black wolf grand tour 65

FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $89

Available In-store or online

Welcome guest

CLICK, COLLECT READY IN 2 HOURS!

FREE SHIPPING on all order over $89

• WEEKLY SPECIALS
• Baitcast Reels
• Electric Reels
• Overhead Reels
• Reel Accessories
• Spinning Reels
• Glass Composite Rods
• Graphite Rods
• Rod Accessories
• Telescopic Rods
• Baitcast Combos
• Baitrunner Combos
• Kids Combos
• Overhead Combos
• Spinning Combos
• Surf Combos
• Braided Lines
• Leader Lines
• Wire Leaders
• Crimps & Accessories
• Pre Made Rigs
• Sinker & Moulds
• Split & Solid Rings
• Swivels & Snaps
• Blades & Vibes
• Hard Bodied Lures
• Jigging Lures
• Lure Accessories
• Metal Spinning Lures
• Skirted Trolling Lures
• Soft Plastic Lures
• Soft Vibe Lures
• Spinnerbait Lures
• Bait Buckets
• Lure Wallets
• Rod Storage
• Tackle Bags
• Tackle Boxes
• Bait & Burley
• Knives & Sharpeners
• Lip Grips & Scales
• Misc Tools & Accessories
• Pliers, Pincers & Scissors
• Bait Pumps & Accessories
• Crabbing Gear
• Landing Nets
• Instant Up Tents
• 1-3 Person Dome Tents
• 4-6 Person Dome Tents
• 8-12 Person Family Dome Tents
• Stretcher Tents
• Swag Accessories
• Toilets & Shower Tents
• Roof Top Tents
• Tent Accessories
• Mozzie Nets & Domes
• Awnings & Accessories
• Air Tents & Air Shades
• Camp Sleeping Bags
• Sleeping Mats
• Repair Kits & Accessories
• Quad Fold Chairs
• Directors Chairs
• Flat Fold Chairs
• Kids Chairs
• Low Event Chairs
• Kitchens/Cupboards
• Lightweight Folding Chairs
• Camping Stoves & Burners
• Firestarters, Gas And Bottles
• Hoses, Fittings & Accessories
• Hotplates & Grills
• Camp Ovens & Jaffle Irons
• Pots, Pans & Griddles
• Kettles & Billies
• Freeze Dried Food
• Cooking Utensils
• Plates, Bowls & Tableware
• Smokers & Accessories
• Vacuum Sealers & Accessories
• Picnic Rugs & Sets
• Fridges And 12V Coolers
• Fridge Accessories
• Eskies & Iceboxes
• Soft Coolers
• Ice Packs & Accessories
• Solar Panels & Accessories
• Gazebo Accessories
• Shade Accessories & Parts
• Torches & Spotlights
• 12V Camp Lighting
• Toilets, Chemicals & Accessories
• Camp Showers & Accessories
• Hot Water Systems
• Washing Machines
• Camp Washing Accessories
• Pop Up Buckets, Tubs & Baskets
• Pocket & Hunting Knives
• Machetes & Axes
• Portable Heaters
• Portable Fans
• Folding & Hunting Knifes
• Poles, Pegs, Ropes & Accessories
• Gold Panning
• Annex Matting
• First Aid Kits
• Bushmans Insect Repelant
• Accessories
• Anchors, Chain & Rope
• Bait Boards
• Bilge Pumps & Plumbing
• Boat Biminis & Accessories
• Boat & Motor Covers
• Fuel Tanks, Hoses & Fittings
• Lighting & Electrical
• Marine Batteries
• Rod Holders
• Seats & Seat Accessories
• Shackles & Chandlery
• Sprays & Lubricants
• Fire Extinguishers
• Life Jackets & PFD
• Oars And Paddles
• Signalling Equipment
• Fish Finders & Combos
• Transducers & Accessories
• Marine Radios & Accessories
• Marine Stereos & Accessories
• Hand Held GPS
• Boat Winches & Accessories
• Jockey Wheels
• Tie Down Straps
• Parts & Accessories
• Minn Kota Electric Motors
• Mask & Snorkel Sets
• Mask, Snorkel & Fin Sets
• Stinger Suits
• Snorkelling Accessories
• Kayaks & Accessories
• Paddleboards
• Kayaking Life Jackets
• Beach Umbrellas
• Beach Shades
• Beach Chairs
• Body Boards & Accessories
• Surf Boards & Accessories
• Life Jackets
• Sand Free Towels
• Speargun Shafts
• Hand Spears & Accessories
• Speargun Reels
• Mask Accessories
• Fins, Blades & Pockets
• Mask And Snorkel Sets
• Bridles And Wishbones
• Rigging Tools
• Clips & Bridles
• Dyneema, Crimps & Mono
• Speargun Rubber
• Dive Torches
• Float Accessories
• Float Lines & Bungees
• Flasher Rigs
• Weight Belts & Lead
• Gloves & Socks
• Hoods & Rashies
• Wetsuit Accessories
• Mens Fishing Shirts
• Face Masks & Buffs
• Pants & Shorts
• Hats & Caps
• Jackets & Fleece
• Womens Fishing Shirts
• Kids Fishing Shirts
• Water Shoes
• Thongs & Sandals
• Rock Shoes & Accessories
• Sunglass Accessories
• Air Compressors
• Communication
• 4WD Floor Mats
• Fuel & Water Containers
• Recovery Gear
• Tyre Maintenance
• Tie Downs & Restraints
• Day Backpacks
• Hiking Backpacks
• Travel Backpacks
• Wheeled Luggage
• Duffle Bags
• Lightweight Sleeping Bags
• Sleeping Bag Liners
• Lightweight Hiking Mats
• Bedding Accessories
• Hiking Tents
• Hiking Tent Accessories
• Travel Locks
• Travel Adapters
• Luggage Straps, Tags & Clips
• Travel Accessories
• Clothes Lines
• Towels & Personal Hygiene
• Compact Lighting
• Hiking Poles
• Storage Sacks
• Lightweight Chairs
• Essential Tools
• Lightweight/Hiking Stoves
• Compact Cookware
• Lightweight Tableware
• Hiking Food
• Water Bottles
• Hydration Backpacks
• Hydration Accessories
• Water Purification
• First Aid & Survival
• Insect Repellent
• Wishlist ( 0 )

Blackwolf Grand Tour Travel Packs

✖ Out of Stock

Free shipping to most of Australia on orders over $89

Description

Travel pack or rolling bag? No need to choose, the versatile Grand Tour does both, all-terrain wheels for the street or unpack the simple Ergo harness with padded hip belt and comfortably shoulder you load for a flight of stairs or rough terrain. The streamline detachable daypack includes a padded laptop pocket and RFID protected pocket.

Detailed Description

• All terrain 4WD Wheels
• Side Compression Straps
• Front Access
• Internal Organiser
• Mesh Waterbottle Pockets
• Removable Daypack
• External Headphone Port
• Night Reflective Daisyloop
• Lockable no#10 zippers
• RFID protected
• Two Stage Handle

Specifications for Grand Tour 65

• Best For:  Adventure Travel
• Capacity:  65 Litres + 20 Litre Daypack
• Back Harness:  Ergo Back Harness
• Fabric:  600D Polyweave EXCEL, 420D Mini Ripstop
• Weight:  4.8 Kg
• Dimensions:  63 X 33 X 25 (+15) Cm

Specifications for Grand Tour 85

• Capacity:  85 Litres + 20 Litre Daypack
• Weight:  5.2 Kg
• Dimensions:  80 X 42 X 32 (+15) Cm

Found it cheaper? We'll beat it

Here at Freddy's we are committed to providing the best products at the absolute best prices and unlike many of our competitors, we won't just match a price, we'll beat it!!

On the rare occasion another Australian competitor gets one past us and is indeed cheaper, simply get in touch with us using one of the contact details below with the competitors information and we will do the rest, easy :)

Instant Price Beat

For an instant price beat, please call us on the number provided below through business hours.

Ph: 1300 522 166

If you're up at 1am looking at your next outdoor toy and just don't want to talk to anyone the next morning (we get it) please email us the details to the email provided below for a reply within 24 hours.

Email: [email protected]

Head In Store

If you're lucky enough to have a Freddy's store close by, simply head in store with the competitors details and the in-store team there will sort out the rest.

Contact Hours:

Monday - Saturday: 9am - 5pm Sunday: - 9am - 4pm

For more information and to see our fulls terms and conditions for our cheapest price guarantee policy, please click this link

Added to your cart:

Black Wolf Grand Tour 65L Wheeled Travel Backpack and Daypack - BLACK

1 product review, product reviews 1, cherie davina.

Absolutely love my Black Wolf Wheeled Travel Backpack. It looks great with excellent storage compartments. Is easy to manoeuvre fully loaded, love it!

Black Wolf Grand Tour 65L Wheeled Travel Backpack and Daypack - Magenta

2 product reviews, product reviews 2, rosamund thorpe.

Not yet used but looks spot on for what I was seeking - larger than cary-on but not as big as medium checked in luggage. Good for trips between 1 to 2 weeks

Just got it- looks sturdy & good size though.

• Close pop up Search... SEARCH
•   CART ( 0 )    Subtotal: Proceed to checkout View cart

Grand Tour Wheeled Backpacks

Show 12 24 36 48, there are no products that match your combination of options.

Do you need an affordable wheeled travel backpack? Look no further – quality manufacturer BlackWolf brings you the Grand Tour range. Whether you’re setting off to a nearby national park or about to depart for some faraway, exotic destination, your Grand Tour bag will get your belongings there in style.

Packed with Features

Why carry your backpack when it can be rolled instead? When you choose a convertible backpack from the Grand Tour range, you are choosing a backpack with wheels that is designed for ease of use. Enjoy a large selection of built-in features such as:

• All-terrain wheels
• Bungee system
• Compression straps
• Easily accessed headphone port
• Easy access through the front
• Internal organiser for convenience
• Lockable zippers
• Pockets for water bottles
• Padded waist strap
• Removable day pack.

A two-stage handle lets you choose the length, giving you increased manoeuvrability and user comfort.

Choose Your Size and Colour

You can get your wheeled backpack from BlackWolf in one of three sizes: 45L, 65L or 85L. This gives you the ability to pick a larger model for things like overseas travel, because sometimes 45L – or even 65L – just isn’t enough.

You can also choose from a variety of cool colours:

• Sleek black
• Striking red.

Make sure to click through to each product to get a better idea of the features and colours available. With such a comprehensive understanding of what you need at amazing prices, you are sure to fall in love with this range instantly.

Discover the Grand Tour range by BlackWolf today on Bags To Go. You can purchase online to secure your versatile convertible backpack. 

FREE SHIPPING

On orders over $80* t&c, same day dispatch, on orders placed before noon, lowest price, guarantee* t&c, trusted brands, with manufacturer warranty.

Want the best prices? Sign up for special offers below

Recent Searches

Recently viewed, trending categories, shop by room.

• Luggage Locks
• Kid's Suitcases
• Luggage Scales
• Heavy Duty Travel Cases
• Luggage Sets

BlackWolf - Grand Tour 2016 65L Wheeled Backpack with Laptop & RFID Pockets - Forest

• Description
• Warranty & Return

Updated for the 2015-16 season with some new colours and features. The streamlined daypack now includes a padded laptop pocket and an RFID protected pocket. Simple packway Ergo harness with padded hipbelt to get you where wheels won’t go.

• All Terrain 4WD Wheels
• Bungee System
• Compression Straps
• External Headphone Port
• Front Access
• Internal Organiser
• Lockable #10 zippers
• Mesh Waterbottle Pockets
• Night Reflective Daisyloop
• Padded Waist Strap
• Removable Daypack
• RFID protected
• Two Stage Handle

420D mini ripstop PU, 600D Polyweave EXCEL

66 x 33 x 25/+15 (daypack)

65 + Approx 20L daypack

Shipping Details

• Metro Areas (exlcuding WA): 3-8 business days
• Rural Areas (and WA): 7-14 business days
• NOTE: This item cannot be delivered to the following areas:
• NT: All Postcodes
• Non-Mainland Areas

WARRANTY POLICY

Please refer to the individual product listing for specific warranty terms and period. Warranty will generally cover manufacturing defects but will not cover any damage caused by misuse, exposure to extreme tempartures, accidental damage, carrier damage or wear and tear. If you have an issue with your TSA lock, please ensure that you have followed the instructions carefully. A lock that has been set incorrectly or where the code has been forgotten is not covered under warranty.

Generally manufacturers will not cover any of the following under warranty:

• Damage to the item that is the result of misuse or the actions of others
• Cracks, dents, rips, cuts, scratches, scuff/wear marks
• General wear/tear
• Bends/kinks/dents in trolley system

RETURNS POLICY

Bags To Go offers a 30 day satisfaction guarantee. If you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase from Bags To Go, please contact us to return your goods within 30 days of purchase for a full refund. Items must be unused, with all tags attached and in the original packaging.

• When returning items by post, the customer is responsible for all postage costs incurred.
• We don't sell second hand goods, so items that have been used or soiled are unable to be refunded or exchanged due to change of mind.
• Items need to be returned in original packaging, with tags attached suitable for re-sale. Proof of purchase of the returned item is required for the refund to be processed.
• Postage fees are non-refundable once the item has been dispatched from our warehouse. Re-stocking fee may apply. Any refund processed will be for goods only.

Faulty Products

We unconditionally guarantee all merchandise against possible defects for 7 days from receipt. If your goods should develop a fault during this period you may return the defective merchandise FREE, for a prompt refund or replacement. In this instance only, Bags To Go will pay for all return shipping costs relating to defective goods. Any items found to be faulty after 7 days are covered by the brand manufacturer’s warranty.

Estimated Delivery Time Frame: 3-14 business days

More from this brand

Reviews (0) add review.

You need to be logged in to add a review.

Copyright 2024 MyDeal.com.au - © All rights reserved

• Set your location (edit)
• Tents & Shelters
• Camp Kitchen
• Sleeping Gear
• Fridges & Iceboxes
• Knives & Tools
• Camping Accessories
• Camping Tents
• Mosquito Nets
• Shower Tents
• Beach Shelters
• Screen Rooms
• Pegs, Poles & Repair
• Stoves & Cookers
• Growlers & Kegs
• Picnic Packs
• Food & Water Storage
• Sleeping Bags
• Sleeping Mats
• Stretcher Beds
• Sleep Accessories
• Solar & Power
• Camp Toilets
• Toilet Chemicals
• Camp Showers
• Camp Laundry
• Heaters & Cooling
• Camp Kitchens
• Camp Cupboards
• Fridges & Coolers
• Eskies & Iceboxes
• Cooler Bags
• 12V Camp Lights
• Torches & Flashlights
• Light Accessories
• Hammers, Shovels & Axes
• First Aid Kits
• Insect Protection
• Packs & Bags
• Lightweight Sleep Gear
• Hike Accessories
• Hygiene & Safety
• Hiking Footwear
• Hiking Clothing
• Hiking Tents
• Hiking Tent Accessories
• Duffle Bags
• Lightweight Sleeping Bags
• Hike Sleeping Mats
• Solar & Portable Power
• Hiking Chairs & Tables
• Compact Lanterns
• Hiking Headlamps
• Hiking Poles
• Dry Bags & Storage
• Lightweight Stoves
• Compact Cookware
• Lightweight Tableware
• Hiking Food
• Water Bottles
• Hydration Packs
• Lightweight Water Storage
• Water Purification
• Powders & Gels
• Lightweight Hygiene
• Insect Repellent
• Emergency & Survival
• Personal Locator Beacons
• Women's
• Hiking Socks
• Shoe Accessories
• Cooling Apparel
• Care & Accessories
• Caravan Gear
• Power & Lighting
• Rooftop Tents
• 4WD Awnings
• Vehicle Accessories
• 4WD Recovery Gear
• Safety Equipment
• Straps & Shackles
• Caravan Kitchen
• Caravan Awnings
• Caravan Accessories
• 12V Lighting
• Driving Lights
• Radios & Comms
• Portable Toilets
• Climate Control
• Caravan Laundry

G'day there!

Your wishlist:.

• Packs & Bags /

Grand Tour 85L Travel Pack

Sorry! We're unable to get our hands on any more of these.

Details & specs.

Unveiling everything you need and nothing you don’t, the Black Wolf Grand Tour 85L Travel Pack is a functional entry-level wheeled travel bag that comes with a small price tag.

Tough wheels and an extendable two-stage handle make transporting heavy loads easy, and when the terrain gets rough, the simple pack away Ergo harness with padded  hipbelt  enables you to comfortably carry the bag on your back.

The daypack is simple and stylish and zips effortlessly onto the streamlined main bag. Full of features including a padded laptop compartment and RFID protected pocket, gear is kept secure with four compression straps and a lockable zip on the main compartment.

• Front access
• Compression straps
• Six internal organiser pockets
• Lockable #10 main zip
• Packaway ERGO harness with padded  hipbelt
• Internal organiser
• Headphone port
• Padded Laptop Compartment
• RFID Protected Pocket
• Hydration compatible

Reviews (4) 5.0 4 if (window.innerWidth

Q&a's (5), how many zips 1 answer.

Hello. How many locks do you need to lock every zip on the bag?

G'day Megan,

You'll want to grab two locks so you can lock the zippers on the main compartment and the daypack.

hi, what would be the maximum weight you could pack in this bag? also does the 5.2kg weight include the day pack? 1 answer

just wondering how many clothes/shoes etc I can fit in

G'day El, 

The entire pack including the daypack does weigh 5.2kg. In terms of how much you can pack in there, this Travel Pack has a volume of 85L. 

It's a little hard to guess how much you can pack in there, it really depends on how compressible the gear is that you want to bring and you will have to keep in mind weight limits if you are flying. The dimensions of this pack are 66L x 42W x 32H cm if that helps to get an idea of how big it is El.

Wheel Chassis Reliability 1 answer

Some forums on earlier models were indicating some problems with the hard plastic wheel chassis breaking or cracking. Has this been fixed in later models and how do I know the difference between earlier models and the most recent versions?

G'day David,

I had a chat with our travel bag expert, Lisa. She said that in her time in the industry, she hadn't dealt with any warranty claims with the Black Wolf Grand Tour 85L Travel Packs because of faulty wheels. She wasn't aware that there had been previous issues but it might be worth keeping in mind that this bag is backed by Black Wolf's limited lifetime warranty, so if you do have any issues with the wheels, you can make a claim. 

Do these bags have raincovers? 1 answer

Just wondering if this bag has raincovers like the grand Teton I have? :)

G'day Keira,

Unfortunately, the Black Wolf Grand Tour 85L Travel Pack doesn't come with a rain cover.

Opening 1 answer

How does this bag open? Is it able to be opened completely from the front similar to a suitcase?

G'day Kristy, the Grand Tour opens from the front, so you can fully unzip it down both sides and pull the front flap back for easy access to all of your gear! Much easier than digging around from an opening at the top of the bag :) 

You might also like... (1)

• Call us: 1300 914 007 Closed
• Email us [email protected]
• Find us Find us Closed Closed
• Sea to Summit
• Our purpose
• Join the team
• Customer reviews
• Competitions
• Camping & hiking checklist
• Privacy policy
• Terms & conditions
• Contact us
• Follow us on Facebook
• Follow us on Instagram
• Follow us on Youtube
• Follow us on Tik Tok
• Snowys blog

• 360 DEGREES
• ADVENTURELINE
• BACK COUNTRY
• BLACK DIAMOND
• BOB COOPER SURVIVAL
• BODY COOLER
• CAMO SYSTEMS
• CLAUDE DOZORME
• CLIP & CARRY
• CRAGHOPPERS
• COLUMBIA RIVER KNIFE and TOOL
• DR LIVINGSTON
• EXPLORE PLANET EARTH
• GRIND XPRESS
• HALFBREED BLADES
• HARDCORE HARDWARE
• HONEY BADGER
• JOSEPH LYDDY
• KLEAN KANTEEN
• LIGHT MY FIRE
• MERINO TREADS
• MOUNTCASTLE
• OUTDOOR GOURMET
• OUTER LIMITS
• PACIFIC CUTLERY
• PORTA POTTI
• POWERTRAVELLER
• PRINCETON TEC
• RADIX NUTRITION
• RITE IN THE RAIN
• ROOFTOPS MAP
• SEA TO SUMMIT
• SILVA MILITARY
• SMART SHADE
• SMITH'S
• SMITH & WESSON
• SPACIAL VISION MAP
• TASMANIAN TIGER
• TASSIE TIGER KNIVES
• UNCLE HENRY'S
• SEA TO SIMMIT

BLACKWOLF Grand Tour 85 Travel - Rolling Luggage

Be the first to write a review .

Get to Know us

Customer Service

• Shipping & Delivery
• Returns & Exchanges
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Mitchells Adventure Club
• School/Scout Group Partnerships
• Corporate and Group Sales

Join our adventure list

This store requires javascript to be enabled for some features to work correctly.

• Turbo Tents
• Hiking Tents
• Tent Accessories
• Tent Spare Parts
• Travel Packs
• Hiking Packs
• Campsite Sleeping Bags
• Kids Sleeping Bags
• Hiking Sleeping Bags
• Down Sleeping Bags
• Camping Mats
• Hiking Mats
• Camping Chairs
• Turbo BLK Tents
• Turbo Canvas Tents
• Turbo Lite Tents
• Turbo Tent Accessories
• Sleeping Bags
• Grasshopper
• Technical Hiking Packs
• Everyday Backpacks
• Down Fill Sleeping Bags
• Synthetic Fill Sleeping Bags
• New Arrivals
• Rolling Luggage
• Duffle Bags
• Adventure Pro Range
• Backpacking
• Soft Coolers
• Hardside Coolers
• Cooler Accessories
• Gazebo Accessories
• Join the Loyalty Club
• Earn Loyalty Points
• Redeem Loyalty Points
• Become an Ambassador
• Family Camping
• Backyard BBQ
• Product Guides
• Outdoor Inspiration
• BlackWolf News
• Create account

Packs and Bags

Mats and Pillows

Camping Tents

Packs & Backpacks

Travel Backpacks

BlackWolf Loyalty Club

Shop by Activity

• Adventure Roller Packs & Bags (1)
• Air Beds (2)
• Coolers (9)
• Day Packs (4)
• Dome Tents (7)
• Duffle Bags (4)
• Furniture (10)
• Gift Cards (1)
• Hiking Pack (8)
• Hiking Tents (6)
• Hydration Pack (2)
• Pillows (6)
• Repair Products (1)
• Replacement parts (45)
• Replacement Parts (43)
• Self Inflating Beds & Mats (5)
• Shelter (1)
• Sleeping Bags (22)
• Spare Parts (5)
• Turbo Tent (17)
• Turbo Tents (38)
• In stock (293)
• Out of stock (38)
• Black Camo (2)
• Black Marle (2)
• Burnt Olive (1)
• Classic Blue (7)
• Dark Grey (1)
• Deep Green (5)
• Default Title (35)
• Eclipse (4)
• Eclispe (6)
• Gargoyle (1)
• Gibraltar (18)
• Green Camo (2)
• Jet Black (40)
• Marine Blue (20)
• Nile Blue (2)
• Paloma (13)
• Paloma Grey (1)
• Quetzal Green (6)
• Seaport (1)
• Shale Green (1)
• Silver Grey (7)
• Sundried Tomato (1)
• Tibetan Red (4)
• True Red (25)
• Vibrant Yellow (2)

The BlackWolf Promise

At BlackWolf, we take great pride in knowing that our products are created with strong materials and high-quality hardware.

While we stand by the strength of our product, if a BlackWolf product has a defect within the  first   three years of original ownership  due to workmanship, we promise to work with the customer to resolve it.

Join The Club

At BlackWolf, rewarding our loyal customers is something we love doing, so we've created a free Loyalty Club that lets us do just that. Join now (for free!) and start to enjoy the benefits of free standard shipping, 5% off your first order, loyalty points and early access to our exclusive deals. Not bad, right?

• © 2024, BlackWolf
• Powered by Shopify

• Grand Rapids/Muskegon
• Saginaw/Bay City
• All Michigan

Rare gray wolf killed, not seen in southern Michigan for 100 years, ‘How did it get here?’

• Published: Apr. 08, 2024, 12:17 p.m.

This is a gray wolf, which is protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

• Brad Devereaux | [email protected]

CALHOUN COUNTY, MI -- What was a lone wolf doing in southern Michigan when it was killed in January?

A hunter told state officials he thought the animal was a coyote when he shot and killed it. But DNA testing later showed the animal was a federally endangered gray wolf.

Experts are looking into how the wolf got to southwest Michigan and it is not a part of a known population in the area, according to Michigan DNR Biologist and large carnivore specialist Brian Roell.

Here are five things to know about the gray wolf killed in southern Michigan:

‘Unusual’ wolf killing

The wolf harvest was an unusual one, because the state’s established wolf population is in the Upper Peninsula, Roell said. This gray wolf was killed hundreds of miles away. The 2022 wolf population in Michigan was estimated at around 631 wolves , give or take about 50, he said.

“How did it get here?” Roell said in an interview with MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette. He called the wolf’s presence there a “curiosity” for the DNR, and an unusual case.

Wolves once roamed throughout the state, but they have since been contained -- mostly -- to the Upper Peninsula.

Roell did not have any record of a sighting this far south in the Lower Peninsula, he said, estimating it has been 100 years or more.

“It’s been a long time,” Roell said.

Lone wolf found south of others

The lone wolf killed in Southwest Michigan does not suggest there is a population in the Lower Peninsula, he said.

“We don’t know of any animals (wolves) in the Lower Peninsula anywhere,” Roell said, based on current information. “If they are there, they are in numbers so low we can’t detect them.”

The presence of wolves in the northern Lower Peninsula has been confirmed a few times over the past two decades, he said. But not in the southern part.

A taxidermy gray wolf at the Seney National Wildlife Refuge temporary visitor center in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, May 17, 2022. (Garret Ellison | MLive)

“This is just a one-off kind of thing,” Roell said.

Wolves can travel thousands of miles, sometimes reaching areas far beyond their known range, the DNR said.

The DNR does not believe wolves are going to establish in the southern lower portion of Michigan.

That is partly because wolves, unlike coyotes, are not very tolerant of humans, Roell said. Humans also do not tolerate wolves very well, he said.

There is some suitable wolf habitat in the state’s northern Lower Peninsula, he said, but wolves have not established there either.

DNR investigating wolf incident

Killing a gray wolf or any endangered species could lead to state and/or federal charges or citations, Roell said. He declined to comment on the specifics of this case, because it is under investigation by the law enforcement division.

The gray wolf is federally endangered. Killing a gray wolf is illegal unless you are protecting human life, Roell said.

Violations of the Endangered Species Act can result in fines and prison time. Penalties can include restitution to the state for the loss of an endangered animal, Roell said, and court costs.

A county prosecutor would make any decision about possible charges being issued in the case, following an investigation by DNR law enforcement division, Roell said. Investigators will look into the hunter’s licenses and other circumstances, he said.

The hunter was on a legal coyote hunt and accompanied by a guide, the DNR said. The hunter reported the kill to officials and said he initially thought it was a large coyote.

The wolf weighed 84 pounds, the DNR said, while eastern coyotes usually weigh between 25 pounds and 40 pounds.

A coyote photographed in New Jersey. A hunter in Michigan told the DNR he was hunting for coyote, when he shot an animal later identified to be an endangered gray wolf. (File | NJ.com) Steve Liebman | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The DNR law enforcement division referred further questions to Roell.

Golden retrievers are not cougars

Misidentification is common in reports to the DNR, he said, though the agency more often hears from people shooting animals with cameras, not guns.

Like the citizen reports of alleged cougars that turn out to be golden retrievers or other animals, the DNR also fields calls from people who incorrectly believe coyotes are wolves, Roell said.

Three golden retrievers watch their friend retrieve a ball at the Richmond Park Pool ‘Wag ’n’ Wade’ free dog swim in Grand Rapids on Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023. (Ridley Hudson | MLive.com) Ridley Hudson | MLive.com

“I look at pictures of coyotes all the time, and people think they’re wolves,” he said. “Since the press release went out (last week), I’ve looked at thousands of them. And they’re all coyotes.”

The alleged cougar reports are often revealed to be golden retrievers, yellow labs, bobcats domesticated cats or feral cats, he said.

The most common area reporting cougars is Oakland County, he said, a high population area of the state in southeast Michigan. But there are no cougars there, he said.

“That’s where the people are, not where the cougars are,” Roell said. “It’s just misidentification.”

The DNR confirmed a cougar spotting near Lansing in 2017. It was the first and only verified sighting in the Lower Peninsula, the DNR said at the time.

Related: Another cougar spotted in U.P., Michigan DNR confirms Luce County sighting

A team of experts looks at reports and photos submitted, he said, and they have to verify any claims with proof. Usually, a determination can be made from a photograph.

Investigation sometimes includes a site visit, he said, partly because people have tried to trick DNR officials by sending in photos of cougars, actually taken outside of the state.

How did it get here?

“I have no idea,” Roell said, when asked if the animal walked here itself, or if could have arrived some other way. He is hoping the probe will explain the origin of the wolf and how it got here.

“I’m just hoping we get a lot more information out of the investigation like I think a lot of people are,” Roell said.

Related: Eclipse cloud update: Latest data for your last-minute decision on where to see eclipse

Visit Michigan.gov/Wolves for more information.

A gray wolf is shown in Michigan's Marquette County.

Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Kalamazoo daily newsletter.

Most Popular Stories by Brad Devereaux

• Southwest Michigan spring and wire factory to close, cutting 85 jobs
• ‘Fancy Like’ country singer announces Southwest Michigan concert
• Rare gray wolf found in southern Michigan, killed by coyote hunter
• U.S. 131 bridge replacement project begins in Kalamazoo County
• I-94 lane to close as MDOT prepares to rebuild bridges

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.