Overview

The red wolf is one of the engendered species in the American fauna population. It was designated as an endangered species in 1967 though it has been under threat for a number of years. The species faced a big challenge due to the alteration and degradation of its habitat. Today, around 200 red wolves roam the US with the majority of them (around 50 to 75 being situated in North Carolina). The unique thing about the red wolves in North Carolina is that it is the only state that offers a wild habitat for the wolves.

Red wolves are crafty and smart animals. They do not have predators in the continent. This increases their rate of survival despite the fact they are threatened. In around 1900, the red wolves roamed the Southeastern US in large numbers. However, they became wiped out gradually to an extent that they were almost extinct. There have been numerous efforts to save the red wolves in the past. For example, in the 1990s, there was an effort to introduce the red wolves to the Great Smoky Mountains. However, in this case, the initiative received waning support. This is because the farmers were angered by the wolves’ behavior of straying out of the park.

Reintroduction of Red Wolves into North Carolina

The Endangered Species Act has formulated a set of rules and regulations that will play a critical role in protecting the endangered species, including the red wolf. In this light, the government made deliberate effort to help the red wolves to establish themselves. Captive-bred red wolves were strategically released to the

North Carolina’s Albemarle Peninsula

Along the way, red wolves did inter-breed with the coyotes creating a breed known as the super-coyotes. Wildlife officials tried to prevent this inter-breeding. They used various methods such as sterilizing, moving, and trapping. Unfortunately, such efforts were inconsequential. There is no much distinction between a coyote and a wolf. In fact, well trained professionals may have a problem distinguishing between the duo.

The Red Wolf Recovery Program

The Red Wolf Recovery Program was introduced 28 years ago. However, it has faced a number of challenges. One of the greatest advantages of the program is that it has helped in the noble conservation of the red wolves. In addition to that, it has played a critical role in giving the endangered species an ideal environment for growth and reproduction and a natural habitat.

The wolves advocates point out that the wolves have helped get rid of weak species such as the deer and the rabbits.Consequently, they have created a natural balance in North Carolina’s eco-system. In connection to this, they have reduced the number of animals that are too weak to survive or have a disease.

However, the great conservation efforts are now under threat. North Carolina’s Wildlife Resources Commission formally wrote to the federal government stating that there is a need to halt the program. The commission states that the wolves have not been able to remain in their reserved land (federal land). Rather, they have constantly encouraged private land. The commission cites that farmers have cried foul over the behavior of the wolves and have yearned to have the program stopped. Its bone of contention with the red wolves is that they lack a means of self-sustainability.

Farmers have voiced their concern about their inability to control the red wolves. Similarly, hunters have complained that the red wolves have predited on other animals such as the deer. Jett Ferebee, a hunter, has stated that his efforts to scare away the red wolves using air-horns have failed terribly leaving him at the mercy of the animals. Similarly, the trap-release efforts have failed as well.

Conclusion

The question of red wolves in North Carolina brings to debate the difficulty in establishing a healthy balance between conservation efforts and safeguarding the economic activities of residents (farmers fort instance). On one hand, there are conservationists and scientists who try by all means necessary to advocate for the conservation and habitat freedom of the red wolves. On the hand, there is the landowners and the hunters who are ill at ease with the red wolves and ensure that the red wolves are contained. Whichever, the reconciliation efforts that take place, the debate about how to respond to the red wolves is not going to die soon.

Overview

A hunting expedition starts with identifying the geographical zones and places where you will find the target; and the gray wolves are no exception. Having mentioned that, it is vital to explore the dynamics that shape where you go to hunt for the gray wolves.

Habitat

Understanding the habitat of the gray wolves is going to help you identify the places that you are going to look for them. Typically, there is a direct correlation between the presence of gray wolves and human habitation. Gray wolves inhabit places that are sparsely populated.

Gray wolves are in the category of habitat generalists. This means that they dwell in a number of environments and do not have a lot of restrictions. These include forests, arctic tundra, desserts, and grasslands. During warm times, it is not uncommon to find gray wolves resting in the open. But in cold weather, they cover themselves up.

Gray wolves also live in a natural shelter. These include the fissures that are found on a rock, cliffs that are hanging on a riverbank, and also holes.

Most often, the den is strategically located near a water source. Another consideration during the construction is exposure to the sun light. Generally, gray wolves inhabit areas that are expansive. In addition to that, such areas must have the availability of prey as well as enough space to allow them to look for food. In connection to this, before you set out to hunt gray wolves, it is good to know that they can be elusive and are very intelligent. In addition to that, their territory can extend to many miles.

Places and States that Hunt Gray Wolves

Gray wolves were a common animal in most of the parts of North America. However, in the 1930s, most of them were exterminated in most places. Later on, re-introduction programs were initiated. The following are some of the areas that you are likely to find gray wolves: the Great Lakes, Pacific Northwest, Northern Rockies, and of course Alaska.

States such as Wyoming, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, do offer hunting seasons depending on various factors. Montana and Idaho started offering wolves hunting from 2009.

Notable Example: Alaska

In Alaska, a wolf is classified as a big game and hunting it is an official policy under the predator control. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game encourages residents to go out and hunt the wolves. It has enrolled volunteers to do the same. In fact, the state promised to give out $ 150 for each kill that is from certain control areas, though this was later over-turned. It should be noted that Alaska has never had wolf protection.

Conclusion

Before you go to hunt gray wolves, it is good to understand that the gray wolves are one of the animals that receive high political attention. Consequently, check with your local laws to understand if you are allowed to hunt them and where you are allowed to. At the same time, you may need to consult with animal experts on where you can get wolves in order to avoid wasting time during hunting.