A Gray Wolf killed in Otsego County in 2021 marks a rare return of the species to the region, offering insights into their travel patterns from Canada.

Credit: New York State Museum

Cherry Valley wolf skull on display at New York State Museum

Author: WGRZ Staff

Published: 7:19 PM EST December 9, 2025

Updated: 7:19 PM EST December 9, 2025

ALBANY, N.Y. — The New York State Museum can now confirm that an animal shot and killed in Otsego County in 2021 was a wild Gray Wolf. The findings were published in the latest issue of Northeastern Naturalist.

Gray wolves were eliminated from the northeastern United States by the end of 19th century. This is the first documented case of one of these animals south of the St. Lawrence River in Decades. Officials say the discovery provides insight into how wolves travel.

RELATED ARTICLE: Cry wolf? Debate over presence of wolves in Northeast

“The Cherry Valley wolf specimen is an exceptionally important piece of physical evidence of occasional dispersals by wild wolves into the northeastern U.S. from core breeding areas in eastern Canada.” says Dr. Jeremy Kirchman, the NYSM Curator of Birds and Mammals. 

To identify the wolf, researchers from the museum, Princeton University, and the Northeast Ecological Recovery Society conducted extensive analyses of the animal’s genes. They say DNA comparisons across the genomes of more than 400 sampled wolves, coyotes, and dogs firmly grouped the specimens with Canis lupus.

In addition, Skull measurements and body mass showed the animal was larger than eastern coyotes.

Because of the discovery, the New York State Department of Conservation has increased its efforts to help hunters distinguish between coyotes (which can be legally hunted in New York) and wolves (which are protected under state and federal law). However, there are still challenges with identification, due to the history of mixing between wolves and coyotes in eastern North America.

As for the hunter who shot and killed the wolf, they cooperated fully with officials and was not fined.

The NYSDEC confiscated the taxidermy mount and skull and transferred them to the New York State Museum. The Cherry Valley wolf is currently on display as part of the Canine Contrasts exhibit, where visitors can learn about the complex relationship between wolves, coyotes, and their hybrid descendants.

Local Sports

Dec 9, 2025

Forrest Fisher

forrestfisher35@yahoo.com

During the last days of the regular firearm season, Mary Hubbard used her Ventum compound bow with Beman carbon hunting arrows and G5 Montec broadhead to drop this deer at 40 yards — not an easy shot. Hubbard hunted a forested area in southern Erie County. Lady deer hunters on the rise. Submitted photo

As deer seasons progress across our Western New York region, a growing number of women hunters are stepping into the woods, embracing a tradition once dominated almost entirely by men.

From the health benefits of venison to the unparalleled time spent outdoors with family, Western New York’s lady hunters are helping reshape the culture of hunting — one successful season at a time.

While the regular firearm season in New York closed on Sunday, opportunities are far from over. The late archery and muzzleloader season began Monday and runs through Dec. 16, followed by the popular deer-only holiday hunt from Dec. 26 through Jan. 1. For many women, these quieter late-season hunts offer the perfect atmosphere to enjoy the woods and pursue game in a more relaxed setting.

One of the leading reasons women cite for taking up the sport is the desire to provide heart-healthy, locally sourced meat for their families. Venison is naturally lean, high in protein, and free of hormones and antibiotics, qualities that appeal to health-conscious hunters. For mothers who strive to feed their families wholesome meals, harvesting a deer represents both sustenance and self-reliance. The benefits stretch far beyond what ends up on the dinner table. Many women are drawn to hunting for its emotional and social rewards. Time spent in the woods often becomes cherished bonding time with spouses, children, or close friends in conservation clubs. The quiet before dawn, the shared thrill of spotting a deer, and the stories retold around the family circle or the backyard campfire create memories that last far longer than a single season.

The woods offer a rare escape from digital distractions, replacing screens with the soft crunch of leaves and the excitement of a shared whisper between family members. Mary Hubbard, one of several successful Western New York lady hunters this year, uses a Ventum compound bow with Beman carbon arrows and G5 Montec 100-grain broadheads for deer.

“I learned from Bob and Sheila Foulkrod in Bob’s Golden Eagle School of Archery,” Hubbard said.

Hubbard is active in local conservation club activities and shares the outdoors with kids of all ages.

Women hunters today reflect a wide range of skill sets and equipment preferences. Some favor the confidence and precision of a firearm, while others prefer the silence and challenge of archery equipment. Modern compound bows are compact, smooth, and increasingly customizable, making the sport more accessible and appealing.

Crossbows have also opened doors for beginners, those with physical limitations, or anyone seeking an approachable entry point into the sport. Late-season archery and muzzleloader opportunities allow these hunters to extend time outdoors, especially valuable for those balancing work and family schedules, fostering a sense of possibility and inclusion.

The increasing presence of women in the deer woods has also strengthened local hunting communities and their shared purpose. Many mentorship programs in Western New York have reported growing interest from women looking to learn fieldcraft, safety, meat processing, and wildlife conservation. As participation rises, so does the sense of inclusivity and encouragement among hunters of all ages. Wildlife agencies point out that hunting plays a vital role in conservation, population management, and funding for habitat protection. Every license sold and every hour spent in the field contributes to maintaining the region’s rich natural resources, something many women say adds meaning to their participation.

Whether providing healthy meat, strengthening family bonds, or contributing to conservation, women hunters across Western New York are proving that the rewards of hunting are genuinely priceless. With the late archery and muzzleloader season underway and the holiday hunt approaching, there are still plenty of opportunities for newcomers and seasoned hunters alike to step into the winter woods and experience the benefits firsthand.