Wolf Hunting on Vancouver Island

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 Vancouver Island Wolf is a subspecies of the grey wolf, indigenous to the island. These wolves were originally native to the northern regions but are now found throughout Vancouver Island. Some wildlife conservationists advocate for banning wolf hunting by recreational hunters, allowing only indigenous people to hunt wolves. According to the BC Government's hunting and trapping synopsis, wolf harvesting is permitted on Vancouver Island, whether for food or recreation.
Based on the latest data, the exact population of wolves on the island is not specified in the hunting synopsis, but regulated hunting continues to ensure the species does not become endangered. Fortunately, wolf hunting on Vancouver Island has not been entirely prohibited, but hunters, whether indigenous or not, are allowed to hunt a limited number annually. Wolves live in packs of five to twenty members, but hunting entire packs is neither safe nor ethical.
Wolves are apex predators, and conservationists work hard to protect them from overhunting. Their diverse appearances make them a target for some hunters, but conservation values emphasize the importance of preserving these majestic animals.

During the 19th century, wolves were wiped out from Salt Island. Since the early 1970s, the Vancouver Island Wolf has been listed as "Endangered Wildlife in Canada" by the Canadian Wildlife Federation. The population was as low as 36 in 1973 but stabilized by 1976. Since then, regulated wolf harvesting has become part of the island's cultural heritage and a food resource for indigenous people.

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1. Vancouver Island grey wolves are an endemic species.
2. These wolves are excellent swimmers, often found near coasts.
3. They have various fur colours, including grey, brown, black, and occasionally pure white.
4. The alpha wolf usually leads hunting and movement calls.
5. Pups are born in litters of 5-6 and mature after 2-3 years.
6. The main threats to their population are hunting and habitat destruction, leading to regulated hunting limits.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.