Crying wolf

[ChuckC]

The season starts mid October if I recall correctly, and runs till , like January, or until the quota is met, which will be well before January (historically).

Its too bad they start so soon cause the pelts can use another two months of winter to get more prime.  I wonder why they don't allow for that ?
CHuckC

[Dfudala]

Hey Chuck,
If you do plan to head up my way, be sure to check with the DNR and confirm which zones the north central part of the state are and on average, about when those zones have reached their quotas. You don't want to wait too late into the season just to have a zone close on you.
Dave.

[ChuckC]

Thank you,  Gonna start searching very soon.  Pouring a foundation today, so its gonna be a little while anyways.  Seen any recently ?

CHuck

[Dfudala]

No. I'm in Phoenix on business this week. Heading home tomorrow. I hope to get out Monday or Tuesday for a bit then Wednesday I head to Denver. I'll keep you posted.

[ChuckC]

Thank You.  Might have to drive up there within the next ten days and actually see what you are describing.  Sure couldn't hurt . .  I like it up there !

Thanks again for your help
Chuck

[Dfudala]

Well, I got out for the day on Monday but nothing exciting to report. Saw one doe about mid morning and that was that for the day. Covered about 4 miles on the day and hardly saw any fresh sign. Next time I'm home I'll be heading back out where I had the wolf pass by me. I'll keep you posted. Give me a heads up if you're heading north so I can try to fudge my schedule around to be home.

[ChuckC]

Well, let's keep talking.  This week I am taken, but after that I can devote time to the hunt.  I can run up there and take a look at the area almost any time now.  I really appreciate your help up there.

ChuckC

[Dfudala]

Its no trouble. You've got a great opportunity to pursue a very special creature there and possibly make some history along the way! I would be happy to help to make that possible for you. The odds are definitely not in your favor, but that's mainly what makes this so special. My knowledge of the areas I know they inhabit are unfortunately all I have to offer, but I don't want this to end up feeling like a "guided" hunt for you either. You should come out of this experience with a sense of self-satisfaction whether you're successful or not. Believe me, just seeing one, out in it's element is quite a moving experience! I will be home next Monday and Tuesday, then out of town the rest of the week into the following.

[ChuckC]

Well, this went from excitement to a bitch session for me.

I went out on opening day and spent the entire day driving around the general area of Black River Forest, driving the back roads (mostly sand and gravel) looking for tracks, sign, stopping routinely to call and watch.  It was a great day and I had a hell of a time.   After dark,on the drive home, on hwy 90/94 (whichever it is just south of BRF) I actually saw a wolf in the median. No doubt what it was.  For that I am thankful.  My first wild wolf sighting.  Kinda pumped.

Two days later the first area closed and by the end of the first weekend three areas were closed.

My bitch. . .  I went into this thing wanting to hunt for a wolf, not race like hell to kill or trap one that, frankly, because the season starts so dang early could not possibly be in prime pelt condition.

The wolf season for 2014 is now closed.  As I understand, more than 85% of the wolves taken this year went to trappers.  Now, don't get me wrong, I have no ill against trapping, but I was pumped to hunt, to experience a close encounter, not set a trap.

I didn't go again, but I plan to make my voice heard, not that they will listen.  I also will not participate any further in wolf tag donations.  They meant well, but when it came down to it, I think they screwed the pooch (and a lot of us "hunters").

Just my humble opinion.  Sorry for being a downer.

CHuckC

[ChuckC]

I received ( and filled out) a very large survey regarding my wolf hunt.  It appears, based upon the questions, that I was not alone in my assessment.  I hope any future wolf hunts are altered to reflect some suggestions.

BTW, if you haven't already heard... the wolves were just recently re-listed due to yet another court case, so a season in 2015 is not a sure thing.
CHuckC