Increasing Wolf Attacks Cause More Bird Hunters to Carry Handguns

by Joe Scott

Pet Dogs Killed by Wolf Packs
Pet Dogs Killed by Wolf Packs

USA – -(Ammoland.com)- Those that grouse hunt in northern states have likely run into wolves at one point, or will in the future. Most of these occurrences pass without incident, but they also leave hunters thinking about “what if” scenarios for both them & their dogs. [52 dogs were attacked, injured or killed in Wisconsin alone in 2016] A shotgun loaded with birdshot can make some noise, but it isn’t going to be very useful beyond that.

If a wolf is threatening or even attacking your dog & you take a shot with your shotgun, you’re just as likely to hit your dog as you are the wolf. This is why many hunters have considered carrying a sidearm for self defense while grouse hunting.

A Paranoid Walk Back to the Truck

Upland Bird Hunters Grouse Hunting
I can say it is one of the eeriest feelings in the world. I know where the wolf in front of me is, but I also know that wolves are obviously pack animals.

Having run into wolves on more than one occasion myself, I can say it is one of the eeriest feelings in the world. I know where the wolf in front of me is, but I also know that wolves are obviously pack animals. The wolf that I can see is purposely coming out of cover to get us to hold up so the rest of the pack can get into position. At this point, my dog Trigger is typically at my feet, and all I can think about is to keep my head on a swivel looking for any other wolves in the area.

I carry a 12 gauge Browning Citori over/under shotgun that was handed down to me by my dad, and it’s always loaded up with size 7 1/2 birdshot. When I get into a situation like this, I typically fire a shot over the head of the wolf that I can see. At that point, the wolf runs off, and I’m left with one of the most paranoid walks back to the truck ever. My shotgun did about all it was effectively going to do to that wolf by scaring it off, but what if that didn’t work?

Statistically speaking wolves are rarely going to come after you personally, but each year a rising number of bird dogs are killed by them.

Should you carry a sidearm for self-defense while grouse hunting?

For the sake of argument, lets ignore the fact that different states have different laws regarding carrying a sidearm for self-defense while grouse hunting.

That’s a known variable, and it’s up to you to know and abide by the laws in your state. If you’re unsure whether it’s legal or not, don’t hesitate to give your local game warden or DNR office a call to ask.

What I’m talking about here is whether or not it’s worth it to carry a sidearm for self-defense while grouse hunting or any bird hunting. You’re going to be looking at the added weight of the pistol, your holster, & probably an extra magazine or two. You’re already working through some of the toughest cover there is, and the likelihood that you’re going to need to use it is very slim.

But what if you would need it? In my scenario, all I had was an over/under shotgun with birdshot & a Zero Tolerance Sinkevich knife. If a wolf did get to my dog, there is virtually nothing I could do to save him – especially without putting myself in extreme danger of being pulled into the fight. You hear hunters talk about carrying a few slugs in their upland vest while they’re hunting. The problem with that scenario is that it is almost always illegal under state hunting rules, and the chances that you’re going to locate your slugs in time to save your dog is slim to none.

Benefits of Carrying a Sidearm While Bird Hunting

Lethal Range

If you’re shooting at something like a wolf, the lethal range of my Browning Citori with 7 1/2 size birdshot is going to be about 2-5 yards. I don’t know about you, but the last thing I want to do is have to be that close to a wolf to save my dog. As far as being able to deter a wolf with birdshot goes, you’re pretty much relegated to hoping you scare them off.

A pistol, on the other hand, is going to be far more effective at different distances. The effectiveness obviously depends on the person shooting, but let’s call it a 40-yard lethal range. This might seem short, but 40 yards in a grouse woods is about all you’re going to get. In short, a pistol is going to outperform your shotgun by a lot in the range category.

Draw Speed

When it comes to draw speed with your shotgun, we could be talking about two different things. If we’re merely talking about cracking off a shot with the existing birdshot in your gun, your shotgun is going to win every time. However fumbling around for slugs in your vest, unloading your bird shot, loading your slugs, and getting your gun up is a very different story. At this point, the battle is likely already over for your beloved pet.

A sidearm for self-defense while grouse hunting, on the other hand, is going to give you a better draw speed with actual effective shots. If you wanted to, you could still crack off a few shots with your shotgun, then switch to your pistol. Unless you almost never wear your holster, you’re likely going to have plenty of experience practicing your draw. A pistol is going to win the draw speed battle here.

Shot Capacity

Capacity is a bit of a no-brainer, but still worth mentioning. Even if you’re carrying a semi-auto shotgun, you’re always only going to have three (3) shots max under most hunting conditions. Considering the short effective range of birdshot, you’re at a severe disadvantage here with your shotgun.

A pistol, on the other hand, is going to have a significantly higher shot capacity. Even without an extended magazine, most .40 caliber pistols are going to have a 7+1 capacity. Higher capacity is going to give you more chances to hit a target that is likely moving quickly. Combined with the fact that your reload time is considerably shorter, and a handgun for self-defense while grouse hunting wins again.

Grouse Habitat Hunter Orange Woods Brush Bird Overunder
A typical grouse hunt for me typically consists of 8-10 miles of hiking through some pretty brutal grouse habitat.

 

Convenience

Convenience is going to be the biggest hang-up keeping most hunters from wanting to carry a pistol while grouse hunting. It’s something that I struggle with, and it’s not the most straightforward decision to make. A typical grouse hunt for me typically consists of 8-10 miles of hiking through some pretty brutal grouse habitat. With so much hiking, I’m always looking to cut down on weight that I’m carrying.

This is going to vary quite a bit depending on your setup, but let’s say you have a full-size pistol loaded with .40 cal, extra loaded magazine, and a holster. For estimation purposes, we’ll call it 5 pounds of additional weight that you’re carrying. I don’t know about you, but it’s hard to justify an extra 5 pounds on something that I think I may never need. But the national trend of wolf attacks tells me otherwise.

About the Author

Joe Scott is an avid outdoorsman and hunter. Growing up he was always out shooting sporting clays, chasing upland birds & deer, and merely enjoying shooting sports in general. As the owner of Alpha Dog Nutrition he has a passion for bird dogs, and as a hobby, he also helps operate The Upland Hunter & The Waterfowl Hunter.

One of Joe’s primary objectives in his work is to be an example for younger generations that want to enjoy the outdoors. Looking at his local trap club each Tuesday, it’s evident that places that he has experienced for years will be gone forever in 5-10 years if we don’t get younger generations interested in the sport. To him, this involves both generating interest in younger generations as well as acceptance from the older generations.

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tomcat

@Oldvet, I agree with you and might add that W. Bill is respectful of most people who post here and that is something some are not comfortable with so they try to agitate him just because they have nothing better to do. The government provides everything they need so they don’t have to think about work or creating a better life for themselves.
Merry Christmas to you. Is your daughter going to share some of that venison with you?

Timothy Votaw

Seems almost a moot point to me. Maybe it’s the Marine in me, but having a 2 pound sidearm alongside is negligible in weight compared to the value of having it. There are simply too many potential situations not to.

Arthur L Brown Sr.

Here in Alaska it is a standard procedure whether you are Flyfishing for trophy Rainbows or Brown Trout, or combat fishing for a bright King Salmon. Or hunting for anything from small game to Trophy Big game, MOST residents of the state carry a large caliber pistol on a chest rig (google for Alaskan holster(Here’s an example, https://www.diamonddcustomleather.com/products/guides-choice-chest-holster)
The weight is the price of security.

James Higginbotham

out here in North Dakota we always carry a sidearm when hunting Birds or deer.
and we have a lot of Coyotes out here as well and Mountain Lions.
better safe than sorry is our moto.

Dan

Seriously! Kind of hard to enjoy the woods worrying about being attacked by wolves. Bear hunting and coon hunting dogs being attacked yes, I get that, it happens. My circle of hunting friends upland as well as big game is fairly extensive, hunting all over the US and Canada. Not one incident. Not saying it hasn’t happened to other hunters I have heard of it however extremely rare. We have seen wolves, as well as lots of bear, cats etc without any issues. As far as carrying a sidearm while bird hunting I for one would not seriously consider it… Read more »

Wild Bill

@Dan, So, what kind of boots do you like for your walks in the woods?

Dan

WC Russell Mocs

Alan

A shotgun with some lead BB’s or 2’s will get the job done on any wolf with 25 yards. I have smoked several coyotes with lead 4’s and 5’s while pheasant hunting, and rolled one dead at 22 yards with 7.5’s while dove hunting once. None of the shots were made at more than 25 yards, and only one coyote required more than one shot. If you are not required to have steel shot or other non toxic lead is a good choice, if non toxic shot is required buy some Hevi-shot in the largest shot size you can get,… Read more »

GEORGE DUKE

25,YEARS AGO, IN WESTMORELAND, NH. WHILE OUT FOR A WALK IN THE WOODS. WITH HIS 5 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND THERE BRAND NEW PUPPY “SHADOW”. MY NEIGHBOR MIKE, WAS SURROUNDED BY COYOTE’S/COY-DOGS. HE HAD NO FIREARM. SCOOPING UP AND, CRADLING HIS DAUGHTER. KEEPING THE DOG ON A SHORT LEASH. HE TOOK OUT HIS LOCK BACK POCKET KNIFE. WHEN THEY HEARD THE METAL SNAP OF THE KNIFE. THEY BACKED OFF. THAT, WAS THE LAST TIME. MIKE, VENTURED INTO THE WOODS ANYWHERE. WITHOUT HIS HAND GUN. THAT WEEK. HIS VOICE SHOOK, WHILE RELATING THE STORY TO ME. ASK ANYONE WHO LIVES IN… Read more »

Wild Bill

@Idadho, You wrote, “WB, You and Old Fart sure are obsessed with @. Do you share your @s with each other?…” First there is no reason to be insulting. Everyone here has treated you like an adult. Second, you are the only one obsessed with the “at” symbol. Ok, I’ll make it into a win for everyone. I’ll keep using the “at” symbol so that I don’t have to type so much. There will be no confusion as to whom I am addressing, and that will keep everyone else happy. And for you, @ will no linger mean at. For… Read more »

Idadho

WB, It appears that you and old fart are the only ones stuck in the @ twitterverse except for the rare outlier. Every time I see an @, I see a junior high or high school girl tweeting. Plenty address others without being a tweeting @ss. Your last comment confirms my observation that you are obsessed with @sses. You respond to criticism like a snowflake. Good for you. Go find your safe place. Even bleeding heart IC knows to not be like an @ss.

Wild Bill

@OV, It could be the Teen Snot incognito. Anyway the only one finding annoyance with the symbol @ is him. He writes, “Every time I see an @, I see…bla, bla, bla” Seems like his personal problem. Making everyone else conform to his wishes is typical liberal thinking. The rest of his writing is pure projection.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Box of Pet Treats! @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

tomcat

@ W. Bill I don’t know why the trolls and pure idiots are obsessed with heckling you, maybe it is because you rarely give anyone any problems. This idadho sounds so much like the usual troll that hangs from the rafters like a bat. Maybe he changed names or maybe he is the troll’s daddy, or mommie. Anyway, his only aim in posting seems to be pissing someone off and that is, more than likely, the extent of his social life.

Wild Bill

@tcat, Yes, I think that quibbling on the internet and Klenex are the extent of his social life. Merry Cartridges and a Happy New Rifle!

Idadho

Is that all you see with your head up your @ ?

Wild Bill

@OV, Poor Ida. He could learn a lot from…. Sammy! H@, h@, h@.

Wild Bill

@OV They all do.

Idadho

You guys don’t offend me. You just look like a couple of twits who are obsessed with @.

Heed the Call-up

old vet, @ that and @ anyone else that doesn’t like @, including id@ho, @ that, too.

tomcat

@ W. Bill true but funny.

Wild Bill

@T-cat, I try to add a little humor. Merry Cartridges and a Happy New Rifle!

Ian Courts

How many people are killed by “hunting accidents” every year compared to the number of people killed by wolves? They don’t tell you that almost every owner of a dog involved with wolves was paid out $2500 for the loss. This system of payoff for knowingly running a dog in wolf territory is tantamount to a trade-in scheme for owners of older, or less able hounds. Sickening at best, legalized dog fighting at worst, and ALWAYS portrayed as the wolves “fault” . . .

Brian

We have lots of useless dogs in our neighborhood. Where can I take them to get $2500 per dog? Do dogs getting killed by coyotes count?

Wild Bill

@IC, Hunter safety, and emphasis on firearms safety, in general, makes hunting a very safe sport. More hunters are injured in falls than anything firearms related. Check the stats.
Now, who is the “they” that pays almost every owner of a dog involved with wolves $2500 for the loss.?

Ian Courts

Okay, a YES or NO question. Are more people killed or injured in “hunting accidents” every year than are killed or injured by a (non auto related) wildlife encounter?

Rattlerjake

Dang, your daughter is well rounded, can hunt with a truck and with a gun, KUDOs! LOL!

Rattlerjake

@WB, You’ll notice that @IC constantly throws around meaningless numbers. But what he doesn’t do is give ALL of the numbers, nor does he ever provide links to documents or other evidence that substantiates his bogus claims. The $2500 number is just thrown out there, his claims of elk numbers (in reply to my comment in Yellowstone) where he only tells what it dropped to but not what it started at, and definitely doesn’t tell you where he located these fake numbers. He also likes to be very vague or generalistic like when he talks about “hunting accidents”, giving the… Read more »

Idadho

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources pays $2500 for each hunting dog lost to wolves. https://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/environment/record-number-of-hunting-hounds-killed-by-wolves/article_7dc320b3-6e06-5895-97da-a044d510b58f.html
A quick google finds the information. I can understand WB not knowing how to use google but really, Rattlerjake?

Rattlerjake

Most people don’t have time to hunt down information on dozens of statements made by others. It is only reasonable that if YOU make a claim that YOU provide the link to substantiate it. With that said, Wisconsin is the only state that provides such compensation; considering it is a federally protected animal and residents are FORCED to deal with reintroduction, the federal government should be compensating dog owners in ALL wolf states. WHY DON’T THEY? Because they expect “citizens” to suck up the loss. In Wisconsin, a federal judge removed the wolves from the list, yet it was re-added… Read more »

Wild Bill

@Rattler, Typical egg head liberal. One lives in Wyoming, Montana, Utah, or some other state, so Id@ gives an answer for Wisconsin, and thinks that is good enough. Personnaly, I live in Texas, I was not searching for an an answer.

Wild Bill

@Rattler, Even his presentation feels like the standard progressive/socialist “thought up in the comfort of his living room” theory. Standard “everyone should change to suit me” thinking.
Merry Bullets and a Happy New Rifle.

Higherview

Is it uncomfortable or inconvenient to go responsibly armed every day? Many of us do it, why not in the woods? In my neck of the woods I have to be concerned with Bears (black and grizzly) as well as wolves. To-date I have only had to protect my dogs from Coyotes although I have come across all these. In town I may carry a 9mm or .40 S&W, but in the bush a .40, 10mm or .45 colt with loads meant to penetrate. Adjust for the possible scenario. Get a holster that fits and can be adapted to your… Read more »

james

AR pistol or whatever you like, kill the first wolf and his bff’s will eat him for lunch.

Vanns40

@Duane: Great comment. Should put the rest of the woulda/shoulda/coulda to rest. Thanks.

Duane

I live and hunt in prime northern Wisconsin wolf country and any given day I can show you wolf tracks within a mile of my home. If not on my property its self. I have known people who have lost pets to the local wolves. I have carried and used handguns for over five decades and shot and used them in defensive situations. I have carried a handgun grouse hunting for over 40 years I do not find the weight a problem. a good belt, holster maybe suspenders make it easy. If it is there are some very light handguns… Read more »

Idadho

A shotgun is going to have a 9 inch to 19 inch spread at 10 yards, depending on the choke. That sounds pretty effective to me. I remember shredding snow shoe hares at over 10 yards with a 20 ga 7 1/2 shot.
I’d empty my shotgun then pull the sidearm. Even at 20 yards, that shotgun is going to be quite annoying to the wolves. A butt shot will number on a wolf.
https://www.hunter-ed.com/montana/studyGuide/Shotgun-Choke-and-Shot-Pattern/201027_700048225/
I wonder what would be better, rifled slugs or 00 buckshot if a sidearm is not allowed.

oldgreyguy

Not 00 buckshot (9 pellets in 12 gauge 2.3/4in) I suggest #4 BUCKSHOT (not bird shot) 34- 25cal pellets in 2 3/4in 12 gauge. Pattern from my old pump with polychoke at 7 yards set at cylinder is about 5 inches. I think anything hit with 34 25 cal pellets would be VERY HURT!

American Freedom

I posted a comment snd I don’t see it here. What’s up with tha

Wild Bill

@AF, the system gets overwhelmed. Give it 24 hours, but the more that you write, the longer it takes. Welcome to the site, and Merry Christmas!

eaglesnester

I live in the interior of northern B.C. Canada. Reported wolf attacks are on the rise against hunters. On one Canadian hunting website there was a hunter killed by a wolf pack. He had a BAR, he emptied his magazine and when that ran out he used his rifle for a club. They found him with a smashed rifle and several dead wolves nearby that had been shot. It was not too difficult to figure out what had happened. There was also a catholic priest that went for a walk away from a northern mining camp in the wilderness. They… Read more »

Bear Pepper

A common manta continually repeated is “follow the law; is it legal, ect. Only a fool is unprepared.
Go forth and do as ye must or risk getting the consequences.

OldCurmudgeon

If your comment is a reply to my comment, I merely wanted to make sure people were aware of the legal ramifications of killing a wolf. The author of the article seems to be encouraging killing them to protect a hunting dog when in fact that is currently illegal. I plainly stated that I disagreed with the judges ruling. I live in Northern Minnesota and just about any night I can step out on my deck and hear at least one pack in full chase. It is very common to find tracks through my yard right next to my house.… Read more »

OldCurmudgeon

Wolves have been relisted as an endangered species AGAIN by an activist judge. At least here in Minnesota (and I would assume other States as well) that means you can no longer kill a wolf that is attacking livestock or pets. Killing a wolf is only legally justified if a human is being attacked. It would be wise to know the laws where you hunt. There are some pretty hefty fines and possibly jail time involved if you are caught killing a wolf in circumstances contrary to existing law. I don’t agree with the judge’s ruling, but at least for… Read more »

Rattlerjake

Law or not, the government doesn’t have the right to prevent you from protecting your animals from predators. In the case of shooting a wolf to protect your dog or livestock, you’d be a fool to not say that it was attacking YOU! You’re an even bigger fool to report it at all; drag it into the brush and let the scavengers have it! Wolves are NOT endangered, they are being reintroduced to areas they once roamed because government’s goal is to destroy most people’s ability to be self sufficient and get rid of the competition they pose to mega… Read more »

Wild Bill

@Rattler, If you gut shoot them, the bullet is never to be found, and they run off and die somewhere, also never to be found. No fuss, no muss, no evidence.

Idadho

If you think you can kill a protected wolf that attacks your domestic animals, you are in for a surprised. The mountains of paperwork and hearings and even attorneys make it not worth it. Report the wolves and hope the feds will issue a depredation permit. It is like getting an EPA waiver.

Wild Bill

@Idadho, If you think that a protected wolf doesn’t get gut shot when the opportunity presents itself then you are in for a big surprise.

Idadho

WB, You and Old Fart sure are obsessed with @. Do you share your @s with each other?
We have delisted the wolves in Idaho. Before that, the ranchers and hunters faced challenges if a dead wolf was found and linked back to them. Even with controlled hunting, there are risks in shooting a wolf. A less than lethal shot that leads to a weakened animal or slow death is great but one never knows if their shot is going to cause a quick death or a slow death.

SScottInAK

Pssssst…….. Hey Idadho, about that whole slow death thing, that was kinda the point. I’m in Alaska and can assure you, if you ever actually spent time in somewhere truly ‘wild’, you would get it.

Idadho

SScottinAK, I know the issues of living where the wild meets the people. I lived in an area where the elk over-wintered on my property. It was also a feast area for wolves. I have recordings of the pups yapping in the night. The point was whether a shot is a slow death shot or a quick kill. I guess some have a better shot placement than others on a moving animal. Even in red state Idaho, many of the district rangers are tree hugging Prius driving libs who look at the people as invaders. Rather than manage the wild… Read more »

Rattlerjake

You seem to believe that there is a “game warden” behind every tree. Now let me be perfectly clear – I am NOT condoning indiscriminately killing any wildlife, nor ignoring the majority of hunting law, but there are times when you need to man up and do what is NECESSARY. And if you are dumb enough to narc on yourself or do it in front of witnesses, you’re the fool. The “LAW” doesn’t care about the individual OR the reason/circumstances, they only care about their precious laws. Even YOU said so, in so many words, when you said, “Even in… Read more »

fsilber

Were there wolves 500 years ago in New York? How about Manhattan?
Wouldn’t it be great if we could reintroduce wolves to Central Park?
It might change their minds about the right to keep and bear arms!

Mike6988

The “pet” dogs killed by wolves all appear to be hounds for hunting bear, raccoons, etc. If you want to hunt that way and let your hounds run unsupervised through the woods, be prepared to loose a few. What do you expect? I don’t consider shooting a treeed animal much of a sport or hunting.

Rattlerjake

Well when you decide to go “hand to hand” with a bear let us know how that turns out.
So I guess you’re also against using dogs to find and flush game birds?
Idiots like you are a dime a dozen.

joe martin

Most of the people I know who hunt have always carried a side arm of one kind or another, regardless of what they are hunting. Just this year, my next door neighbor was bow hunting elk and was charged by a black bear. He fired into the ground just in front of the bear and was ready to shoot the bear if it hadn’t stopped, which luckily, it did. It is never a bad idea to have a backup.

Dumbfounded

Not this BS again…….Everything one of those hounds are trained to track and hunt wolves. It just so happens the wolves got the better of them. Where are the stats for humans being attacked by wolves? Stop spewing your BS because of irresponsible pet owners and those who choose to put their hunting dogs in harms way. It’s a shame, just buried my last horse……

Terry

Well, a quick bit of research indicated 56 known attacks since 1900. 22 attacks since 2000. I would imagine the unreported attacks to be much higher. Also, if you are going to go off on an uninformed rant please take a deep breath and try communicating a little more clearly. The only thing I got from your rant was that you’re “Dumbfounded” name is quite appropriate.
P.S. If you’re just trying to confuse people the horse remark worked swell!

Dumbfounded

Hmmm……so 78 wolf attacks since 1900.? Wow, that is a whole .667 attacks per year. My goodness what are we gonna do! Seriously, so this is a big issue? I certainly do not have problems with people carrying a sidearm in the woods for protection against anything (your biggest threat is another hunter). However I do take exception to the author sensationalizing the article by using a picture of three half eaten dogs (which are clearly hunting dogs) as way to prove his point.

Vanns40

Yeah, it’s always BS and a one in a million chance until it happens to you. Then it turns into a 100% chance. I live in a fairly rural area on the East Coast and walk my dog through 200 acres of fields and woods, four times a day, every single day. I would no sooner go out without a sidearm than I would fly to….well you get the idea. There are no wolves of the four legged variety here but there are rabid raccoons, skunks and the occasional two legged unsociable. I hope not to run into any of… Read more »

Terry

Still “Dumfounded” I see. That’s 56 total 1900 to 2017. That’s about .48, however, that “research” took less than 5 minutes. “My goodness what are we gonna do! Seriously, so this is a big issue?” How many human lives would it take to satisfy you anyway? 1 per year, 2 perhaps? I know the answer – the wolves could kill everyone and that would be OK with you. I’ve seen the effect on wildlife that these pack hunters have had in Montana because some tree hugging a-holes from Kalifornia moved there and infiltrated the academic and political base.

Wild Bill

@Dumbf, there should not be any wolf attacks on people. If even one person were saved it would be worth it.

Ian Courts

If you are so concerned with human welfare, why are you not advocating for the complete ban on ANY and ALL weaponry given the number of humans killed or injured each year by HUNTERS???

Vanns40

Didn’t work with me and starting to wonder if dumbfounded isn’t a member BackCountry Hunters And Anglers. He’s starting to sound like them.

MICHAEL A CROGNALE

Its not BS. There were good and sufficient reasons why our ancestors took the time and trouble to eradictate the wolves. Reintroducing them was the single worst idea you bunny huggers came up with. The first child who dies in the teeth of a wolf will be on your conscience.

Dumbfounded

Yawn……….We eradicated the wolves because we were encroaching on their habitat with our farms and livestock. No other reason. As for a child being killed by a wolf, my conscience will be quite clear. The conscience of the irresponsible parents, that’s another story. Love how you just displace the blame. Are sure you are not the liberal?

MICHAEL A CROGNALE

I am so conservative I make Rush look like Chuck Schumer. Your comment about “encroaching” tells me all I need to know about you. Humans displace animals in order to survive. We should never have reintroduced the wolves. It was an insane idea. Why don’t your research the decimation of the elk and moose population as a direct result of this stupidity.

Rattlerjake

It’s also a fact that they were introduced into Yellowstone where there weren’t previous populations and now they are wreaking havoc on the wildlife.

Ian Courts

Elk & moose decimated by wolves? I think not. The YNP elk herd count dropped to 4305 in 1968-69, then fell by 25% in 1976-77, then by almost 50% in 1988-89, all well before the reintroduction of the North American Gray Wolf to the Park, so how do you account for those losses? It’s simple, & the same cause of the drop seen shortly after reintroduction, successive so called “red winters”, where the snow is above chest height for elk, NOT wolves! The herd then ROSE to OVER 19,000 animals in 1993-94 followed since by fluctuations up & down in… Read more »

Wild Bill

MAC, liberals have no conscience, and hate people, but love animals. This guy is using troll tactics to get you to respond. He gets paid per response.
If you have to respond, address it to me, and deny him his pay day. Merry Christmas

MICHAEL A CROGNALE

Thanks. I noticed that he could not respond to my ripost. It is devastating to libs when you turn it around on them.

Wild Bill

@ OV, Hey, I wish that you had a picture, too! Eighteen points! That is terrific! Did you help her field dress it? I hope that you take the head to the taxidermist. Something like that doesn’t come along very often.

American Freedom

First of all, those hounds are NOT trained to hint Wolves lol. You are very ignorant of what black and tan hounds are trained to do. They are Coon, CT and Bear dogs, priMarilyn Coon hunting dogs in most of the United states. I’ve had hounds since I ws in highschool and I’m in my 50s today. I’ve trained and help train well over 200 hounds in that time. I live in tge Pacific Northwest where we have several confirmed wolf packs who yes have attacjed people and livestock. The problem with wolves here is a CONSTANT issue as well… Read more »

DickG

Well, I do have to say that being a 77 year old native Oregonian who was hiking in Oregon’s Cascades at age 5 through 60, which was before the introduction of wolves into Oregon, I NEVER, AFTER THE age of 15, went hunting or hiking WITHOUT A SIDEARM AND/OR SURVIVAL RIFLE/SHOTGUN. EVER! . Too many 2 legged crazy critters and dope growers which are more dangerous than wolves or cougar which are now more plentiful. . Cougar sightings in and around Eugene, Springfield, and Salem, are common in the fall where deer populations feed on cemetery lawns and home greenery,… Read more »

fsilber

It’s a good idea if you’re bird gun is a double-barrel.
I take it people don’t use pump guns or semi-autos for these birds. If I’m wrong, you might consider carrying it with one shell bird shot that you replace each time you shoot, and backing it up with a magazine filled with slugs. Against wolves, even .410 slugs are likely to be effective. Of course, you’ll have to try it out first to see where to hold the bead.

Vanns40

That’s illegal in many States.

Leon Measures

So far, Texas doesn’t have wolves. FERAL HOGS pose as big a problem and there are a whole lot more of them. Texas law doesn’t restrict the number shells when hunting Game Birds. A 150 pound hog can gut a dog in one pass. Four or five hogs can kill a bird dog before you can change ammunition. One of my dogs was backing a point when a 300 ? pound boar made a run at the dog. At about 25 feet, I shot the hog right behind an ear. A one ounce load of 7 1/2 shot made a… Read more »