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Wolf Hunting Tips and Tactics from the Experts
If you’re a passionate hunter, then you’re going to want to hunt wolves at some point. This endeavor can be more dangerous than hunting elk or deer, most especially because wolves are predators that have the ability to tear you apart when it is aggravated. Akin to hunting wild boars and bears, hunting wolves need a lot of preparation and strategy for you to be successful. With this, I have created an article on wolf hunting tips and tactics from the experts that are sure to help you out.
Wolf Hunting Tips and Tactics from the Experts
Here are some of the most relevant and important tips that can help you take down a wolf in no time. Bear in mind that not all hunters are the same and we all have our own strategies, but these tips are to be taken as a general tips and tactics that can push you further to your goal.
1. Follow a herd
Wolf Hunting Tips and Tactics from the Experts
Wolves are pack animals that hunt for their own food, most especially deer and elk. If you want to find wolves, you have a good chance if you track a herd of elk or deer. If you do find a herd, make sure you stick close to it, maintaining your stealth mode as to not cause the herd to disperse. You have good chances of coming across wolves who are also hungry for a kill.
2. Train yourself to howl
Howling or calling can be great skills to have as a hunter. Practice a good howl in order to better locate wolves, thus making your hunt a lot easier. Note that the key word is a ‘good howl’, since a poorly done howl or call can put off wolves. It’s also important that you do not overdo your call, as frequent howling can also push them away from the track.
Aside from a wolf call, you can also try other animals’ calls as well. A few good examples are calf or fawn distress calls that can attract wolves to your location. When using your calls or howls, do it from a position high from the ground. This position can widen the range that your call reach plus disperse your scent so that a wolf cannot smell you.
However, calls of animals other than wolves can also attract other predators such as black bears, coyotes, and mountain lions. So you should use prey distress calls with caution and preparedness. If you’re going to use these types of call, I suggest you do it when you’re with a group.
3. Use a hunting stand
Using a strategically placed hunting stand can increase your chances of getting a wolf sooner than you think. Generally, the recommended position of your hunting stand is a high spot in the terrain that gives you a clear view both upwind and downwind. In this way, wolves from even miles away can hear your call well. Moreover, you can better prepare for your shot from that position once you see a wolf coming your way.
It’s also best if you set up your hunting stand early in the morning, as wolves come out to hunt at night.
4. Be patient
Wolves are very cautious animals, and they have very keen senses of smell and hearing. So, you wouldn’t expect them as easy to hunt even if you are a great hunter. Patience is key when hunting wolves, as you will not encounter one who will stroll up to you without effort on your part. Wait around half an hour to one hour after each call, and see if you have attracted a wolf.
Doing so at these intervals can increase your chances of attracting or locating a wolf. Otherwise, too much howling or calling can put them off.
5. Wait after each kill
Once you’ve killed your first wolf of the day, put away the best tactical knife and don’t get to skinning just yet. After you’ve killed a wolf, there is a chance that another may come along fairly quickly. Thus, to be both safe and maximize your chances of getting another wolf, wait a few minutes after you’ve killed the first one.
6. Hunt in cold weather
Experts say that wolves become more careless in the winter, as they are desperate for food that is elusive to them when compared to hotter weathers. Thus, you may want to try hunting wolves in the cold weather. Moreover, snow can help you better track them because of the paw prints they leave behind.
7. Carry the right gear
One characteristic of wolf hunting is that you have to keep moving in order to come across a wolf. Therefore, you need a lot of stamina, and that stamina is going to run out faster if you have a heavier pack. Carrying the best hunting backpack that is both lightweight and tactical can increase your chances of success.
In your pack, make sure that you carry all of the essentials and nothing more. Carrying in excess can make it more difficult for you to walk around and follow your prey.
8. Watch the birds
Circling birds may indicate a fresh kill, and can help you track down a wolf feasting on its prey. Buzzards, ravens, magpies, or crows can be watched in the sky if they are behaving in this way. They are scavengers who are attracted to carcasses of freshly killed meat and can lead you to a wolf’s kill.
If they are indeed circling a certain area, then you should take your chances and sneak in on that kill site. You may come across a pack ready to be hunted. If there aren’t any wolves present, you should wait on that spot in case another wolf comes by or returns.
9. Hunt wisely
Hunting a male can be more exhilarating for some hunters. However, it may be better if you hunt female wolves for population control. Apart from that, you shouldn’t hunt collared wolves if you can help it. These wolves have radio-controlled collars and help people track wolves better.
Conclusion
Hunting wolves is never an easy task. However, you may be more successful if you take wolf hunting tips and tactics from the experts to heart. With these tips I’ve just highlighted above, I’m sure you’re going to find and kill your first wolf soon.