Originally Posted By: Jim ByersWolves in North America, where they can be hunted, are by far the hardest critter to kill.. few make the commitment necessary to consistently kill them... They aren't invincible, by you will earn it.. good luck..
I have already been on them several times this year including yesterday. I am currently at about 400 miles on the jeep and another 50 on my boots. Two weeks ago I shot one(#8)at about 40 yards. It screamed, did a half spin and went down. I broke focus on the downed one, looked over my left shoulder for a 2nd because I had them all around me inside of thirty yards. Looked back and saw the "DEAD" one scoot into the incredibly thick timber. Long story short. Searched for 4 hours, went home got my dog (who is a very serious game tracker) and searched another 90 minutes, came back the next day and searched some more. NO JOY.
I broke my own rule of always watching the downed one until its confirmed dead, then look for number 2. I wanted to throw up when it happened because I certainly know better.
So my advice, do your homework regarding an area, use a "deer" bullet/caliber in a fast handling rifle with 1-3X on the low end for your scope. Most hunting in NW Montana or the Idaho panhandle will be in thick, steep country with shots at 10-30yds. I frequently pack a shotgun, leave the long range "Blaster 12,000" with 10-50X scope at home. Be prepared to have a grand adventure but understand that if you get to hear them it will be a significant success, seeing one will be incredible good fortune, getting a shot will be one in a million. But just like the lotto, you can't win if you don't play. Good luck, JCS
P.S. Yesterday I was sitting/calling in about an inch of fresh snow, so plan for that as well. Access gets harder every day as winter settles in up here.