To Catch a Wolf...

The Basics of Wolf  Successful Trapping

- Dan Helterline

Since catching my first wolf back when Montana first opened wolf trapping season, I've learned a tremendous amount about the pursuit of these largest of the canines. When I first started down this road, I never imagined where it might lead. Looking back at the tactics I first attempted, it's borderline comical.

The first thing I realized is that wolves are just canines. They don't possess the mythical, supernatural strength and senses that have shrouded them since the beginning of time. Don't get me wrong, the senses they do possess are highly keen and need to be taken into consideration when pursuing them. A basic understanding of canine traits and habits will go a long way. Trappers who are skilled at coyote trapping already have a leg up when they start trapping wolves. If a person has never trapped canines, the learning curve for successful wolf trapping can be much steeper.

The first step in catching a wolf, before you even put a trap in the ground, is patterning and extensive scouting. Just as with any canine, your intended target has to be able to easily find your set during their normal travel. During many demos at conventions I've told my audience it only takes two things to catch a wolf: First, the wolf has to step on your trap pan. Second, the trap has to fire. These two elements might seem too simple, but given a wolf's sometimes huge range and the difficult trapping conditions that occupy wolf season, accomplishing them can be quite challenging.