Any Experienced Trappers Who Could Trap Wolves?

[bearpaw]

I am trying to influence the hiring of additional "experienced" trappers to help confirm wolves in Washington. I'm wondering how many "experienced" coyote trappers are out there who think they could trap wolves with a little advice and training on best methods?

[MtnMuley]

I don't think they'd be too appreciative of the trapping method I would use for wolves. They would be a " hanging out" for an extended period of time.   Also, with our non-gripping laws, caging a wolf would be near impossible.

[bearpaw]

If you were working as an agent of the state you are exempt from the body gripping laws. I am told the state is using padded leg hold traps to catch wolves.

[boneaddict]

Trap to kill I would be in(nuisance critters).   Trap to relocate or confirm, don't have the time or resources.

[bearpaw]

This photo has been cropped and focused close so you can see the type of trap used for catching and confirming wolves by the WDFW. The first step to getting wolf management in Washington is to get these wolves confirmed, we need more "expereinced" trappers on the WDFW payroll.

[billythekidrock]

I wonder if "Aldrich" type snares would work for wolves. It might be an easier sell than leghold.

[Feanix]

I think you guys are missing the point (except bone). They are already using legholds to confirm wolves/bps. Bearpaw and WFW are lobbying to get more e perienced trappers hired to help with this process. Not looking for a debate of washington trapping laws, but people who have the experience in canine trapping that are willing to trap and confirm wolf numbers.

[Machias]

I have plenty of experience with catching yotes and every other furbearer with legholds.  I have attended the 8 hour wolf trapping class conducted by the ID Fish and Game.  However since you need to be able to check your traps a couple of times a day, for catching, collaring and releasing them unharmed,  there is no way I would have time to do it.

[Machias]

Also there is a GREAT DVD and Book put out by the Alaskan Trapper's Association just on wolf trapping that has lots of great sets detailed.  It's a must have for anyone trying to trap these very smart and elusive critters.

[bob maier]

I don't think the game dept has alot of extra money right now,with all the belt tightening  caused by the economy. That being said I seriously doubt the game dept would hire any wolf trappers. If they do let me know as I have a friend who has trapped wolves in alaska that could be available.

[jackelope]

This photo has been cropped and focused close so you can see the type of trap used for catching and confirming wolves by the WDFW. The first step to getting wolf management in Washington is to get these wolves confirmed, we need more "expereinced" trappers on the WDFW payroll.

Is that the pic with Niemeyer in it? If not there's that pic too confirming the use of leghold traps.

My buddy from AK used to run a trap line for wolves and explained to me how difficult it was to catch them up there. Says they're very smart and will avoid the snare traps they used to run for them. I'm sure based on that it's no walk in the park...plus like Machias said, it takes a lot of spare time that a lot of folks don't have.

[bearpaw]

The WDFW is broke. In my opinion they should lay off some of the people involved in the endangered species division now that they got their wolf plan passed and hire trppers to confirm wolves. This way there is no net loss to wildlife management and no increase in their budget, plus the state gets wolves confirmed.

Nobody is talking about it much yet, but we are documenting wolf sightings left and right here on the forum and WDFW is falling farther behind on the true wolf count with no visible intent shown to increase their efforts to monitor wolves. 

People need to pressure WDFW to do the job they promised to do in the plan. 

jackelope, it's not Niemeyer in the photo, but probably the same wolf you are thinking of.

[bugs n bones]

Hey Bearpaw  look up mike matney over in your area he knows what hes doing!!

[bearpaw]

Hey Bearpaw  look up mike matney over in your area he knows what hes doing!!

I know Mike, he traps Alaska for wolves, I'm pretty sure he'd offer advice, but he's probably pretty busy with his businesses.
I was hoping to see some trappers on here that had an interest. It would be nice if we could say these trappers around the state are available. There is a guy here in Colville that's wanting to do it.

[Hannibal]

I could,,,,,,,,,,,,, I have earned my "wolfer" status on coyotes in years past...... if the money is right i will play,,,,,,