Have any of you seen this before?

[Wobbler]

Some of you might have heard me talk about the wolves and how many of them we saw at deer season and that we could confirm to different packs within 2 miles of each other. Anyways my dad was up by where we hunt in Area 122 and saw a sign from the DNR that some of you might find interesting. It was a yellow DNR sign stating "Wolf Trapping Area". Stated trapping going on for testing and research. Advised not to let pets (dogs) roam the area because of the trap issues. Also advised not to shoot wolves caught in the traps. It is 1/2 a mile from where we hunt and own land. Thought that was interesting. Also, if any of you can believe this we talked with a cabin owner who has a place by us and last year they had pictures of 2 Caribou swimming in the lake during the summer and sent pictures to the DNR and another Cabin owner on the lake saw them this past summer. Any of you heard about any of these 2 things before in Minnesota?

[Dave S]

Also, if any of you can believe this we talked with a cabin owner who has a place by us and last year they had pictures of 2 Caribou swimming in the lake during the summer and sent pictures to the DNR and another Cabin owner on the lake saw them this past summer. Any of you heard about any of these 2 things before in Minnesota?

Oh great, here we go. Now the rumors of the DNR transplanting Caribou to help deter the cougars and wolves, also transplanted, from killing off the deer.

All sarcasm aside, that would be very interesting to see a couple Caribou that far south. Is there a chance that you could get the photos and post them?

[DonBo]

And those trapped wolves? Coming soon to a woodlot near you...

[Wobbler]

I wish someone from the DNR could verify that they have been spotted in MN. I have seen the pictures of the caribou and from my eyes it is the lake by me but I am just a third party to it. The copy of the picture I saw was a photo. I was told it was sent to the DNR.

[Wobbler]

Funny!!!!! A gift from me to your woods! Merry Christmas!!!!

[Dave S]

And those trapped wolves? Coming soon to a woodlot near you...

I would question whether it's a trap/transplant effort. It might be more of a research/attaching radio collars on them for tracking the movement of the pack.

[BRULEDRIFTER]

As for the wolf trapping, I would assume that word traveled or was known that there was a high desity of them in that area and that it made perfect sense to set up some traps there to get a few for research, NOT TO TRANSPLANT!

As for the caribou, that doesn't surprise me at all considering there is a remenant wild population of them just across the border in Canada.

Years ago, before the logging took out the true, natural boreal forest in Norther MN, all that roamed the forest, as far as ungulates go, were moose and woodland caribou.

Not sure where exactly your land is, but having a few straglers wander into MN from time to time is not very surprising. I would love to see it sometime!

[Musky Buck]

Speaking of wolves talked to a long lost friend sunday and he reported many wolf sightings in Ottertail county. He says a few years back there were a few not very brave ones, since then they are willing to come right into his yard to sniff his pheasant pens, he also has several coon hounds and that hasn't deterred them from coming right by his house frequently. I found a track last Saturday in the swamp I hunt that was either a wolf or a large dog, it's been 25 years since I've seen a dog in there so who knows ? Frosty you might know if a dog was running the swamp we hunt or if the guys have seen any wolves in there ?

[Rooster7]

If there is wolves around. The traps are the least of your dog's worries.

[Wobbler]

I took this out of page 23 in the hunting regulations. There is no open season on caribou, antelope, lynx, gray wolf, wolverine, cougar, or spotted skunk (“civet cat”). I wonder if Lou can share any knowledge on this and the trapping of wolves?

[titelines]

Yeah, I saw the same wolf trapping signs while grouse hunting a particular area this year.

[fr0sty]

Ron said there are rumors of wolves up there, but nothing verified. There was a collie type dog running loose during firearms. Not sure how big it was though. I know it was there opening weekend because it was up at the house barking at their dog. I heard it when I was hunting just north of the house.

There were coyotes in the swamp during opening ml too. One shot was taken, but missed. I am told they will get after them this winter.

[Wobbler]

titelines,

Was it on the way to Round or Big?

[Musky Buck]

Good, tell them to go crazy. I did notice coyote tracks last weekend and looked like a fox track maybe to, but then I came across a big lone track, analyzed it closely but who knows. I have my trailcam in there, not sure frosty if you do but maybe we'll catch a photo or 2 this winter and see what's shakin. I'm not sure on their coyote plan but tell them to use my stands if they need to but they likely surround the area and cut the hounds loose. Friends farm in Ottertail is loaded with yotes this year, 1st time he's ever seen one there, not that they weren't before but the yote numbers are up there also.

[fr0sty]

Yea, I moved my trail cam to the north central part of our 40. It's a couple hundred yards east of that creek stand and a little south. I will let you know what's on it next time we get up there.

I think their plan is to get the dogs on them. Thanks for the offer on using your stands though!

[Musky Buck]

Right on, I'll share with ya what's on mine also, there was 1 nice buck during muzzy but about midnight he strolled through. Back to the wolf I wonder how many are running the leaf river bottom from the lake to the crow wing nowaday? That friend of mine that is having run ins with them is on the edge of the leaf river bottom. Not that it's a big deal but it sure is different from what it used to be like now having the wolf around. I'm not sure farm country is the place for em. The way the deer winter up in small parcels, time will tell.

[titelines]

titelines,

Was it on the way to Round or Big?

Yep - Along the RR tracks.

[Heartman]

Rooster 7, that's not the case. Traps sit there and wait for an animal, like your dog, to check things out. Wolves typically run away from people, even those with dogs, before they do anything else. Not saying they won't come back or attack a dog on a chain, but the traps, well, they just sit there waiting.

[Heartman]

Just remember, if the 'yotes are there, the timber wolves are close behind, if not there already. Coyotes are food for timber wolves, just like deer are - timber wolves are just below man on the food chain...

[Wobbler]

titelines,

Those signs are half a mile from our place. We have the place on the right instead of where you take the left to ride on that road.

[titelines]

Wobbler - Ahh. I've probably seen you more than once. Lots of ATV's there usually(?)

I park as soon as you take a left there and walk all the way down to the private property, and through the woods. Never had crossed the tracks and made my way up to the lakes...maybe next year. I'll wave if I see people next time.

[Wobbler]

Titelines,

Yes that is my place. We built our new place all Spring and Summer. My dad owns it and he owns the side from where our old shack used to be (still a group hunting there) to the end. Lots of private property down that road you mention. Once that 80 goes next to us they will more than likely shut that road down to everyone but property owners down that way. My dad actually owns the beginning of that road. It is not really a road but a "trail". We shut down the other road "trail" because people were messing with our deer stands and stuff while we had it posted. That other side of the tracks by us no access is allowed by those owners and they do not hunt. Do you deer hunt down by that private land? The million dollar place and the Topper deer stands shoot only 8 points or better like us. The grouse population took a beating out there this year as I'm sure you shot your share like everyone did. I live 5 hours away and don't get out there as much as my dad and brother. If you see younger kids they are mine out there. I take them one weekend in Sept. and I hunt MEA W-Sunday. I have been to the river but not the lakes either and I have hunted there 25 years since I was 12. Small world! Anyways at least you saw the same signs!!! Now if you could have seen the Caribou then you could have answered all my questions!

[propster]

Article in the Outdoor News today about the trapping and collaring the DNR has been doing on the wolves the last several years. Talks about how many deer each wolf averages, like 15-17 each.

[Wobbler]

Great for the heart warming news next to my hunting area. Lets see a pack of 12 and a different pack of 10 equals not good where I hunt!

[Big Dave2]

timber wolves are just below man on the food chain...

Tell that to the wolf you meet up with out in the woods with no gun!