Not all armed self-defense is against predators of the two-legged kind. Indeed, a firearm is a useful tool against legit four-legged predators as well of which bears, mountain lions and wolves all fall easily into that category. And although most of them never need to be shot if they are not posing a threat, those that are acting aggressively can still often be run off with a loud, “hey,” and making yourself look bigger by raising your arms. But some do need shooting, plain and simple.
In a controversial incident that has drawn the attention of federal authorities, Pat Quaintance, a retired Wisconsin conservation warden and a well-known figure in state wildlife circles, is under investigation for the shooting of a collared wolf on December 25, 2023. The incident, which occurred at Quaintance’s residence in northern Wisconsin, has sparked debate over the management of the state’s wolf population and the challenges of living in close proximity to these protected animals.
Quaintance, who has held prominent positions including president of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation and president of the Wisconsin Association of Sporting Dogs, reported the incident to the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office, claiming he shot the wolf in self-defense as it was at his back door. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is leading the investigation due to the wolf’s endangered status in the Upper Great Lakes States region, which includes Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan.
This incident highlights the tension between wildlife conservation efforts and the concerns of local residents and farmers about the growing wolf population. Quaintance has been an advocate for reducing the wolf population to a fixed number, arguing that this would decrease the risks to livestock, pets, and humans. He has previously testified before state boards and committees about his safety concerns and the proximity of wolves to his property, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to wolf management.
The shooting comes at a time when the federal court has reinstated federal protections for the gray wolf, making it illegal to kill a wolf except in defense of human life. Individuals found guilty of illegally killing an endangered species face severe penalties, including up to one year in prison and fines up to $100,000 for individuals and $200,000 for organizations.
Quaintance’s actions have reignited discussions about the state’s wolf management plan, which currently aims to maintain a population of 800 to 1,200 wolves. Critics, including Quaintance, argue for a lower target population to minimize conflicts. Despite these controversies, data from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) indicates that wolf attacks on livestock are relatively rare, affecting a small fraction of the state’s farms.
The investigation into the December 25 shooting is ongoing, with federal and local authorities working together to determine the circumstances leading up to the incident. As the community awaits the outcome, the case serves as a reminder of the complex challenges involved in managing wildlife populations in areas where human and animal territories overlap.