The Wolfer

Originally Aired: January 11, 1959

Gunsmoke #353, "The Wolfer," begins when rancher Nate Guthrie confronts Wib Edmonds, a wolfer he's hired to clear wolves from his land. Wib has successfully eliminated most of the wolf population, but Guthrie's colts are still being slaughtered. Wib claims the killings are the work of a single massive white wolf called Slatefoot, but the suspicious rancher believes there's no such animal. Guthrie accuses the cold-eyed, half-breed wolfer of deliberately keeping one wolf alive to extend his employment through the winter, or worse, of killing the colts himself. When Wib refuses to leave, Guthrie threatens to bring in Marshal Matt Dillon.

Back in Dodge City, Guthrie interrupts Matt's rare peaceful dinner with Kitty to demand action against the wolfer. He insists Wib is a natural-born killer whose snake-like eyes reveal his dangerous nature, though he admits he has no concrete proof of wrongdoing. Matt remains skeptical, explaining he needs evidence before he can act against any man, leaving the conflict between the rancher and the mysterious wolfer unresolved.

Welcome to Gunsmoke: Old West Stories, a podcast that takes you back to the rugged plains of 1870s Dodge City, Kansas. Rediscover the timeless tales of bravery, justice, and survival in the American frontier with our re-broadcasts of the classic Gunsmoke radio program.

First airing on April 26, 1952, Gunsmoke was celebrated as the first adult western radio show, renowned for its superb storytelling and exceptional production quality. Join Marshal Matt Dillon, portrayed by the incomparable William Conrad, as he faces the challenges of maintaining law and order in a tumultuous town. Alongside him are unforgettable characters like Chester Proudfoot (Parley Baer), the steadfast deputy; Kitty (Georgia Ellis), the resilient saloon owner; and Doc Adams (Howard McNear), the town’s compassionate physician.

What sets Gunsmoke apart is not just its stellar cast and engaging plots but the immersive sound effects that bring each scene to life. Every gunshot, horse gallop, and whisper of the wind transports you directly to the heart of the Old West.

Whether you're a longtime fan or a new listener, Gunsmoke: Old West Stories promises to deliver gripping adventures and a nostalgic journey through one of radio’s most iconic series. Tune in and let the legends of Dodge City captivate your imagination.