Getting a wolf line out in deep winter
#6739265
01/21/20 11:42 PM
01/21/20 11:42 PM
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Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 4,100 Bonner County, Idaho
Wild_Idaho
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trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 4,100
Bonner County, Idaho
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Had my wolf line out before I went down to the ITA sale and also for some bird hunting with the dogs, but pulled all my traps because I wouldn't be back before our 72 hour check law. Now I've been paranoid about getting a line back out there. We've got a bunch of snow (for Idaho) with about 4 feet on the ground in my wolf area and I don't want to create a bunch of boot tracks or snowshoe tracks getting a line back out there. Just seems to me like a really good way to educate the wolves or have them avoid the area altogether. I initially got my sets out when there was just a few inches of snow and then it snowed on top of any sign I left. Caught another wolf, only to have it stolen, but did have some success. So what do you guys in Alaska do for setting a line in deep winter. I'm not snaring them due to our diverter requirement and an abundance of whitetails in my area. Whitetails love to duck under things. So I am only using footholds. Our wolf trapping season ends on March 31st. Usually by the end of February or beginning of March some of our south facing slopes will start to show some bare dirt, so I was considering waiting until then to get some steel in the ground. But I'm curious how you northern guys who use footholds do it. Or do you just set the area and then wait for the snow to cover your tracks in and place your traps under a heavy-branched tree for shelter? Thanks in advance.
Real name Eric The sharpest hammer in the box of crayons.
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Re: Getting a wolf line out in deep winter
[Re: Wild_Idaho]
#6739278
01/21/20 11:54 PM
01/21/20 11:54 PM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,514 juneau, alaska
alaska viking
"Made it two years not being censored"
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"Made it two years not being censored"
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,514
juneau, alaska
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Don't sweat making trails. They will follow them, with that kind of snow.
Made it almost 3 years without censor!
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Re: Getting a wolf line out in deep winter
[Re: Wild_Idaho]
#6739340
01/22/20 01:02 AM
01/22/20 01:02 AM
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Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 4,100 Bonner County, Idaho
Wild_Idaho
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OP
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Bonner County, Idaho
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Thanks, I appreciate that. I do worry about these highly pressured wolves and having the "easy" route in for them on the actual trail I came in on, as far as human scent is concerned.
Last edited by Wild_Idaho; 01/22/20 01:04 AM.
Real name Eric The sharpest hammer in the box of crayons.
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Re: Getting a wolf line out in deep winter
[Re: Wild_Idaho]
#6739603
01/22/20 10:54 AM
01/22/20 10:54 AM
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Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 4,100 Bonner County, Idaho
Wild_Idaho
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Bonner County, Idaho
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Thanks Pete that is excellent info. I like the downhill thing. Makes sense. I have use of a snow machine. Buddy of mine is letting me borrow his for the winter.
Real name Eric The sharpest hammer in the box of crayons.
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Re: Getting a wolf line out in deep winter
[Re: yukon254]
#6740456
01/22/20 09:30 PM
01/22/20 09:30 PM
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Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 4,100 Bonner County, Idaho
Wild_Idaho
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Bonner County, Idaho
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As usual you got good advice from the Alaskan boys. Those guys are top shelf trappers, so heed their advice. Wolves will follow snow shoe trails, at least in my area. One thing I have noticed over the years is that canines will most often travel trails right down the centre. Lynx on the other hand will usually walk on one side or the other. Wolverines will meander all over the place! A bit of info that can help when setting blind sets anyway. Good luck hope you get a bunch of them! Thanks and yes as always great advice from you Alaska fellas. Thanks a lot. I will post some pics for you when I get a line back out there. I sure hope to avoid catching a lynx or wolverine. We have them here but...
Last edited by Wild_Idaho; 01/22/20 09:32 PM.
Real name Eric The sharpest hammer in the box of crayons.
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Re: Getting a wolf line out in deep winter
[Re: white17]
#6740461
01/22/20 09:33 PM
01/22/20 09:33 PM
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Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 4,100 Bonner County, Idaho
Wild_Idaho
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Bonner County, Idaho
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Be sure you take snowshoes !! With 4 feet of powder you will need them It's more like 4 feet of slush that by now I'm sure is down to 2 feet with our temps in the 30s and 40s all week. Last time I was up there, there was about 4 feet though.
Real name Eric The sharpest hammer in the box of crayons.
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Re: Getting a wolf line out in deep winter
[Re: Wild_Idaho]
#6741730
01/23/20 09:39 PM
01/23/20 09:39 PM
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Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 4,100 Bonner County, Idaho
Wild_Idaho
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Posts: 4,100
Bonner County, Idaho
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White17 we can't use snares for wolves without diverters, but you are right snares would be the best options on these conditions. I just am hesitant since there are a lot of deer in my wolf areas as well as moose. And yeah the slush will just freeze and then the trap won't fire. After talking with another wolf trapper here I'm waiting until the conditions improve and some south facing slopes open up.
Last edited by Wild_Idaho; 01/23/20 09:41 PM.
Real name Eric The sharpest hammer in the box of crayons.
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Re: Getting a wolf line out in deep winter
[Re: Wild_Idaho]
#6742629
01/24/20 04:47 PM
01/24/20 04:47 PM
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Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 4,100 Bonner County, Idaho
Wild_Idaho
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Bonner County, Idaho
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Good idea white. I've used them on coyotes with success. Maybe some beaver guts and a foothold or two in the hay. Probably would help avoid the slush
Real name Eric The sharpest hammer in the box of crayons.
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Re: Getting a wolf line out in deep winter
[Re: Wild_Idaho]
#6742643
01/24/20 05:09 PM
01/24/20 05:09 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,563 Worley, Idaho
Machias
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Worley, Idaho
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Good idea white. I've used them on coyotes with success. Maybe some beaver guts and a foothold or two in the hay. Probably would help avoid the slush Better hurry Eric, before they all drown!!
When things are Grim, become the Grim Reaper! Fred Moyer
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Re: Getting a wolf line out in deep winter
[Re: Wild_Idaho]
#6744436
01/25/20 09:48 PM
01/25/20 09:48 PM
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Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 4,100 Bonner County, Idaho
Wild_Idaho
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Bonner County, Idaho
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I'm working on that exact same thing but with hound dogs. Not many mushers down here but lots of hound guys. I have bird dogs. Might make them sleep on straw for a few weeks.
Real name Eric The sharpest hammer in the box of crayons.
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