Can You Hunt Bison in the US? Everything You Need to Know

Last Updated on Jan 27 2023

Free-range bison hunting is legal in some states, including Utah, Alaska, and Montana, where herds require culling for population control. But you’ll need a special permit, which is usually difficult to get a hold of. The number of permits that are granted each year is tightly controlled and limited. In fact, some people spend many years waiting for their permit. Since the permits are often drawn at random, some people never get the chance to experience hunting bison in the wild.

Luckily, there are other ways in which hunting bison is legal. Interested? Keep reading! 

Hunting Bison on a Private Ranch

There are many bison ranches throughout the US that’ll grant you the opportunity to hunt this magnificent beast. The hunts are usually guided to help you take down a good quality bison that you can take home for meat, or as a trophy.

On bison ranches, the animals are left to roam in their natural habitat. But because they’re on private land, it’s easier to book a hunt than to wait for a free-range permit, which can be akin to winning a lottery.

Additionally, some ranches offer to skin and tan your bison too, and some will clean the head for you.

Although the experience may be a little different from hunting wild bison, for some people, it is the only chance they’ll get to fulfill their lifelong dream of hunting one of America’s most iconic animals.

Best Weapons for Bison Hunting

For many keen hunters, taking down a bison is a lifelong ambition. Bison are huge animals, not to mention tough. Centerfire rifles, handguns, muzzle-loading rifles, bow-and-arrows, and crossbows are all legal weapons for bison hunting, as long as they meet the following guidelines.

Different ranches may have their own criteria on bullet sizes, grains, and calibers, so it’s always best to check with the ranch owners when you’re planning and booking your hunting trip.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game put out the following criteria for weapons that are considered legal for bison hunting:

Rifles and Handguns

Your rifle or handgun must fire a minimum of a 175-grain bullet, with 2,800 ft/lb of energy at the muzzle.

Muzzleloader

A .54 caliber or larger rifle should be used. A .45 caliber rifle could be used with a 300 grain, or larger slug. Anyone hunting with a muzzle-loading rifle must also carry with them a smokeless powder rifle that meets the rifle and handguns criteria listed above.

Black Powder Cartridge Rifles

These rifles must fire 400-grain bullets or larger, loaded with a minimum of 70 grains of black powder.

Bow

Longbows, recurve bows, and compound bows are legal to use, as long as they have a peak draw weight of 50 lbs or more. Your arrows will need to be 20 inches in length, and it is advised that bowhunters keep a rifle within easy reach.

Crossbow

Crossbows must have a peak draw weight of 100 lbs. The bolts must be at least 16 inches in length, and the bolt and blade together must weigh a total of at least 300 grains.

When Is the Best Time to Hunt Bison?

For wild bison hunting, the bison hunting season usually runs from October to November, though in Alaska, it’s from February to March.

Bison hunting on ranches is available all year round.

Conclusion

It is legal to hunt wild bison in several US states, but it’s difficult to get hold of the permits to do so. It may be easier, and quicker, to book a hunt at a bison ranch. Another benefit of hunting at a ranch is that it’s available all year round, so you can decide on when and where.

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