Wolves Kill Wisconsin Hunting Dogs in Four Attacks

by
posted on August 23, 2013
** 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 (26)

Statistics of wolf-on-dog attacks are not available, but we certainly seem to be experiencing an uptick of hunting dogs killed by wolves. And this would make sense as wolf populations continue to rise.

In a dramatic January attack, a Montana lion hunter lost all three of his hounds. And three separate attacks have occurred in Wisconsin just this month. On August 4, a Wisconsinite training his bear dog—a 9-year-old female black and tan—lost her to wolves in Rusk County. Subsequent attacks occurred on August 10, when wolves killed a pair of dogs in Lincoln County and another hound in Sawyer County. A fourth attack occurred on August 12, when a hound was killed in Florence County.

It's not known for certain whether these attacks were predatory or territorial in nature. Apparently wolves defend their dens most aggressively from May to September, when pups abound. The Wisconsin DNR set up a four-mile "caution" area for each attack, and already had plans in place to reduce its overall wolf population as part of its management plan.

I'm no biologist, but four dead hunting dogs in just over a week's time seems to vindicate Wisconsin's decision to increase its wolf quota by 75 animals for the 2013-2014 season. A drawing took place on August 15, in which 2,500 lucky hunters were selected from a whopping pool of 17,000 applicants. Total wolf quota this year is 275.

Latest

NRA ILA Lede
NRA ILA Lede

NRA Files Lawsuits Challenging Virginia's Assault Weapons and Magazine Bans

The National Rifle Association (NRA) has announced the filing of lawsuits in both Virginia state court and federal court challenging the so-called "assault weapons" ban and magazine ban signed into law by Governor Abigail Spanberger.

Hog Hunting with Chef Holly: Hogs from Field to Table

Want to learn how to handle a hog from field to table? Listen to a chef who dedicated a summer to doing just that. Here’s what she learned about cleaning and cooking wild hogs.

First Look: Woox Bravado Grey Laminate Stocks

Woox has announced its new Bravado Grey Laminate line of stocks. These stocks are engineered for compatibility with Henry and Marlin lever-action rifles.

#SundayGunday: Thompson/Center Arms Encore ProHunter

On this week's #SundayGunday, we check out the T/C Encore ProHunter. It is a stainless steel, break-action, interchangeable barrel, single-shot rifle, that can be fitted with any number of barrels, from centerfire to muzzleloader. On the centerfires, it has a 26-inch heavy fluted barrel with a muzzle threaded to add a brake or silencer. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Alligator Hunting Opportunities Are Expanding

This year, both Florida and Louisiana are expanding or introducing new opportunities for alligator hunts. For decades, Florida has estimated that there are over one million in the state—it is, of course, hard to count alligators. Louisiana now says its alligator population exceeds three million. The two states have managed their alligator populations very differently over the last half century, but now both are expanding hunting opportunities to help manage alligator populations.

Equipment to Film and Shoot Like the Pros

Curious how the pros get such great shots of their hunts? Check out some of the equipment they use to make sure their hunts look as smooth on camera as they go in the field.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.