Since we had dropped to position right where we were standing, Critter was uphill and to my right. The wolf was coming more to our right, so it would work well with our agreed upon idea that Critter would get first shot. I was taking ranges of anything I could. About all that stood out was a small pine tree on a slope. That tree was 510 yards.
Loren told me he wanted us all in the same frame and needed me to move up the ten yards to Crittter. No one was to move until the wolf went out of sight. We could not screw this up.
I glassed as the wolf came from 1.200 yards, to 1,000 yards, to 800 yards. We were ready and he was coming as if we had him on a fishing reel. I have hunted too long to know it never happens this way. At least not when you could most need it.
At about 700 yards the wolf dropped into a coulee and was completely out of sight. I grabbed my rifle and range finder, then scrambled up the ridge to the position of the other three. I dropped down right next to Critter and gave him the ranges I was getting. The wolf stayed out of sight, worrying me that he was going to follow that coulee up or down the basin, taking him out of our shooting range.
My worries were soon rested as the black dog popped up 600 yards out. He stopped to look around. He was now veering more to our right, with help with our shooting layout, but was taking him too far away. As if on cue, he turned a little more our direction.
I told Critter that if the wolf got to the tree that was 510 yards, to take a shot, if he thought it was one he wanted. Just as I said that, I could here Loren cussing like his car had been stolen. When the camera guy says. "WTF?" in a really frantic tone, that is not good. Not ever good, but even less good when you finally have a wolf closing in to shooting range.
I told Critter to shoot when the shot came, and we would hope Loren had the camera issue resolved. If not, we were not going to miss this chance due to a camera malfunction. Brad was running his 7D Canon DSLR, but we really needed this on the higher zoom big camera.
I have not listened to the audio, but I am sure the discussion between me and Loren was quite colorful. He as saying he almost had it. I was telling him we were shooting if the chance came. Just as he told me he had it fixed, the wolf stopped. I ranged him at 500 yards.
Loren said he needed a couple seconds to get on him and in focus. I told him to hurry.
In the meantime, the wolf was now again on the move. He was dropping down into a coulee that would take him behind the ridge and we would lose all chance for a shot. All of us started shouting, whistling, yelling, or anything that would get his attention. He stopped just short of disappearing from view.
Loren said he was on him. I was looking through my binos and told Critter it was 510 to the tree right above the wolf. I had no more than said "510" and boom. The Howa was deployed. The wolf jumped and bit his side, a little further back than perfect, but still an amazing shot.
The wolf turned right toward us and ran down into the coulee below. He came out at 297 yards. He saw us and started to trot. Critter took a shot that was way high. He took another shot that was high. We both forgot that he had set the CDS dials for 500+ and had not reset them for 300, the current range.
The wolf was hurt, no doubt. Blood was coming out of his mouth. The wolf stopped and looked around. I was on him while Critter was reloading. I told him I had him, in my sights. Critter told me to make sure he went no further. Wanting to risk nothing, I fired. The wolf spun and flopped. He was on his side, but still had his head up. Critter said to keep shooting until the wolf showed no sign of life. Given all it had taken to get to this point, I couldn't agree more. Critter's final shot, after resetting his dials, was to the head and that was the last of the shots. Not sure we will show the follow up "just in case" shots in the show.
We looked at each other as if this had not really happened. After working so hard and having so many chances that did not become chances, I thought it would never come together. To have it come together, to get it all on film, to tell the entire history of the wolf-elk issue in this part of Montana, and to do it with great company, is more than I could ever ask for.
As if often the case, other hunters were as much our ally as our detriment. Had those other guys not shot at this wolf, we would probably not looked across the flats to see her headed our way. Had they not went higher in pursuit of the other black wolf, this one probably would not have come lower to the elevation we were sitting.
This was our one piece of luck we had wished for. That we had hunted for eight days to finally have come our way. And when it came, Critter made the most of it. Truly amazing. It is often said and times like this make it so true - If you are not out in the field when it is your turn to get lucky, you will never realize the good fortune that was sent your way.
Imagine yourself in this position - the position Critter was in.
After eight days of hard hunting, a wolf is bearing down on you for over two minutes, giving you a lot of time to get your nerves rattled. You have never shot an animal on film before. You have a rifle the host has set up, not your own. You are not sure if the rifle shoots as accurately as your own. Just as things come together, the host and the lead camera guy are in disagreement about when to shoot, as the result of a major camera malfunction. The wolf you have hunted for so long is moving away, but stops for a couple seconds. You are on a steep hillside where a bipod is your only option - no prone shot position can be had. The range is 500 +/-yards and your target is smaller than an average whitetail buck.
Critter dealt with all of that, and using one of the Howa rifles we set up, topped with Leupold CDS scopes, and shooting Federal Premium ammo, he made a lethal 500 yard shot when all the pressure was on. Looking at the wolf afterwards, the first shot was slightly back, but seemed to clip part of one lung. The wolf was not going to get out of our sight with that first shot. But, prudence dictated we put an end to the deal right there, and we did.
I am amazed at how well all guys in the group performed. Critter, as mentioned above. Loren, for fixing a camera malfunction with his host threatening to give the "Take 'em" command even without rolling video. And in the end, he not only fixed the camera and tape, but got the entire sequence for the show. Brad and his DLSR got the first shot at that long range. He then turned his camera from the side of me and Critter and caught the actions and reactions as they were happening.
I can say without a doubt, this episode is one of the best we have ever done. To get a wolf, under these conditions, and get it all on film, is a major accomplishment. I am sure Critter is shaking his head, wondering how we kill anything on film, if it is always the goat rodeo we put him through.
You saw the "before" pics. Here are the "after" pics. I will let Critter tell the rest of the story. He deserves to have his tag on that wolf more than anyone. I am very thankful that he would take time from his family and business to spend eleven days chasing wolves with me. And to Loren and Brad, you guys killed it today. Great job, as always.
Yeah, they get pretty big.
The Mystery Ranch victory ride.
My, what big teeth you have.
Will post up some more pics in a short while. Sorry to keep everyone waiting.
what happened, what happened!!
