don't think wolf meat would be very appetizing. I like to eat what I hunt. I don't really need a wolf skin coat,rug or mount either. Don't get me wrong if it was between me getting from my deerstand to my pickup with out getting attacked.....,yeah that wolfs going down. Doubtfull that would ever happen and truthfully just knowing these large predators are out there is pretty neat. Like to see one while I'm hunting and the cold fall air is fresh on my face.They are the first deer hunters.
Where I bear hunt NW of Duluth there are more wolves per square mile than bear for sure. I saw 4 different wolves in an area and heard them each evening in various locations. The deer population is way down due to the wolves. I think they are a majestic animal and good for keeping a balance in nature. However...I have applied for the wolf hunt as I have hunted Coyotes who eat Pheasant Chicks & Fox who do the same. They are a large varmant and just as herds of animals have been thinned before this needs to be done by MN Hunters and DNR to keep a balance. There are just too many of them. We went fox and coyote hunting last winter and there were wolf tracks in 12 of 16 spots we set up to call. Usually 2 to 3 sets in some cases. Fox and Coyote were in only about 5 to 8 spots. Wolves are dominating all species up north. I understand and respect people's opinions about killing wolves but it is needed. There will not be one on my wall and I sure won't make sausage. Trying to do it for the rest of my fellow hunters to help out.