Our 2000 winter wolf hunt started out unlucky with the first and last hunters having to cancel at the last minute leaving repeat hunter David Brown and son Christopher as our only clients. We also had two Swedish students for the first twenty days doing their "practicum" with us. 

I arrived back in the Yukon on Feb 11th, picked up Chris and Jon (pronounced Yo) and headed out to the trap line. Joel arrived the next day. The first day out had us checking out the Rock. It was perfect sailing, didn't even have to do the detour around Lotz canyon. We returned to the Rock cabin, fixed the bunks, door and put in a window while Joel did a down river run. 13 kilometers down he spots a wolf on a cut bank, skids to a stop but the wolf casually steps into the bush just as he gets the rifle ready.

Next day we spent setting snares and breaking trail up Joel Creek. Lots of wolf sign so we were quite excited about the potential. That evening another wolf escaped again just before Joel could get his gun out so we now carry our guns slung over our shoulders on the river. Not a bad start with two wolf sightings in two days.

We did some exploring the next day and then I checked the Joel Creek trail. I had set two snares and picked up two wolves so was quite proud. The hair quality was not great so I gave them to Chris and Jon to practice skinning on.

David and Chris Brown arrived on the 20th. Joel and David picked up a lynx on the first day after spending an exciting morning on the Rock. The warm weather had caused the river to open up forcing them to go around Lotz canyon only to get stopped by open water on Lotz Creek. On the return, David's skidoo just about made the open water dash. With David just barely holding the skis on the ice and the seat under water, Joel had to hurry. He shot across the water leaving equipment scattered on the bank, resisted taking any pictures and helps pull the sled to safety and then heads back to pick up axes, snowshoes, and snares, etc. Joel and his uncle Donn had flown the Rock two days before and seen nine wolves on the ice so being unable to get up the river was a major disappointment.

They motored back in time to pick up a wolf from one of Joel's snares. Next day they are all set to do a Coal River cruise when they cut a fresh track and head towards the Rock. 20 kilometers later, they fly around a bend and catch her escaping into the trees but not quite quick enough putting the tally up to four.

During this time of high adventure for David, I was guiding Chris. Our life was boring. We got to see tracks; more tracks, even fresh tracks but no wolf. We did pick up several lynx including a huge tom. It was close to a six footer (Chris could just get the back legs off the ground when he held the front.)

Joel seems to have all the luck so I take David and Chris does the high-speed runs with Joel but to no avail. They find lots of fresh tracks but are always too late. One pack of eight or more wolves evaded them near Phyllis' cabin. Dave and I decide to try getting up "Alcatras", Dave's name for the Rock. We were successful but the large number of open water crossings and no fresh sign discourage us.

Time has run out so they return to Atlanta with two wolves, two lynx and three marten.

We spent a couple days in town and head back out, just Joel and I. I still had a few things to do so Joel went ahead to check the snares. He blasts along the Coal and catches the boss female on the ice. One shot and we are at five. He then picks up another male at the crossing and another up Joel Creek. It was great seeing him drive in with three wolves in the skimmer.

Next morning, a big black wolf tries to get Ceaser as related in the opening paragraph. Joel's first shot was taken with the wolf running after Ceaser. It turned and ran at the shot but not fast enough. This was a beautifully furred large black male and is now for sale.

Our final tally of eight caused the moose to throw a huge party. They had been a bit snitty at first almost acting like it was our fault there were so many wolves in their wintering grounds but were happy now. They weren't sure who were the lucky 40 who would live as a result so they all partied.

Looking Ahead to  2001

We are offering the same hunts and are getting better and better results as we slowly learn how to outsmart these wolves. We are looking to build a couple of new cabins in strategic places to improve the hunt. We are also upgrading to faster sleds as this helped put at least one wolf extra out of commission this year.

Dates for 2001 are Feb 12`- 19, 21 - 28, March 2 - 9 and 11 - 18. Cost is $3,800 US or $4,400 US for the faster sled. Call now to reserve your hunt.

Terry and Joel

Wolf and Lynx for Sale