HUNTING THE WOLF

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23516, 2 June 1938, Page 4

HUNTING THE WOLF

In some of the Western States of America wolf hunting, although thrilling as a sport, is a grim necessity. In several parts which lie near hills there were so many wolves during the winter just passed that even good-sized towns were terrified at night by their visits in search for food. Even when they do not go into the towns their blood-curdling howls easily reach the ears of the townsfolk and make them glad to stay in their houses. Such a lot of chickens and animals were eaten by the hungry creatures that • whole communities banded together to hunt dawn and kill them. Drives are carefully organised, for wolves are nearly as clever as foxes. First of al! a great pasture near the centre of the infested districts is chosen for the final round-up. The hunt may cover from four to 100 square miles. A fourth of the men, each armed with a shotgun, take their places along each of the outside lines of the square. At a given time all begin to move toward the chosen field, driving the wolves before them with the aid of wolfhounds.