Bison Hunting
America's iconic plains giant
About Bison Hunting
The American bison (Bison bison) is North America's largest land mammal and one of the most iconic animals on the continent. Once numbering 30-60 million, bison were hunted to near extinction - by 1889, only 541 animals remained.
Conservation efforts have restored wild populations to approximately 31,000 animals, with an additional 400,000+ on private ranches. Today, limited hunting opportunities exist in six states, making a bison hunt a true once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Bison are the toughest animal in North America to bring down - their thick hide, massive muscle, and robust skeletal structure require careful shot placement and adequate caliber.
Why Hunt Bison
Ultimate Trophy
The largest land mammal in North America - a true bucket-list hunt
Historical Connection
Hunt the same animal that sustained Native Americans for millennia
Exceptional Meat
400+ lbs of premium, lean meat richer than beef
Conservation Support
Hunting helps manage herds and fund restoration efforts
Bison Biology
Two subspecies exist: Plains bison (Bison bison bison) and Wood bison (Bison bison athabascae).
- Bulls: 1,800-2,000 lbs (exceptional bulls to 2,800 lbs)
- Cows: 900-1,200 lbs (mature females)
- Height: 5-6 ft at shoulder (bulls)
- Horns: Both sexes have short, curved black horns
- Speed: Can run up to 35 mph
- Lifespan: 15-20 years in the wild
Population & Recovery
From near extinction to conservation success story.
- Pre-Settlement: 30-60 million across North America
- 1889 Low Point: Only 541 animals remained
- Wild Today: ~31,000 (20,000 Plains + 11,000 Wood)
- Conservation Herds: ~30,000 individuals
- Private Ranches: ~400,000-420,000 animals
- Free-Range (unfenced): ~15,000
Designated America's National Mammal in 2016.
Public Land Hunts
Six states offer public land bison hunting through limited draw systems.
- Montana: Gardiner Basin and West Yellowstone Basin; winter migration hunts (Nov-Mar)
- Wyoming: Areas 1-2; random draw, no point system; winter months
- Utah: Two public herds; October-November typically
- Arizona: Limited tags; House Rock and Raymond Wildlife Areas
- Alaska: Four herds (~900 animals); Delta Junction is largest; Oct-Mar
- South Dakota: Custer State Park; trophy and non-trophy categories; fall
Seasons often depend on weather and migration patterns.
Draw Odds & Success
Public land tags are extremely difficult to draw due to high demand.
- Wyoming Cow/Calf: 15-20% (best public land odds)
- Wyoming Bull: 1-2% odds
- Alaska Delta Junction: ~100 permits / 15,000 applicants (0.67%)
- Utah/Arizona Bull: Often exceed 1 in 1,000
- Montana: Random draw, affordable application
Wyoming reported >90% harvest success rate in 2022 once tag is drawn.
Tag Costs
Public land tag costs vary significantly by state.
- Montana (Non-Res): $1,250 + $50 application fee
- Wyoming (Non-Res): $6,017 any-bison; $2,750 cow/calf
- Utah (Non-Res): ~$1,518
- Arizona (Non-Res): $5,000+
- Alaska: Varies by hunt area
Wyoming requires full fee upfront with application.
Private Ranch Hunts
Private ranches offer guaranteed tags with near-100% success rates.
- Budget Hunts: $3,000-$4,000 (cows/yearlings)
- Mid-Range: $4,000-$8,700
- Premium All-Inclusive: $10,000-$11,500
- License: Often not required (bison classified as livestock)
- Success Rate: Typically 100% shot opportunity
Includes field dressing assistance at most ranches.
Tribal Hunts
Some tribal nations offer bison hunting opportunities.
- Blackfeet Nation: Off-reservation Yellowstone bison hunts
- Requirements: Tags sold to enrolled tribal members (18+)
- Orientation: Mandatory orientation and regulations agreement
- Non-Tribal: Some hunts available through lottery application
Check individual tribal regulations for current availability.
Application Timeline
Plan ahead - applications open months before seasons.
- Wyoming: March-April (deadline April 30)
- South Dakota: August deadline (August 7 typical)
- Montana: Check FWP website for current year
- Arizona: Typically January-February
- Strategy: Apply in multiple states to increase overall odds
Apply every year - some states have no preference point system.
Spot and Stalk
The primary method for free-range bison hunting.
- Glass First: Use binoculars to locate herds in open grasslands
- Best Times: Dawn and dusk when bison graze in the open
- Plan Approach: Study terrain and wind before committing to stalk
- Use Cover: Hills, draws, and vegetation for concealment
- Move Slowly: Bison have excellent hearing and smell
May hunt for days without seeing bison on public land.
Wind & Scent Control
A bison's primary defense is their sense of smell.
- Critical Factor: Human scent will send bison running for miles
- Always Upwind: Position yourself downwind of expected approach
- Circle Wide: Take time to get wind advantage before closing
- Wind Changes: Monitor constantly - thermals shift with temperature
- Hearing: Also excellent - minimize noise during approach
Under hunting pressure, bison become incredibly wary.
Reading Sign
Bison leave abundant sign that reveals their patterns.
- Trails: Well-worn paths through grasslands
- Wallows: Dust depressions where bison roll
- Tree Rubs: Bark worn from rubbing
- Droppings: Large, dark, similar to cattle
- Longevity: Sign can be identifiable even when 1+ years old
Bison also use mountain and forest terrain, not just open plains.
Shot Placement
Bison are the toughest animal in North America to bring down.
- Broadside Lung Shot: Most reliable - aim behind shoulder
- Distance: Most guides recommend 100 yards or less
- Lung Anatomy: Single membrane around both lungs - puncture causes both to collapse
- Avoid Shoulder: Massive bone structure can stop bullets
- Follow-Up Ready: Be prepared for additional shots
"Get within 100 yards and pop the lungs" - professional guide advice.
Migration Hunting
Many hunts coincide with winter migration patterns.
- Weather Dependent: Snow accumulation drives migration to lower elevations
- Montana: Yellowstone bison migrate into Gardiner Basin
- Early Storms: Can dramatically increase bison presence in hunt areas
- Flexibility: Be ready to hunt when animals arrive
- Patience: Migration timing varies year to year
Check with local wildlife agencies for migration status updates.
Public vs. Private
Two very different hunting experiences.
Public Land
Extremely challenging - may hunt for days. Large areas with scattered animals. Exceptional wilderness experience but requires stamina and skill.
Private Ranch
Controlled environment on 2,000-4,000+ acre ranches. Guaranteed shot opportunity. Often one-day hunts with guide assistance.
Rifle Calibers
Adequate caliber is critical for these massive animals.
- .45-70 Government: Historic bison caliber; excellent with modern bullets
- .375 H&H Magnum: Old standby for tough-to-kill animals
- .338 Win Mag: Excellent choice for bison
- .300 Win Mag: Popular among guides
- .30-06 Springfield: Minimum recommended by most guides
- 7mm Rem Mag: Works with 160gr+ premium bullets
Most guides recommend nothing smaller than .30-06.
Bullets
Bullet selection is as important as caliber choice.
- .30-06: 200-220 grain bullets recommended
- 7mm Rem Mag: 175 grain Partition or equivalent
- .45-70: 400+ grain bullets
- Type: Premium bonded or monolithic (Barnes, Nosler Partition, Swift A-Frame)
- Avoid: 500-grain solids (over-penetrate without adequate expansion)
Heavy-for-caliber controlled expansion bullets preferred.
Alaska Requirements
Alaska has specific legal requirements for bison hunting.
- Minimum Bullet: 175 grain
- Minimum Energy: 2,800 ft-lb at muzzle
- Black Powder: .45-70 with 400gr bullet + 70gr black powder
- Alternative: .44-90 with 550gr bullet + equivalent
Verify current regulations before your hunt.
Optics
Quality optics for both spotting and shooting.
- Rifle Scopes: 3-9x40 (classic), 2.5-10x, or 3-15x variable
- Low End: 3x or lower for close shots (important)
- Eye Relief: Good relief for heavy-recoiling calibers
- Binoculars: 10x42 or 12x50 for open country glassing
- Avoid: Excessive magnification - most shots under 200 yards
Waterproof/fog-proof essential for winter hunts.
Field Processing Gear
Processing a bison requires significant equipment.
- Knives: Multiple sharp, sturdy fixed blades (4-6" blades)
- Skinning Knife: Curved blade for hide removal
- Bone Saw: Heavy-duty for splitting pelvis and processing
- Game Bags: Breathable bags for 400+ lbs of meat
- Sharpener: Field sharpener essential - dull knives are dangerous
- Coolers: Multiple large coolers with ice
Bring extra help - processing alone is extremely difficult.
Cold Weather Gear
Most bison hunts occur in winter conditions.
- Layering System: Base, insulating, and waterproof outer layers
- Insulated Boots: Rated for extreme cold; waterproof
- Hand Protection: Insulated gloves + thin shooting gloves
- Head/Face: Balaclava, warm hat, neck gaiter
- Emergency: Fire-starting kit, emergency shelter
Prepare for temperatures well below zero in some areas.
Physical Conditioning
Public land bison hunting is physically demanding.
- Cardiovascular: High fitness for covering miles of terrain
- Strength: Hauling 400+ lbs of meat requires serious strength
- Cold Tolerance: Winter hunts in extreme cold
- Multi-Day Endurance: May hunt for days before finding animals
- Altitude: Some hunts at elevation - acclimatize first
Moving a cow bison 3 miles across rough terrain can take 3 days.
Meat Transportation
The biggest logistical challenge of bison hunting.
- Yield: Mature bull = 400-500 lbs meat; Cow = 300-400 lbs
- Pack Animals: Horses or mules for backcountry
- ATV/UTV: Where legal and accessible
- Multiple Trips: Plan for several if packing out on foot
- Hunting Partners: Bring help or hire packers
Ideal to harvest within reasonable distance of vehicle access.
Meat Yield
Understanding what to expect from your harvest.
- Dressing %: 56-62% (live weight to hanging carcass)
- Take-Home: 50-55% of hanging weight (boneless)
- Example (800 lb bull): ~450 lb hanging → ~240-250 lb boneless meat
- Example (900 lb cow): ~350 lb processed, boned meat
Yield is slightly lower than beef due to larger head and thicker hide.
Meat Quality
Bison meat is exceptional and highly prized.
- Flavor: Slightly sweeter than beef, deeper and richer
- Texture: Velvety, less gritty than ground beef
- Nutrition: 25% fewer calories than beef, lower saturated fat
- Appearance: Deeper red color; minimal marbling
- Cooking: Cook rare to medium-rare only - dries out when well-done
Reduce cooking time 20-30% compared to beef.
Licensing Requirements
Requirements vary by state and hunt type.
- Public Land: State hunting license required
- Hunter Education: May be required
- Orientation: Required in some areas (Montana archery)
- Harvest Reporting: 48-hour reporting (Montana)
- Private Ranch: Often no license required (livestock classification)
Verify all requirements with the specific state agency.
Hunt Planning
Maximize your chances with proper planning.
- Scout Area: Study maps and terrain before arriving
- Local Knowledge: Contact local wildlife officers
- Weather Watch: Monitor conditions and migration status
- Backup Plan: Have contingencies for weather delays
- Processor: Line up meat processor in advance
South Dakota Custer State Park provides required guides at no extra cost.
Safety First
Bison are dangerous wild animals requiring respect.
- Maintain Distance: Approach cautiously even after the shot
- Watch for Movement: Bison can appear dead but revive suddenly
- Follow-Up Ready: Keep rifle loaded until confirmed down
- Herd Awareness: Other bison may be nearby and protective
- Extreme Cold: Hypothermia is a real risk during winter hunts
Never turn your back on a bison that hasn't been confirmed dead.
Application Strategy
Maximize your odds of drawing a tag.
- Apply Multiple States: Wyoming, Montana, Utah, Arizona, Alaska, SD
- Apply Every Year: Some states have no preference points
- Consider Cow Tags: Better odds than bull tags in most states
- Plan Financially: Some states require full fee at application
- Be Ready: If you draw, you need to be prepared to hunt
Wyoming cow/calf has the best public land odds (15-20%).
Patience & Persistence
Success requires both mental and physical endurance.
- Multi-Day Hunt: Plan for extended time in the field
- Weather Flexibility: Be ready to hunt when conditions align
- Cover Ground: You may need to hike many miles
- Glass Constantly: Quality time behind binoculars pays off
- Stay Positive: Empty days are part of the experience
The challenge is what makes public land bison so rewarding.
Shot Timing
Wait for the right shot opportunity.
- Broadside Only: Wait for a clear lung shot
- 100 Yards or Less: Get close for reliable penetration
- Steady Rest: Use shooting sticks or natural rest
- Calm Animal: Unalerted bison offer better shot angles
- Know Your Limit: Don't attempt shots beyond your skill level
A wounded bison can be extremely dangerous and hard to track.
Common Mistakes
Avoid these frequent errors.
- Underpowered Rifle: Light calibers fail to penetrate adequately
- Poor Shot Placement: Hitting shoulder bone instead of lungs
- Underestimating Size: Bison are much larger than they appear at distance
- Rushing the Shot: Taking long shots when patience would work better
- Logistics Failure: Not planning for meat transport before the hunt
Preparation and patience are the keys to success.
Conservation Context
Hunting supports bison conservation.
- Herd Management: Controls population within carrying capacity
- Reduces Conflicts: Prevents overgrazing and crop damage
- Funds Conservation: Tag fees support restoration programs
- Genetic Health: Selective harvest maintains herd health
- Tradition: Continues sustainable hunting practices
Modern hunters are a key part of bison conservation success.
Ready to Hunt Bison?
Find hunting locations near you that offer bison hunting opportunities.