BOZEMAN—Applications for Montana’s upcoming bison hunt will be available online Thursday, and from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offices and most license providers on Friday, Sept. 7.
For the 2007-08 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, 2008; and Jan. 23-Feb. 15, 2008.
Prospective hunters must apply 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.
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 nonresidents. Bison hunting regulations and license applications are available on FWP’s website at fwp.mt.gov. Click “Licenses & Applications” to apply. Printed copies of the applications and regulations will also be available at FWP offices. Mail-in paper applications will be available at most license providers on Friday, Sept. 7. Paper applications are due Oct. 4 at FWP in Helena by 5 p.m. Online applications must be completed by 11:45 p.m. on Oct. 4. The drawing will be held in mid October. 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
- The drawing is scheduled for mid October.
- Successful applicants will be notified by FWP.
- Unsuccessful applicants who also applied for an opportunity to obtain a cow/calf license also will be randomly drawn, placed on a roster and called only if hunting opportunities arise.
- Drawing results will also be available via FWP’s web site.
License Purchase
FWP will provide each successful applicant with license purchase information. Hunters will receive a training DVD and must pass a bison hunting orientation exam before purchasing a license. The bison license cost is $125 for residents and $750 for nonresidents. Hunters must purchase their l icense before they hunt.
