Bison hunting is one of the oldest and most relevant hunting experiences that brings back nostalgia from the 18th and 19th centuries. Hunters have always dreamt of taking a bison in the wilderness.
Since it is not an easy hunt, therefore, it always evokes a test within a hunter. Bison hunting has a massive history, as around 15 million bison roam around Great Pains. Thus, making them a prominent hunting animal in the 18th century.
Subsequently, its population massively declined, and the government had to intervene to stop its extinction. Currently, there is a significant improvement in its population, with most bison living as domesticated animals.
However, bison hunting has not diminished completely. Hunters can still visit America and Africa to have a shot at hunting bison. We will provide complete details about hunting bison in this guide.
Everything to Know About Bison Hunt
Before setting out to hunt a bison, hunters need to learn the bison’s psychology, biology, and habits. Understanding everything about a bison is essential for a successful hunting expedition.
Because without such information, you are bound to waste your time, money and effort. So, let us first understand the nature of bison.
Scientific Name
‘Bison’ is the scientific name, also known as B. Bison, buffs, B. bonasus or American bison.
Physical Characteristics
Bison are the largest terrestrial animals in North America. A bison has a hump over its front shoulders and has slimmer hindquarters. Although it looks like a buffalo, the major point of difference is its hump, as buffalo do not have hump.
Furthermore, both male and female bison have a single set of pointed and short hollow horns. These horns are curved outwards and upwards from the sides of a massive head.
Likewise, they have long, shaggy fur, a beard under their chin, and a long tail with tufted hair. Male bison weigh around 2,000 pounds with a height of 6 feet, whereas female bison weigh up to 1,000 pounds and gain a height of 4-5 feet.
Diet
Although bison generally eat grass species, they occasionally consume woody vegetation. Bison influence local biodiversity by feeding primarily on grass. However, they can shift to woody plants and alfalfa hay when food is limited.
In addition, bison also eat sedges and forbs.
Life and Death
Since wolves are the only predators of adult bison, thus they can live for an approx. 25 years in the wild (male), females tend to live longer than males. However, bison calves fall prey to black bears, coyotes, and grizzly bears. Likewise, bison in captivity tend to live a bit longer.
Breeding and Reproduction
Female bison start reproducing at 2-3 years, where they will give birth to a single calf each spring. The gestation period is 9.5 months.
Moreover, a female bison can live for 25 years, producing a calf each year (if provided with suitable conditions). The gestation period slightly varies between 9-9.5 months between different breeds. Generally, they breed between June and July and drop their calf around April.
Bison Hunting Methods: All hunting methods
Hunting methods have massively evolved over the ages. The earliest known people used stealth and subterfuge methods. However, with tools getting modern, hunters have devised updated methods.
Here we will discuss a few of these.
Hunting with a carbine
A carbine is a short gun having a high caliber and compact frame. It was developed in the 17th century and was popular for use in battles. However, it has appeared as one of the best weapons for bison hunting.
Furthermore, it is light in weight and requires almost no maintenance. Moreover, its high caliber can make a hard-hitting serve, producing high impact even on a moving bison.
In addition, it provides a nostalgic experience, as it requires woodsmanship and hunting skills to harvest an animal at a great distance. Moreover, carbines are a great option for still hunting, a tactic majorly used by hunters for animals like bison.
Hunting from a tower
Tower hunting has also become popular over the past couple of years. Since towers provide a bird’ eye view and a good hiding place for hunters, towers are increasingly used.
Moreover, towers offer increased safety and comfort. Since bison have an excellent sense of smell; generally, they detect hunters from far away. However, when you are elevated at a tower, the chances of smell are reduced significantly.
Hunting from cover
Since bison can detect further danger, hunting from cover is another best method to have a good shot at them. You can use a large tree, mud-mountain or any other elevated place to take cover.
Bison hunt is a group activity; therefore, you can take different covers to improve your chances of a good hunt.
Locating a Herd
Prime glassing areas are the best-suited places for hunters searching for a herd. Getting to such a position is not a tough task; you only need to smell the area, as bison leave behind an aura that lasts for weeks.
However, it is vital to position yourself at a place where a herd has recently commuted. You can easily get the idea by identifying feet symbols on the wet sloppy droppings. Moreover, the smell of a recently passed herd is hard to mistake, so use your nose to locate a bison herd.
Bringing Buffalo Down
Since bison are huge in size, thus it takes a lot of effort to bring them down. A good shot placement is required to bring this giant to the floor. Therefore, the perfect is mandatory; a close or far away shot will not work.
Additionally, there are different suggestions on gun and ballistic, but a consensus suggests that a hard-hitting caliber like 300 win mag pushing 180-grain bullets is best for bison. Additionally, shots at the upper shoulder are the most deadly.
Where to Bison hunts
Bison is popular across the globe. Hunters consider them a prized hunt and seek opportunities to encounter them. Two of the most popular countries for bison hunting include the following.
● United States of America
● Canada
Let us learn more about bison hunting in these countries.
United States of America
The United States has a long history of bison hunting; however, with government intervention, only a few states now allow free-range bison hunting.
You can hunt them in the following states.
● Utah
● Wyoming
● Arizona
● Alaska
● Montana
However, you need a license or tag to hunt in these states. With rules getting stricter, it is almost impossible to get a bison-hunting license. Therefore, you can hunt bison in private ranches available in West Canyon and Utah.
Canada
Canada has been home to bison for ages; although you need a permit to hunt bison there, it is worth experiencing. Alberta is the only state in the country that allows hunting. So, you can contact local authorities to get a license.
Bison Hunting Season
The season runs between October and November if you plan bison hunting in the wild. However, it changes in Alaska, and the best time to hunt bison there is February and March.
However, there are several private ranches which allow hunting throughout the year.
The Challenges of Bison Hunting
Bison hunting is easy; hunters need special equipment and skillsets to kill these giants. Moreover, weather plays a vital role in deciding hunting planning.
The following are the biggest challenges of bison hunting.
● Physical fitness: Since bison live in a rugged and demanding landscape, hunters must have optimal fitness to navigate tough terrains.
● Weather: As bison roam across diverse landscapes, thus weather becomes one of the biggest challenges. So, hunters must equip themselves to face strong winds, rains, and floods.
● Cover: Bison have a strong sense of smell; thus, finding an appropriate cover to go undetected in another big challenge.
● Meat harvesting: The challenge starts once you get a bison. Since they can weigh up to 2000 pounds, thus processing meat and transporting is another challenge.
Best Bison Recipes
Although there are numerous bison recipes for hunters, the below-mentioned are the most favored among the hunter community.
● Pan-Seared Bison Steak
● Ground Bison Chili From Scratch
● Bison Meatballs
● Bison Stroganoff
● Teriyaki Ground Bison and Rice
● Bison Taco Salad Bowl
● Bison Sliders
Bison Hunting Frequently Asked Questions
Are bison and buffalo the same thing?
Although many people consider bison and buffalo the same thing, however, both are distinct animals. A bison has a hump near its shoulders and lives in North America and Europe. In contrast, buffalo do not have a hump and live in Africa and Asia.
Which states allow bison hunting?
The following states allow bison hunting in the United States.
● Utah
● Wyoming
● Arizona
● Alaska
● Montana
Where is the best place to shoot a bison?
Generally, double lung shots are the best aim to take down a bison. You can aim above and slightly behind the front elbow. Head and neck shots are not recommended, as bullets can hit the skull.
Which caliber is best for hunting bison?
Any hard-hitting caliber is the best to get down a bison. Here are our top picks.
● Caliber 1: .30-06 Government
● Caliber 2: .45-70 Government
● Caliber 3: .308 Winchester
● Caliber 4: .338 Winchester Magnum
What do you need to hunt bison?
The following is a checklist you need to hunt bison.
● Camouflage suit
● Hard-hitting caliber gun
● Meatpacking material
● Snow machine skimmers
● Traps
● A small block and tackle rope
● Field dressing
Do you need a permit to hunt bison?
Yes! You need a permit that will cost around $4,000 to $7,000 for bison hunting in the United States.