Imagine facing one of nature’s apex predators, the Gray Wolf, on their ground, in their home, and where they make a living killing. Consider if you will, large, strong, predatory machines with amazing noses, razor sharp teeth, and real woods intelligence. Throw into the equation that even one of these creatures could be a challenge, and multiply that by ten for the number in an average pack...
Read more However, do not underestimate the determined hunters of Kootenai Country Montana! Our local guides are some of the savviest in the country and in the state. Longtime residents who have spent decades in this region after all sorts of game and know these creatures well are good sources of information and are willing to share their knowledge. A summary of the experts’ advice could be categorized in this fashion: country; camouflage; calls; concealment; cunning, and calm.
Northwest Montana has the largest collection of wolves out of the three designated regions. Many elk and deer hunters will purchase a wolf tag over the counter in case of a possible chance encounter with wolves. Also, that way if the hunting bug is still in you at the end of the season, you will have the opportunity for a follow up hunt. Wolf hunters want to focus on where the elk and deer seem to be out there, as they will continue to move to where they can feed. It’s a ground game folks,
so the more territory you can cover, the better. Hunters often use pickups, snowmobiles, (where allowed) and snowshoes to scout areas with concentrations of ungulates. There they will usually cut wolf tracks.
Many folks hunting wolves will go pretty intense on the camouflage. Hats, face masks, snow camouflage as per time of season, gloves, gun tape, and the whole nine yards. Once you’re in the right place and are disguised, it is time to call. Wolves are gregarious, meaning they are social animals and will respond to calling. A person is trying to locate an individual or a pack by imitating wolf calls. They may come in thinking there is a stranger in the area, and are particularly sensitive about this in the February mating season as they get super territorial then. Wolves can respond to a howl at about a mile or so if the wind is right and the calling quality. Remember, wolves do not bark as much as coyotes, and the calls are deeper, longer, and more melodic. Also in the arsenal of calls are distress calls such as moose calf bawls, elk cow bleats, and predator calls.
Smart wolf hunters conceal themselves with their backs to landscape features that will hide them as they view out to openings, meadows, wetlands or water bodies. They will set up their wolf stand with the wind in their face or at least a crosswind so as not to be detected by these sharp nosed canines. These dedicated souls will cunningly call from a good stand for 3-4 days at times, knowing that is the time for the pack to complete its circuit. And lastly comes calm, patience and persistence, as that is what it takes to beat this intelligent adversary in Kootenai Country Montana.
(Author’s Note: Reference-Wolf Hunting Tips, Outdoor Life-Nov., 2012. — See fwp.mt.gov for seasonal regulations.)
