209. Wolves!

One of the concerns for dog handlers in certain regions would be the presence of wolves. How concerned should you actually be though? Randy Johnson, large carnivore specialists for the Wisconsin DNR, joins me to discuss the species and how it impacts us as dog handlers. Cougars, Bears, & Wolves....oh, my! The historical timeline of wolves in Wisconsin The Gray Wolf pack structure and size Very territorial Depredation on local farms The ESA impact on responding to depredation Opportunistic feeders Their response to us entering their home range Human interaction The wolf conflict interactive map 95% of conflicts are on hounds and not bird dogs Rendezvous sites Our options in handling a conflict between wolves and our dogs Prevention is #1 The "tracking bell" vs "dinner bell" debate The "decoy" wolf leading to an ambush Disease crossover concerns -- Other WI DNR Resources: Wolf Conflict Page Guidance for Hunters and Pet Owners Dog Depredations Page Sharing the Land with Wolves Department Brochure Wolf Management Plan -- Presented By: Standing Stone Supply [Use Code: GDIY to save 15%] onX Hunt Maps [Use Code: GDIY20 to save 20%] DT Systems [Use Code: DTSocialMedia15 for 15%] Final Rise Upland Gun Company Other Partners: Eukanuba // Bird Dog Society GDIY Links: Patreon // Instagram // Facebook // Website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices