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A decision to kill a wolf without knowing if they were hunting in Grand Teton National Park or not proved costly for a Wyoming man, who wound up with a $5,040 fine and loss of wolf hunting privileges for a year.

The case was rather quickly settled. On January 1, park rangers found evidence to suggest illegal hunting activity within the park near Spread Creek and the eastern boundary of the park. Rangers found a blood trail and followed it to a location that was later determined to be the site of an illegal wolf kill within the park. Through the ensuing investigation they were able to trace the killing to a Wyoming couple.

"The individuals were very cooperative during the investigation, and we believe there was no conscious intent to hunt within the national park," said Grand Teto Chief Ranger Michael Nash. “I commend our park rangers on their professional and timely investigation. Their work to protect park resources, even during the shutdown, was outstanding, as limited park rangers were available to respond to emergencies, protect property, and provide basic visitor services during this time.”

A 56-year-old man and 55-year-old woman were cahrged with illegal take of wildlife within the park. Both recently appeared in federal court, where the man pled guilty and received a $5,040 financial penalty, one year of unsupervised probation, and one year loss of wolf hunting privileges, according to a park release. The female individual’s charge was dismissed as part of the resolution of the case.  

The wolf killed was an uncollared young female. All park visitors and hunters on adjacent lands outside the park are reminded that it is their responsibility to have a clear understanding of land ownership and respective rules and regulations.