There’s a magical moment that happens every day across New York State in those few minutes right before the last light fades and the darkness settles in. During the fall season, that brief window when the sun dips below the trees and the forest begins to quiet can feel absolutely majestic. But for anyone who doesn’t love being in the woods after dark, it can also be a rather chilling time.

I’ve been hunting in New York State for more than 34 years, and my favorite time to be in the woods is exactly when the sun goes down and the wind calms. When the air starts to freeze and the moonlight shines through the trees, that’s when I feel most alive.

Here Is The Howl That I Heard While Hunting In New York State

I’ll admit, there are times when even I get a chill down my spine or feel the hair stand up on the back of my neck after hearing certain sounds. Most of the time, it’s just my mind playing tricks on me. However, this week, when I heard what sounded like a wolf howl mixed in with a pack of coyotes, that same chill came rushing back this time for good reason.

Most people would doubt that it was a wolf and honestly, even I’m not fully convinced. But there was a clear difference between the familiar calls of coyotes and this other, deeper sound that joined them. I’m not aware of any dogs in the area where the sound came from, and after hunting these woods for years, I’ve never heard anything quite like it.

Are There Wolves In New York State

There have been occasional reports of wolves in the northern parts of New York State, though not nearly in the numbers you’d expect around the Adirondack Mountains. It’s doubtful that this was truly a wolf, but when you listen closely, the sound is unmistakably wild—and a little eerie.

With Halloween just days away, the timing only added to the thrill (and a bit of fear) I felt hearing that mysterious howl echo through the woods during that most magical moment of the day.

Best Country Songs For Hunting Camp In WNY

Gallery Credit: Clay Moden