Yukon's wolf population is about 4500 animals and is stable, with wolf
numbers changing mainly in response to changing prey numbers. Wolves are
found over the entire Yukon but are more abundant where moose numbers are
high. Wolves live in family groups, with occasional unrelated wolves
joining in. Pack size varies from 2 to as many as 22 wolves. Larger groups
can temporarily form in March, when the breeding season is at its height
and nearby packs with related animals get together.
Wolves live in packs and defend home ranges over most of the Yukon. The
annual home range varies from 500 to 2500 square kilometers. Average home
range size is about 1000 square kilometers per pack. Wolf density is
usually expressed as the number of wolves per 1000 square kilometers.
Most of the Yukon has densities ranging from 5 to 12 wolves per 1000,
with the northern Yukon averaging about 3 wolves per 1000. Wolf
populations over the entire Yukon are naturally regulated, meaning
that human harvest pressure exerts little influence on wolf numbers.
Male wolves are heavier, longer, and larger than females. Adult males
average 95 pounds and females average about 80 pounds. Males weighing
145 pounds have been recorded, but such large males are not common.
Hunting season is August 1 to March 31, with a bag limit of 2 for non
residents and 3 for residents. Because wolves occur at such low densities
the chance of bagging even one wolf as incidental harvest while hunting
other species is quite low, the hunter would have to make a concerted
effort to hunt wolves to increase the odds of making contact.
BC Outfitters works with a trapper/outfitter that has had excellent
results hunting / trapping wolves in the Yukon.
Contact BC Outfitters set you up on this adventure
