Bison Hunting Applications Available Aug. 8

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Applications for Montana’s upcoming bison hunt will be available online and from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offices on Friday, Aug. 8.

For the 2008-09 hunt, the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission recently approved the sale of 18 either-sex bison licenses and up to 54 cow/calf licenses for use near Gardiner; and 26 either-sex bison licenses and up to 46 cow/calf licenses for use near West Yellowstone. Hunts would take place over three time periods: Nov. 15-Dec. 31; Jan. 1-22, 2009; and Jan. 23-Feb. 15, 2009

Prospective hunters must apply first for an either-sex bison license, which will be awarded via a special drawing. In addition, applicants may also apply for the opportunity to obtain a cow/calf license by having their names placed on a roster of unsuccessful either-sex bison license applicants. Cow/calf licenses will only be issued if a sufficient number of animals migrate into Montana from Yellowstone National Park.

Two cow/calf hunter lists will be created by a random drawing of all second choice applicants—one for HD385-10 and one for HD395-10.

In accordance with state law, a total of 16 either-sex bison hunting licenses will be offered to Montana’s Indian Tribes.

If successful, a license will cost $125 for residents and $750 for non-residents. Bison hunting regulations and license applications are available on FWP’s website at fwp.mt.gov . Click “Apply for a Permit or Buy a License” to apply.   Printed copies of the applications and regulations will also be available at FWP offices. Mail-in paper applications will be available at FWP offices on Friday, Aug. 8. Paper applications are due Sept. 4 at any FWP Regional Office, FWP Area office and /or FWP in Helena by 5 p.m. Online applications must be completed by 11:45 p.m. MDT on Sept. 4. The drawing will be held in mid-September.

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.

How to Apply

Hunters may apply online at fwp.mt.gov at any FWP office, or through the mail.