Montana is one of the few states that offers a free range bison hunting opportunity. In reality, the bison hunted each year in Montana are actually migrating bison that summer in Yellowstone National Park. As heavy snow accumulates, the bison will leave the park and travel through the two hunting units available for hunting. On years with heavy snowfall, the lucky tag holders have an easy time harvesting their bison. However on years with little to no winter weather in the park, hunters are likely to go home empty handed. There is an early season and a later season offered. The earlier season is much longer to allow those tag holders a better chance of finding a bison. The migration is much slower during the earlier season because winter weather may not have arrived yet. Chances of snow are much greater on the later season offered.

Big bulls are available, with a fair amount being entered into the Boone and Crockett record from Montana. Mature bulls typically score 115” or more.

The seasons offered take place between November and February, so plan for a cold weather hunt if you are lucky enough to draw. Tags numbers usually vary year to year based on the need for harvest. 2014 represented the highest tag allocation in several years. Odds of drawing a tag are slim, but this is a great opportunity to get a chance at a free range bison.

For more information on the Montana bison process and frequently asked questions, click here.

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