Backcountry Custom Taxidermy
Considered the "Bad Boy" of the north wolverines have been known to face down bears, cougar, lynx and wolves ONLY if cornered. They also have a molar tooth that is rotated 90 degrees from the normal position so they can more easily tear frozen flesh and crunch bones to get at the marrow.
Wolverines have long dense fur that is generally dark brown to black with a creamy white to gold stripe running from each shoulder along the flanks to the base of the tail. A white hair patch on the neck and chest is common. It has a thick body, short legs, short ears, and a
broad flat head. Adult males are 30-40% heavier than females and generally weigh 24-40 pounds (11-18 kg) while adult females weigh 13-26 pounds (6-12 kg). Like humans and bears, wolverines walk on the soles of their feet, called semiplantigrade posture. They have curved, semi-retractile claws and can climb trees readily. They are well suited to travel through deep, soft snow.
The wolverine is valued as a fur resource and as a symbol of wilderness. Its fur is commonly used for parka trim and hoods because of its beauty and durability and because the guard hairs of wolverine fur resist frost accumulation
Habits
Wolverines are opportunistic; eating about anything they can find or kill. They are well adapted for scavenging. The wolverine has a powerful jaw and large neck muscles allowing it to crush and utilize bones and frozen flesh. Also, wolverines can survive for long periods on little food.
Hunting Wolverine
Trapping is the most common way to hunt wolverine - Trapping laws are better in that they are much less restrictive concerning methods and means and the limits are higher and other fur bearers may also be taken. * You may take beaver, coyote, fox, lynx, squirrel, wolf or wolverine under either a hunting or a trapping license. Click Here for list of species, season, area & bag limit.
Rifle - Know how to track a wolverine. You can't kill a wolverine if you can't find it. Travel to wolverine habitats. Wolverines live in woodlands and forests of Alaska, Canada, northern Asia. Being able to identify wolverine tracks is an essential part of hunting the furry forest dweller. Look for the relatively deep paw prints and droppings to track the animal.
Generally, a rifle is the best method for hunting wolverine. Using a crossbow is possible but very difficult due to the animal's size and speed. Make sure your moving target abilities are top notch to hunt this small, fast creature. Be prepared to do some stalking. Wolverines have a very large range and a very low population density. Some wolverines range hundreds of miles over very small periods of time, so come prepared to be out in the elements for a long time before you ever get a wolverine in your cross-hairs.
Hunting - Where
Wolverines are prominent in the following GMU (game management Units). Hides MUST be sealed within 30 days of the kill. Season is Sept 1 - Jan 31th. Refer back to Alaska Hunting for the map of hunting units. Each unit will give specific information about the area, bag limits and more.
Unit 13 - Nelchina - Upper Susitna Area -
Unit 16 - Lower Susitna area -
Unit 19 - McGrath Area
Unit 20 - Fairbanks - Central Tanana Area -
Unit 17 - Bristol Bay Area -
* If you are a Nonresident, you should be accompanied by a licensed guide / outfitter OR by an Alaska resident (who is a close relative) to hunt in Alaska, unless you have hunted here before. * If you are a Nonresident Alien, you must be accompanied by a licensed guide / outfitter OR by an Alaska resident (who is a close relative) to hunt wolverines in Alaska.
Hunting Tips - Summery
This is not a substitute for the Alaska Hunting Regulations. For more complete infomation read the regulations and the permit hunt supplements. They are available at Alaska Department of Fish & Game offices and establishments that sell hunting licenses and tags.
Always Check the Alaska Hunting & Trapping Emergency Orders before planning to hunt an area or species as restrictions may apply.
Click here - For Guides / Outfitters and more
Click here - More Information on Alaska's Wolverine
* NOTE: If issued a hunting or trapping license you must follow the methods & means permitted by that license.
*** It is ultimately the ethics of you, the hunter, that should be strong enough to realise and dictate the methods of hunting any species in Alaska. ***
Backcountry Taxidermy
Hunter's Guide
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Alaska's Wolverine
(Gulo luscus)
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