Wolverine trapped in Oregon

[Special T]

I think the wolverine will be the next endangered species to screw us out of hunting and other forms of recreation in the woods. 

[Ridgerunner]

I know there was a confirmed sighting in a pretty popular spot in the Glacier PEak wilderness about 3 years ago, they are around.

[bobcat]

My brother and I saw one just south of Cle Elum about five years ago. My brother also saw one up in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, this would have been about 20 years ago.

[Houndhunter]

i like how there listed as endangered when there is a million of them in ak and canada, just like wolves and grizzlys. kinda dumb but im sure the media will make a big mess of this

[Hornseeker]

A buddies unlce who has trapped all his life in the Bitterroot in Montana caught one a couple weeks ago... his first ever.

Funny, there is an article in the Billings Gazette about Wolverines today... I did a little digging and found some cool studies and information on the internet. They are certainly a cool animal. WIth as much poking around in the high country I've done in Wa/OR/MT through the years, I still cant believe I've never seen one. Its definitely on my list!

I wonder if BearPaw has ever had the fortune of treeing one?? I know a couple guys in the NE corner that have, but its been 30 yrs ago... I also know the guy (dead now) that made the last legal kill on one in Washington. Caught him with the hounds. Member here, cant remember who, is related to him...

[WAcoyotehunter]

I cut tracks and put out a carnivore bait station up here in the NE corner two weeks ago.  Hopefully I can get some photos of him.  The FS got a picture of one up here last winter.

Sorry to disappoint, but I have to agree that setting conibars in an area that is known range to endangered species is irresponsible management... I would rather see the management agencies prepared (with collars and chemicals to immobilize) to deal with animals caught in legholds.  I'm all for trapping, but I struggle with kill traps for that reason and because my hounds spend quite a bit of time in the woods during the winter months.

[carver52]

I'm certain that many species of critters have been and always been here in WA. and OR.  In 1992 driving a forest service road out of Troy OR. a lynx walked out in front of me and at 40 yards just stood there looking at me.  No doubt about what it was and this was when Fish and Game there was adament no lynx existed in OR or WA.  Yeh right!!!

[Humptulips]

I cut tracks and put out a carnivore bait station up here in the NE corner two weeks ago.  Hopefully I can get some photos of him.  The FS got a picture of one up here last winter.

Sorry to disappoint, but I have to agree that setting conibars in an area that is known range to endangered species is irresponsible management... I would rather see the management agencies prepared (with collars and chemicals to immobilize) to deal with animals caught in legholds.  I'm all for trapping, but I struggle with kill traps for that reason and because my hounds spend quite a bit of time in the woods during the winter months.

I developed a method of using conibears for trapping cats that is dog proof. I demonstrated it at the Oregon Trappers Rendezvous one year. It is possible to use conibears on land and avoid dogs. I don't think I could say the same about wolverine so I imagine they would put some restrictions on conibear useage in an area where wolverines are at.
I cringe at the thought of conibears baited and set on the ground. It is an accident waiting to happen and especially bad for trappers.

[dmr400]

Are Conibears large enough to be a threat to a dog legal to set on land in WA or OR? I know 330's are restricted to water only, I'd be worried about a 220 as well. I've never used anything larger than a #110 out of the water, and that was on ditch banks for muskrat.

[WAcoyotehunter]

I don't think conibers are legal at all in WA.  Some states allow conibers set out of water.  We have lost hounds in 220's in the Midwest.

[dmr400]

WAcoyotehunter,

Conibears are legal in WA (in water at least), provided a permit has been issued by WDFW.  Sorry to hear about your hounds, nothing worse than losing a partner.

[TeacherMan]

I use 330's out of the water all the time in AK. My choice trap for wolverines and otter. With that said I've seen several guys get otter, lynx, and wolverine in 120s!!! If an animal can fit there head or paw in the trap you have them.

[Machias]

I don't think conibers are legal at all in WA.  Some states allow conibers set out of water.  We have lost hounds in 220's in the Midwest.

I catch 90% of my beavers in conibears set under water here in WA, with a permit.

[WAcoyotehunter]

I knew you could under permit- I thought someone was wondering about them being legal in general.  I like the underwater kill sets for otter and beaver.  I just have concerns about kill sets where my dogs or off game could get into them.

[Machias]

Agreed, me personally I would never set a 220 or 330 anywhere near where a dog could get into them.  I know it's alot different in AK, but down here in the lower 48, nope, wouldn't do it.