This handcrafted canoe paddle is a one-of-a-kind tribute to Isle Royale’s iconic wolf population, created by former Isle Royale National Park East District Ranger Bob Whaley and enhanced with original artwork by his spouse, artist Barb Griffin.
Following his National Park Service career, Bob turned his passion for craftsmanship into creating fine canoe paddles using carefully selected woods and distinctive designs. For this special paddle, he combined his connection to Isle Royale with his desire to support the ongoing work of the Isle Royale Wolf-Moose Project.
The paddle’s blade features a beautifully burned image of an Isle Royale wolf, based on a photograph taken by Wolf-Moose Project scientist Rolf O. Peterson on June 19, 2025. During his annual circumnavigation of Isle Royale by canoe with his wife and longtime research partner, Candy Peterson, Rolf captured the remarkable moment that inspired this artwork. As they paddled past Epidote Lake on their way to Chippewa Harbor, they noticed what appeared to be a rock resting along the wave-washed shoreline. A closer look through binoculars revealed something far more extraordinary: a wolf calmly bedded on the shore, relaxed and seemingly unconcerned by the passing canoeists.
This unique paddle captures the spirit of Isle Royale in a single piece of functional art: the skill of a craftsman, the vision of an artist, and the story of a wild wolf that continues to inspire decades of discovery and conservation.
Shipping Information: All items purchased through the Wolf-Moose Collection fundraiser will ship no later than October 30, with many orders shipping sooner.
Supporter Gift Information:
Your contribution to the Wolf-Moose Foundation includes this item as a thank-you gift in support of the Wolf-Moose Project. Because goods or services are provided in exchange for your contribution, the amount eligible for tax deduction may be reduced by the fair market value of the item received.
This handcrafted canoe paddle is a one-of-a-kind tribute to Isle Royale’s iconic wolf population, created by former Isle Royale National Park East District Ranger Bob Whaley and enhanced with original artwork by his spouse, artist Barb Griffin.
Following his National Park Service career, Bob turned his passion for craftsmanship into creating fine canoe paddles using carefully selected woods and distinctive designs. For this special paddle, he combined his connection to Isle Royale with his desire to support the ongoing work of the Isle Royale Wolf-Moose Project.
The paddle’s blade features a beautifully burned image of an Isle Royale wolf, based on a photograph taken by Wolf-Moose Project scientist Rolf O. Peterson on June 19, 2025. During his annual circumnavigation of Isle Royale by canoe with his wife and longtime research partner, Candy Peterson, Rolf captured the remarkable moment that inspired this artwork. As they paddled past Epidote Lake on their way to Chippewa Harbor, they noticed what appeared to be a rock resting along the wave-washed shoreline. A closer look through binoculars revealed something far more extraordinary: a wolf calmly bedded on the shore, relaxed and seemingly unconcerned by the passing canoeists.
This unique paddle captures the spirit of Isle Royale in a single piece of functional art: the skill of a craftsman, the vision of an artist, and the story of a wild wolf that continues to inspire decades of discovery and conservation.
Shipping Information: All items purchased through the Wolf-Moose Collection fundraiser will ship no later than October 30, with many orders shipping sooner.
Supporter Gift Information:
Your contribution to the Wolf-Moose Foundation includes this item as a thank-you gift in support of the Wolf-Moose Project. Because goods or services are provided in exchange for your contribution, the amount eligible for tax deduction may be reduced by the fair market value of the item received.
