Grouse Hunter Shoots, Kills Wolf at 8 Yards

by
posted on October 11, 2012
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
dogs_ah2015_fs.jpg (31)

A hunter was pursuing ruffed grouse with his bird dog near Park Rapids, Minn., when all heck broke loose. There was a commotion, and the dog ran back toward the hunter with a wolf hot on its heels.

"The hunter shot the wolf at about eight yards as it was coming directly at him and his dog," Minnesota state conservation officer Sam Hunter told the Minnesota Star-Tribune. "It was a frightening experience during a grouse hunting trip that will not soon be forgotten."

The wolf was killed by the charge of birdshot, presumably rather quickly at that distance.

Equally as disturbing as the attack itself are the few people in the Star-Tribune's comments section who think the hunter was wrong to protect his dog and his own life from the wolf. I don't know how someone's worldview can be so skewed as to hold such an opinion, but here are some downright hateful examples:

thisislame: He should be charged. I would like to see hunting season for dogs. We could use a lot less of them.

J_Dubya: don't believe the details of this story for one second. It sounds like the typical hunter trying to make himself sound like a man by killing animals and then creating greatly exaggerated stories of his "conquests."

betseyp: Wolves don't attack people and you d*** well know it. If you have the facts to back up your statement, I would be happy to read them. Otherwise, stop stirring the pot.

Fortunately the Minnesota DNR is governed by commonsense, and the hunter will not be cited. Minnesota law allows wolves to be shot that are an immediate threat to humans, pets or livestock, and this particular wolf met two-thirds of the criteria. Last year, the state recorded 12 legal wolf killings.

Incidentally, Minnesota's first wolf hunting-trapping season begins Nov. 3, with a quota of 400 wolves. Last month anti-hunting groups filed a lawsuit that sought to stop it, but it was defeated.

Latest

BTB 7Mm RUM Lead
BTB 7Mm RUM Lead

Behind the Bullet: 7mm Remington Ultra Magnum

Launching a 160-grain bullet in excess of 3200 fps, the 7mm RUM is among the fastest commercially loaded 7mm cartridges available.

USFWS Debuts 2025-2026 Federal and Junior Duck Stamps

The 2025-2026 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp—commonly known as the Duck Stamp—became available for purchase on June 27, 2025.

Tested: Work Sharp Professional Precision Adjust Elite Knife Sharpener

Digital Associate Editor walks viewers through the features of the Work Sharp Professional Precision Adjust Elite Knife Sharpener, the perfect tool for a hunter looking to keep all his knives factory sharp season after season.

Recipe: Green Curried Black Bear

Green curry sauce is an excellent base for simmering bear meat, making it flavorful, tender, and safe to consume. Read on for another instant classic recipe from Brad Fenson.

Coyotes to Competitions: An AR-Build for Accuracy

ARs make great coyote guns. But what would the absolute best coyote rifle look like? Digital Associate Editor David Herman builds his take on the best AR for shooters who like to plug coyotes in the winter, and ring steel all summer long.

Pennsylvania Governor Signs Sunday Hunting Bill

Legislation that will fully repeal Pennsylvania’s Sunday hunting ban was signed into law on July 9.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.