Chasing Wolves: Day One

by
posted on February 24, 2015
gunclub2015_fs.jpg (7)

undefinedFeb. 23—I'm in Gibbonsville, Idaho, hunting wolves with outfitter/guide Caleb Davis of Continental Divide Outfitters. I set up this hunt by chance with NRA Outdoors; Caleb is hooking up with our booking service.

It's tough out here.  Just take a look at the scenery. This morning it was 6 degrees when we set out from the house, which sits at 4,200 feet. We unloaded a Polaris and a Yamaha snowmobile and climbed 2,800 feet up a switchback. Caleb says it's actually a logging road. I can't believe truckers drive 18-wheelers loaded with timber down that road. Some places, I didn't want to look down.



Then we saddled up and hiked down a finger to glass and listen. It was quiet as a church out there. The lack of wind was nice not only for listening—though we heard no howls—but also for us. It was easy to keep warm even though I sweated up pretty good during the hike. My clothing system consisted of a super-thin, second skin-like layer of polypro beneath a layer of Cabela's Instinct merino wool long johns topped with an outer layer of King of the Mountain wool. Of course I also had a pair of snow gloves, some lighter gloves and a watch cap. While riding I kept the breeze at bay with a layer of Cabela's Dry-Plus. The whole system worked wonderfully.

The hike out was tough. It took us 1.5 hours to go 3 miles. Somehow it felt like the route was uphill both ways. This is big country. Think West Virginia on steroids. The landscape images enclosed here were taken at 6,828 feet. Caleb is 6-6. Keeping up with him felt like walking behind Dad as a kid. No way was I keeping up with him.



Anyway, no wolves today. Not even a sighting or a howling. This despite seeing some fresh tracks above a week-old kill.

Tomorrow we'll wake at 2:30 to snowmobile up another mountain to check out another drainage. Caleb wants to get up there in the dark to look for tracks made during the night, and to listen for howls before dawn. That's our best chance, he says, to get on 'em if we want to make a plan that ends with a wolf in my scope. Luckily, it's supposed to stay warm overnight and stay calm tomorrow. Still, I know the sight of these peaks awaits me at sunrise.Stay tuned.

Latest

Ledehenry SPD HUSH
Ledehenry SPD HUSH

Henry Repeating Arms Launches HUSH Series Optimized for Suppressor Use

Henry Repeating Arms has officially introduced the HUSH Series. This new line of suppressor-optimized lever-action rifle is the debut release from the company’s Special Products Division (SPD), a new R&D initiative focused on forward-thinking innovation.

Member's Hunt: A Tale of Two Treestands

This latest Member's Hunt comes from Erin Prajzner of Glen Rock, Pa.

New for 2025: Zeiss SFL 50 Binocular

Zeiss has presented its all-new SFL 50 binocular, an extension of the company's SFL family of binocular. It combines the optical performance of a 50 mm binocular, with the size and weight category of competitors’ 42mm frame sizes.

New for 2025: Savage AC30 B.O.B. AccuCan Suppressor

Savage introduces the AC30 B.O.B. (Back Over Barrel) suppressor, a great option for those looking to enhance balance and reduce overall firearm length while shooting suppressed.

First Look: Barnes Harvest Collection Ammunition

Barnes has debuted its Harvest Collection line of ammunition, targeted squarely at American whitetail hunters. Topped with the venerable Sierra Tipped GameKing (TGK) bullet, Barnes Harvest Collection is designed for maximal lethality on thin-skinned game, combining near match-grade accuracy with impressive terminal performance.

First Look: BANISH 30-V2

New from Banish Suppressors, the Banish 30-V2 is an upgraded version of the company’s popular Banish 30 suppressor that is shorter, lighter, quieter and more versatile than ever.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.