Wolf 813’s killer voted off as a WCC delegate at April elections.

Bayfield County Residents seemed to have had enough of the long-time houndsman, Pat Quaintance’s anti-wolf rhetoric and cast thier votes for Dave Clute, a retired MN DNR employee, hunter, fisherman, and someone with nearly 4 decades of work experience in land use and resource management.

On April 14th, 2025, Bayfield County, Wisconsin Conservation Congress (WCC) Elections were held in Drummond. Four hundred and forty-two Bayfield County residents filled the Drummond auditorium to vote for the Bayfield County delegates to the Wisconsin Conservation Congress. Pat Quaintance, a retired Wisconsin DNR Warden, a person under investigation for the killing of Wolf 813, a long-time advocate for the use of dogs to track and trail wolves, lost his position as the Bayfield County WCC delegate. Pat Quaintance lost his seat on the delegation, with Rob Lombard winning the seat with 265 votes to Quaintance’s 177.

(WCC Bayfield County, Spring Hearing and Elections, Drummond, 4.14.2025) Image credit: Ellie Braddock

Wildlife Advicate & WCC elections attendee Ellie Braddock said, “Many of us have felt that Quaintance’s presence on the board was extremely problematic (to say the least) given his previous wildlife violations and his killing of the matriarch wolf of the Echo Valley Pack in 2023, for which he is under ongoing investigation.”

Some sixteen months later, social justice may have been served for the Matriarch of the Echo Valley wolf family, who had been monitored by the Red Cliff Ojibwe Treaty Natural Resources Department. I say social justice may have been served because the investigation into her death by the USFWS remains unresolved. Still, the removal of her killer from the WCC sends a resounding message that anti-wolf rhetoric is no longer welcome in Bayfield County, Wisconsin.

What happened.

At approximately 02:00 AM on December 25, 2023, a retired DNR Conservation Warden and pro-wolf hunt advocate shot a wolf at his door. Ron Nordin, Jr., a Wildlife Technician for the Red Cliff Tribe, got the news from the DNR after the holiday break that Wolf 813, a collared wolf he had been monitoring for over ten years, was killed. Ron and his wife, Misty, tell the story of the wolf they knew as Wolf 813, Matriarch of the Echo Valley Pack, and how her life and death impacted them as members of the Red Cliff Ojibwe Tribe.

Wolf 813: More than just a wolf, a Short Film, Cast: Ron and Misty Nordin, Jr., Genevieve Adamski. Director and Producer Rachel Tilseth, Editor Justin Koehler, Camera Rachel Tilseth. Webcam footage of Wolf 813 was provided by the Red Cliff (Ojibwe) Treaty Natural Resources Department.

More than a wolf has received 4,193 views since the short film was uploaded to YouTube on March 16, 2024.

A film review

A review: The short documentary delves into the heartbreaking tragedy of a wild wolf’s death in Wisconsin, shedding light on a devastating event that strikes against the belief systems of many. With contributions from Ron Nordin Jr, Misty Nordin, and Genevieve Adamski of the Red Cliff Ojibwe Tribe, the film paints a poignant picture of loss and cultural conflict.
Despite its low budget, the film’s subject matter shines through, capturing the raw emotions of those affected by the wolf’s untimely demise. While the sound quality may not be top-tier, the clarity of the narrative remains intact, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the story. (I had issues with a wireless mic)
The editing, though not extravagant, is executed with a respectable standard, ensuring that the focus remains on the gravity of the situation at hand. Through interviews and storytelling, the contributors effectively convey their knowledge and emotional depth, inviting viewers to empathize with their plight.
This tale is not only touching and upsetting but also serves as a powerful call to action, raising awareness about the cruelty of wildlife hunting. The documentary succeeds in highlighting the inherent value of these majestic creatures and the urgent need for conservation efforts.
In the end, the loss of this beautiful animal serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between humans and nature, leaving a lasting impact on those who bear witness to its story. Tilseth’s film honors the memory of the fallen Wolf 813. Review by Short films Matter https://shortfilmsmatter.com/9066/more-than-a-wolf-wolf-813