Idaho is one of the few states that allows wolf hunting. Idaho now supports a bounty of up to $2,000 per animal to kill wolves, permits year-round trapping on private land, and allows hunters and trappers to kill an unlimited number. Wolves may be smaller than grizzlies, yet they hunt in packs making them incredably lethal predators, and their cunning is legendary. You may find scat, tracks, and evidence of kills, yet you will rarely spot an animal. Most hunters in Idaho hate wolves, a testimony to the danger they present to big game populations.
To The Hunt
Ohio resident Ethan Fry booked an elk hunt in Idaho last fall and the adventure began well. Fry spotted a black bear on the first day, but passed because he was four hours from camp and packing out the bear would have consumed precious elk hunting time. Besides, elk were bugling regularly and success seemed just a matter of time. He and his guide stalked a big 6X6 bull, but couldn’t get a shot.
What Changed?
Suddenly, the Idaho mountains went silent. For the next five days, not a single bugle was heard, despite hours on horseback and covering the same areas that once echoed with bugles. However, on the eve of the final day, bulls began to bugle and Fry had hopes of a last minute success. Sam, his guide, suggested that they head out early in darkness and climb the neighboring mountain. As daylight arrived, Sam thought he saw a black bear up the mountain ahead of him. “I think it’s a wolf,” said Fry. Either way, they needed to keep climbing.
A Slow Climb
A quarter mile up the mountain, Fry spotted the wolf again at 65 yards. Sam had a predator caller in his pocket and suggested they try to call the wolf. With the first blast from the predator call, the wolf turned and came to 35 yards. Another squawk and the black beast was at 20. Fry slowly drew his Matthews and unleashed a Grim Reaper 125-grain Micro Hadis broadhead, catching the wolf in the boiler room.
The Grim Reaper did it’s job.
A Grim Reaper Get’s it Done
On impact, the wolf whirled and ran down the mountain through very thick brush. To find the arrow, the duo duplicated the shot and found the shaft covered in blood. The trail was not abundant because wolves like bears have thick fur and don’t bleed profusely. Patiently following the spore, Fry came upon the trophy of a lifetime. After a quick celebration, the duo packed the beast back to camp. Sam called the outfitter and everyone agreed that taking a wolf with a bow was impossible- But Fry did it.
–