Wolf Lottery

[woody1975]

I have a question on Wolf Hunting. We drew 3 tags in our group this year, but here is my question: If we are successful in harvesting a wolf during the first weekend of deer season, from what I read:

1) I need to tag the animal and register it right away

2) Skin the animal, but do not gut it and keep evidence of sex attached

3) I need to keep the pelt and the carcass for inspection

Here is where my question lies - It states that the wolf inspection sites open on Wednesday after opener and the carcass can't be frozen, so what if I shoot one on Saturday morning. What are you supposed to do with it for 4 days to prevent it from freezing? I seem to remember NoWiser smoked a big boy last year.

Just wondering what to do in the event that we are successful.

Thank you,

DL

[lichen fox]

I'd contact the local C.O....I heard that they will let you keep the carcass in their office for a couple three days until you can officially give it to them.

[monstermoose78]

My dad drew a wolf tag. It does seem the wolves stay away from the guys with the tags in their pockets at least for our group

[NoWiser]

Woody,

I'd call the closest DNR wildlife office and talk to them. They may be able to take care of you outside of the designated inspection times. You do not want to have to deal with a wolf carcass any longer than you need to. They smell bad. Really, really bad.

When I shot mine it was a giant gongshow. DNR employees took off early on the Friday that they were supposed to be around to do the carcass inspections. So, I had to keep the carcass in a refrigerator for the weekend. Then they were closed Monday for a holiday. I finally took it in Tuesday and they forgot the kit they needed to deal with it. So, I had to leave it with them and pick it up a day or two later so that I could dispose of it. It ended up being about a week after I shot it before I buried it and I ended up missing a full day of work to meet all the requirements. Hopefully they have their act together by now, and hopefully you shoot a big one!

Good luck!

[woody1975]

THanks NoWiser.....Hopefully I have to deal with the Riga-Marole because I am lucky enough to tag one!

DL

[rkhinrichs]

I got a tag for the second year in a row! I do think the random draw and preference point system both have pros and cons.

[Loomy707]

what size gun do you guys use on wolfs? I am debating on what to use. I have a 22-250 and a 280. I was originally going to use my 22-250 but I am thinking I would need to reload some heavier shells for a wolf vs. a yote? because right now I am shooting 53 gr hornady ballistic for yotes

[leech~~]

No pictures of dead varmints this year yet?

[NoWiser]

Loomy, you'd probably be fine with the 22-250. From what I've read wolves aren't very tough to kill.

I got mine with a 270 WSM shooting a Barnes 130 grain TTSX at about 3,400 fps. The wolf was about 10 yards away. It dropped it like a sack of potatoes. The shot was right through the heart with a pencil sized entrance and exit wound. Hide damage was minimal. Hit through both shoulders it may have been a different story, though.