Wolves Stalked, Surrounded, and Attacked Stevens County Hunter

[CAMPMEAT]

The wolves were seen by a friend in the same exact area, when he was deer hunting a couple weeks ago. He said he had his crosshairs between the wolves eyes, but the wolf left after some movement.

[carver52]

King and Pierce counties have a huge amount of habitat available for transplanting everyone of these fuzzy big dogs to.  It is just that all the habitat is surrounded by fencing with play grounds nearby and lots of apt. buildings.  Lots of greenbelt walking trails and flower gardens for them to frolic in and play with FeeFee on it's leash.

[jasnt]

This is his account of what happened as told to me by the hunter himself:

Wolves Stalked, Surrounded, and Attacked Stevens County Hunter


I guarantee that the situation in Stevens County is far worse than I've seen in Idaho. The elk and moose are disappearing from many areas I hunt, normally I see at least 15 moose every fall, this fall I have not seen a single live moose and the elk numbers are way down too. Something must be done about these wolves soon before somebody gets hurt, the situation in Stevens County and northeast Washington is out of control.

(the hunter wants people to know that these wolves will hunt and attack people but wishes to remain anonymous to avoid harassment by wolf supporters)

I don't see as many moose or deer in the area that I used to see compared to the last 10 years.  I spend a good deal of time in the woods (above the valley bottoms) in this part of the state.  It is almost an eerie feeling in the woods now days!

I agree. Just spent 9 days in the Selkirk's. We saw 3 grouce and 2 deer. It was like the woods were empty. We hunted every direction from camp putting 4-8 miles on our boots a day. I've never not jumped deer in this area before. Everyone we talked to said the same. Talked to the warden on day one of our hunt. We were in his camp from archery season. He said he had not seen any game in the drainage since September 3rd. I just assumed he didn't leave his truck much. Empty woods!

[lokidog]

Is this story posted anywhere where it would be convenient to share to Facebook?  I know, blah, blah, Facebook bad, etc.  but it is one place to put stories like this where the media cannot varnish over them and pro-wolfers might start seeing reality.

[Spuddieselwwu]

http://nwsportsmanmag.com/editors-blog/elk-hunter-run-northeast-washington-wolves/

[KFhunter]

Thanks for taking the time to get in touch with the hunter and getting a first hand accounting of what took place.  The statement from WDFW left a lot of what happened out of the story, it reads pretty bland. This hunter went through quite an ordeal and unfortunately he'll never be as comfortable in the woods as he once was, something like this can make a person not want to go hunting anymore without a partner within arms reach.   

Eventually all of us will have a wolf encounter like this person has.  If we don't then great, but we'd better plan on having something similar happen.  We really need to hunt these wolves.






I also like the way the person in this case kept his anonymity     

[idahohuntr]

I think this story serves a great public service...it puts to bed the notion that a hunter or any person can't defend themselves without reasonable fear of prosecution.  If any person/animal threatens you with physical harm/death you are absolutely justified in defending yourself and it should be really clear that WDFW is not hell bent on finding a way to crucify you for taking such action with dangerous wildlife.

The notion that all outdoorsmen or hunters should expect an encounter like this are way off base from reality.  Like other dangerous wildlife, it is always possible and something to consider.

[KFhunter]

I think this story serves a great public service...it puts to bed the notion that a hunter or any person can't defend themselves without reasonable fear of prosecution.  If any person/animal threatens you with physical harm/death you are absolutely justified in defending yourself and it should be really clear that WDFW is not hell bent on finding a way to crucify you for taking such action with dangerous wildlife.

The notion that all outdoorsmen or hunters should expect an encounter like this are way off base from reality.  Like other dangerous wildlife, it is always possible and something to consider.

You've said before you don't pack a handgun while you're archery hunting;  I ask you to reconsider that notion.   You could have really been hurt is this was you in this story.

People really do need to be armed in the woods now more than ever before.

[wildmanoutdoors]

I think high capacity over revolver in these cases! WOW!

[idahohuntr]

I think this story serves a great public service...it puts to bed the notion that a hunter or any person can't defend themselves without reasonable fear of prosecution.  If any person/animal threatens you with physical harm/death you are absolutely justified in defending yourself and it should be really clear that WDFW is not hell bent on finding a way to crucify you for taking such action with dangerous wildlife.

The notion that all outdoorsmen or hunters should expect an encounter like this are way off base from reality.  Like other dangerous wildlife, it is always possible and something to consider.

You've said before you don't pack a handgun while you're archery hunting;  I ask you to reconsider that notion.   You could have really been hurt is this was you in this story.

People really do need to be armed in the woods now more than ever before.

I appreciate your concern for my safety.  I assure you if this were me in the story i would not have a handgun on my person...I just don't carry one when I am hunting with a centerfire rifle. 

[pianoman9701]

It remains to be determined if this guy gets charged.

[TommyH]

It remains to be determined if this guy gets charged.

Crown said in the NWsportsmans article the guy acted within his rights. No charges will be filed from wdfw.

[pianoman9701]

Great to hear. I hope it remains so as pressure is applied by the groups with whom the WDFW collaborated to formulate the plan. The Defenders, HSUS, and CNW are not know for their passive nature regarding dead wolves.

[wsmnut]

Dale,
     Thanks for posting this story.
My sometimes habit of an after lunch combat nap way up some hill side is officially cancelled.  Wouldn't want to wake up as some damn critters snack.

Wsmnut

[Gringo31]

Wolves are amazing animals.  The stories from the guys who are hunting them are impressive.

This leads me to think that if a wolf is THAT close.....it's on purpose.



I fear I would have stacked them up.....