Anything you need to know about the best time, places, outfitters, and regulations of Vancouver Island wolf hunting, you can find them here. We are ready to help you make a rewarding BC hunting opportunity.
The content is valid until Jun 30, 2024.
Vancouver Island Wolf is, in fact, one of the subspecies of the grey wolf inhabiting the island. These wolves are the indigenous creatures of the northern regions, but they are instead spread all over Vancouver Island. Some wildlife conservationists may believe that wolf hunting should be banned for recreational hunters and that only indigenous people can hunt wolves. Based on the BC Government's hunting and trapping synopsis, wolf harvesting is permitted, whether or not wolf hunting is permitted for food or recreation, on Vancouver Island. Based on the latest statistical data, less than 180 wolves are on the island. Fortunately or not, wolf haunting on Vancouver Island hasn't been prohibited yet, but hunters, whether indigenous or not, are allowed to hunt a limited number annually. Wolves live in packs of five to twenty members, but it is not a clever way to hunt wolves in a pack. Wolves are referred to as apex predators, which is one of the primary reasons conservationists try hard to save them from hunting. The look of these wolves is diverse, and that is one of the potential reasons people have shown interest in wolf hunting on Vancouver Island. In the following, we are going to elaborate on every factor that may affect your wolf hunting journey. Stay with us!
Wolf Hunting History on Vancouver Island
During the 19th century, wolves were wiped out from Salt Island. Since the beginning of the 70s, the Vancouver Island Wolf was added to Canadian Wildlife Federation's list as an "Endangered Wildlife in Canada." The population of these wolves was 36 back in 1973, and eventually, in 1976, their population stabilized. Since then, wolf harvesting has become one of the island's recreations and a food resource for the indigenous people.
Vancouver Island Wolf Hunters
Predator hunting has always been trophy hunting for Vancouver Island hunters. So, what could possibly be better than harvesting the apex predator of the whole island? Wolf hunting is one thing that has a history going back to half a century ago on Vancouver Island. Although the flesh is not desirable by humans and is counted as inedible in most cases, the fur is beneficial in multiple ways. That would give adequate reasons to hunters for wolf hunting.
Before starting your wolf hunting adventure, keep in mind to choose the best guide outfitter for hunting on Vancouver Island; later on, we will clarify the reasons. Second, please bring the wolf hunting license. According to the hunting and trapping synopsis presented by BC Government, hunters who are BC residents don't need to have a species license for wolf harvesting. In contrast, those not residents of BC should pay for their species license first, and then they are permitted to start their wolf hunting trip.
Vancouver Island wolves are diverse regarding the colour of their fur. Imagine making the most of your wolf hunting adventure and harvesting your annual three, all different in colour. Wow, you may consider yourself the luckiest person on earth. A successful wolf hunting and cute coats at the same time! Dreamy!
Besides beautiful fur coats in your closet, you can hunt a carpet for your house! Between hunters, fur is known as a trophy. They let the head be attached to the fur and desiccate it. Then, they will take wide it on the floor. If you pay close attention to hunting movies, you definitely see fur (whether a bear, wolf, or fox) on their floor. Of the best and classiest decorations ever. What more do you want from a wolf hunting mission?!
Not to mention that besides taking down the apex predator of Vancouver Island, you can do some bonus hunting. The primary food source for these wolves are Roosevelt elk and Black-tailed deer, and they occasionally feed on the small game (when they cannot hunt big game). Accordingly, you can find the wolves adjacent to their food, and instead of them, you are the ones hunting Roosevelt elk or Black-tailed deer. Voila!
Vancouver Island Wolf Hunting Highlights
1. Vancouver Island grey wolves are one of the endemic species on the island.
2. Vancouver Island Wolves are great swimmers. That is why one of the hunting locations for them is near the coasts.
3. Vancouver Island wolves have various fur colours: grey, brown, black, and occasionally pure white coats. Hunting three wolves with different colours may make your closet colourful!
4. The Alpha usually makes hunting and moving calls.
5. Pups are the wolf's off-springs. The mother wolf usually gives birth to 5-6 pups. They are fully mature after 2-3 years.
6. The main threats which may result in Vancouver Island wolves' scarcity are hunting and destroying their habitat. That is why BC enact the bag limit for hunting this fur-bearing animal.
Where to Hunt Wolf on Vancouver Island?
As already mentioned, wolves live in packs and mostly feed on ungulates (big game). In order to be able to find adequate food and don't enter other packs' territory, every wolf pack should live in a wide range, which on Vancouver Island, they live in smaller ranges than usual.
Ungulates mostly live in forested areas to secure themselves and their off-springs from the snow. The predator always stays close to the prey. Therefore, wolves stay near the forested and semi-forested areas for easy hunting. According to TimesColonist, about 70% of the wolves inhabit uninhabited northern coastal portions of the island, which is the best place for hunting this fur-bearing animal. Also, based on the reports, they have been seen on the west coast, Port Renfrew. They were spotted occasionally on the coasts of Vargas Island and Meares Island in Clayoquot Sound and Cape Scott Provincial Park. For now, the management units (MU) or the hunting areas designated by BC regulation for hunting wolves are 1-1 to 1-15 on the region 1 (Vancouver Island) map. By the way, hunters should be aware of no hunting and shooting areas on Vancouver Island.
When to Hunt Wolf on Vancouver Island?
Based on BC Government's hunting and trapping synopsis, open hunting seasons for the wolves on Vancouver Island are Sept 10 to Mar 31 and Apr 1 to Jun 15. Their mating season starts at the beginning of April and ends in the middle of June. Remember! Whether BC resident or not, every hunter has a bag limit of three wolves in a whole year. BC Government should control Vancouver Island wolf hunting to prevent them from becoming scarce.
Protected Areas of Vancouver Island, Based on the BC Act
Wolves are majorly tracker animals, but when it comes to tracking wolves before hunting, especially Vancouver Island wolves, the traditional approach is the answer. It includes setting traps, sedating, and then radio-collaring. First, you can set the trap in their territory. Wolves live in packs; hunting the pack down is neither safe nor ethical, so try to track one individual and set a trap. Afterward (i.e., the wolf fell into the trap), inject the sedative, and finally, you can install your radio collar.
But how does a radio collar function? This device can be positively effective in wolf hunting. When you install the collar, you can monitor every single motion the wolf makes. Controlling it from a far distance and tracking every step it takes, you can easily decide when is the best time to hunt the beast!
A Five-day Black Bear Hunting and Camping Tour in Port Alberni
Wolf Hunting Methods on Vancouver Island
The main objective of this article is to inform you about everything you must know regarding "legal" wolf hunting on Vancouver Island. Therefore, wolf hunting tactics and methods are introduced based on what the BC Government has presented in their hunting and trapping synopsis. Accordingly, the permitted methods for wolf hunting (region 1) are rifle (centrefire) hunting, shotgun hunting, and bowhunting.
Rifle Hunting
As we all know, rifle hunting is the easiest "noisy" hunting method. You would only need a gun and good aiming, and the rest is done. Try a rifle for wolf hunting to take down the creature by only a single shot; otherwise, you may irritate the rest of the pack.
Shotgun Hunting
The best time for wolf shotgun hunting is when the wolf itself isn't hunting because you will scatter their prey (i.e., Roosevelt elk and Black-tailed deer), and consequently, you will lose your bonus hunting. Although it is noisy, one shot in any organ can take the creature down for sure.
Bow Hunting
The old-school approach. Wolf hunting with a bow needs proficiency! If you're an amateur, you can't take the wolf down, and you may even anger the beast and guide it into attacking you. So, if you're not a professional in bowhunting (or bow hunting), we don't recommend choosing this method.
Trapping
Currently, a hunter can use traps for wolves and is required, by law, to use only the specific traps included in BC's trapping regulations which have been certified under the Agreement on International Humane (the AIHTS). Applying a killing snare, modified (foot-hold), killing trap, live box trap, and foot snare are possible; however, there are some considerations.
Calling
Wolves are among the predators you can call. Knowing the meaning and usage of a call and practicing it would be necessary. You can use recorded or electronic calls. Some hunters make calls with their hands and mouths, and some use store-bought or homemade devices for hunting calls.
Hunting from a Blind
Some ways of hunting from a blind like blinds treestand or ground blind can be available on request for big game such as a wolf. Wolf hunting guides try to keep very close contact with you while you are on the stand.
Wolf Hunting Regulations on Vancouver Island
Regulations for BC Wolf Hunts | Region 1
Vancouver Island Wolf Hunting Cost
Based on the services you choose for your wolf hunting journey on Vancouver Island, the cost can be different from time to time. The services may include meals, guides, and transportation, which are offered to make your wolf hunting experience the best and most convenient hunting experience ever. By the way, the wolf hunting price starts at $6,500 per hunter.
Choose Among the Best Guide Outfitters for Wolf Hunting in BC
To experience a successful wolf hunting tour:
1- Plan for your wolf hunting in advance.
2- Choose the areas where you intend to hunt for your wolf hunting on Vancouver Island.
3- Apply for and obtain the necessary licence for wolf hunting, especially if you're not a BC resident.
4- Select the right outfitter to be by your side in a wolf hunting adventure.
But why does choosing the right outfitter matter before starting a wolf hunting adventure? They provide their guests with appropriate gear and excellent and adequate scouting knowledge to ensure that every hunter involved in that wolf hunting trip would increase their wolf hunting success rate. If you want to make sure that your wolf hunting adventure on Vancouver Island is going to be the best experience ever, choosing the right outfitter is a MUST! If you need help or have any questions regarding the choice of the best outfitter, please contact us.
Vancouver Island Wolf Hunting Safety Tips
• Wolves can also kill pets if they come upon them, even though such events are infrequent. If you have a dog with you, you must keep that on a leash.
• Stand tall and make yourself seem larger to scare them.
• Do now not run or flip your back towards an aggressive wolf or wolves.
• While facing a wolf and acting aggressively, turn away slowly and maintain eye contact if possible. • You can use air horns or other noisemakers to scare wolves.
• Stand your ground if a wolf assaults you and fight with any skill feasible (use sticks, rocks, ski poles, fishing rods or anything you can find).
• Climb a tree if necessary; wolves cannot climb trees.
Customize Your Hunting Trip on Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island Wolf Hunting Common Questions and Answers
How many wolves are on Vancouver Island?
There are less than 180 wolves on Vancouver Island.
How many subspecies does a grey wolf have on Vancouver Island?
The only grey wolf subspecies inhabiting Vancouver Island right now is formally known as Vancouver Island Wolf.
Is wolf hunting legal in Canada?
In general, Wolf hunting is not illegal, but it is not allowed in some provincial parks.
Is the Vancouver Island wolf endangered?
Yes, they are endangered, but no prohibitions are made against wolf hunting on Vancouver Island.
What is the bag limit for wolf hunting on Vancouver Island?
According to BC regulations, every hunter can hunt up to three wolves per year.
Where are the wolves on Vancouver Island?
Vancouver Island wolves live abundant in uninhabited areas of the northern parts of the island. However, they have been occasionally seen on the West Coast and some southern points of Vancouver Island.
What food do wolves eat on Vancouver Island?
Generally speaking, wolves are carnivorous. But based on the Vancouver Island fauna, the primary food source for wolves are ungulates such as Roosevelt elk and Black-tailed deer. Also, occasionally, they eat species like rabbits and salmon fish.
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