FWP Commission Approves Bison Hunt

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The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission approved today in Missoula a 90-day bison hunt to open this fall and to include two large hunting areas in southwestern Montana.

For the 2006-07 hunt, the commission approved the sale of 95 either-sex bison licenses and 45 cow/calf licenses for use between Nov. 15 and Feb. 15. 2007. The hunting will take place in two separate areas over four time periods. The time periods are Nov. 15-Dec. 31, January 1-16, Jan. 17-31, and February 1-15. In accordance with state law, a total of 16 of the licenses will be allotted to Montana’s Indian Tribes.

The licenses will be valid on private lands with landowner permission and on those public lands specifically defined as bison areas outside the northern and western boundaries of Yellowstone National Park.    

In 2003, Montana’s Legislature passed a law giving the FWP Commission authority to establish a bison hunt in southwestern Montana. FWP subsequently created a bison hunting season last year and allotted 50 licenses to hunters. The intent of the law is to allow Montana hunters to harvest wild, free-roaming bison under fair chase conditions and to reduce damage to private property by altering bison behavior and distribution.

Prospective hunters must apply for licenses, which will be awarded via a special drawing.   A license will cost   $125 for residents and $750 for nonresidents. Bison hunting regulations and license applications will be available in mid-August on FWP’s website at fwp.mt.gov. Printed copies of the applications and regulations also will be available in mid-August at most FWP offices. Applications are due by Sept. 15. The drawing will be held in early October.

Public bison hunts are established in several western states, including Alaska, Arizona, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.