Fishing with wolves (almost?)

Lots of reports of wolves around including one of a reported deer kill. Cool. Went out today much later than plan as I had to clear the snow to get out. Walking out, I saw a deer finishing off the crossing of the bay I was fishing in. Cool. Walking out, saw lots of deer tracks in the snow as well. Got to my fishing spot where I had lots of marks and got a laker last week and there were lots of footprints about 20-30m away that just didn't look deerish so I went over for a better look knowing that there had been quite a few reports of wolves very close to the area. And they were wolf tracks...I think maybe three animals. Logic kept me fishing there knowing they wouldn't be an issue but still it's a bit unsettling knowing these large animals are probably hiding in the woods and checking me out and wondering if they can take me
What a difference a week makes. Not a single mark for 2 hours. I usually would have moved within 15-20 min (no more than 30) if there are no marks at all. But it wasn't a pleasant day and I was kind of hoping to maybe catch a glimpse (I was looking out my windows periodically after I flipped over the cover of the shelter). Moved shallower a couple of times and only 3 marks all day (I suspect WF given how they moved - none were remotely interested and moved quite slowly). Slushy out there but with the cold that started moving in this afternoon and well settled in here now, it should all firm up and make for better walking.
I would like to enter this into the 30+" game category please.

Fresh prints. Big paws!!

lots of prints

and some washed out blood on the ice (likely that's what made the wolves stop to check things out).

Super interesting….. too bad about the fishing though. Sounds like it was onee of those days.

That is so cool seeing that. I have ran into almost every animal in Ontario fishing at night. I think a cougar is the only one left to see on the bucket list. That can stay off the list, not really interested in running into a cougar at night. You are right the animals are out there and watching us more than we know. Like the picture for the fishing derby.

There were 4 out there when I saw them a week and a half ago flukes.

I agree about cougars. They are pretty scary things and I think most people far underestimate how dangerous they can be. I am less concerned about wolves (really not at all but hard to tell the primitive side of my brain that . They are cool. Last year, couple of times I was able to get out on the ice at dawn, I heard them. Always cool to see different kinds of animals in their habitats.

Cool. I think the highest report I have heard so far was 6 being around (not sure how often they split and come together so I have no idea how many there may actually be). Lots of deer and in the fall, there was a moose wandering around people's properties in the area. If you are out there fishing, stop by and say "hi". I am usually fishing (if solo) in a black one man flip-over (Frabil).

Sounds like a scenario where you could literally hunt and fish at the same time (depending on what actual lake this is). Rod in one hand rifle in the other.

That’s right up my alley… you know you’ve got it made when…

Very cool to see. i/ would not be too concerned about wolves, they really don't want human intervention


as said..........they have probably watched or seen you multiple times without you knowing it


get some fish on your next outing

Agree. The logical side of the brains tells me that as well. Those are some huge paws and so cool to know they are hanging around my fishing spot (I really hope I get to see them one day). I would have given them even less thought if there were fish under my holes or it wasn't so miserable outside (which made me stay put at spots much longer than normal) - I find the wet cold (even if much warmer in real temps) but more uncomfortable than dry colder temps.

Unfortunately, I don't hunt (not that I would shoot a wolf since it's not something I would consider to be food - my preference of course). Never learned as a kid (would have liked to) but the fishing part keeps me plenty busy (tons to learn for so many species we have in our province - just love it).

I saw 4 wolves while deer hunt several years ago. it was so cool to watch them, they were walking in the meadow I was hunting for deer. I watched them for maybe 100yd then they turned to walk along the edge of the bush that was about 60yds away. they were really big, the biggest was a beautiful grey and it stopped and starred at me even though I was well hidden in a cedar tree. Never crossed my mind to shoot at them even though I was watching them through my rifle scope, was just so cool to see them and they were doing nothing but what they do.

Was thinking the same thing. Hear coyotes at my place all the time in Dufferin County. Very different from when i hear actual timbers up at my place on Nip. The real timbers just sound so much more majestic than the yippy yotes. Yotes equal vermin to me but real wolves to me are apex predators sort of like me. Don't think i would shoot a real wolf but have shot many yotes over the years and most of them have been in my backyard.