It’s tough to find a more quintessential North American experience than bison hunting. We have several packages available in many locations and multiple options. From traditional free range bison hunting, to meat hunts on private ranches. Hunting the magnificent American bison in a traditional manner is unequaled in excitement and adventure.
We also have hunts for the European bison, or “wisent,” a giant weighing up to 2,000 pounds and towering over six feet. Once close to extinction, they can now be hunted in Poland, Belarus, Lithuania, Sweden, and Russia.
BISON Hunts
Where to Hunt Bison
The North American Conservation Model worked for the American Bison. Both the Woodland and Plains subspecies are no longer endangered, and legal bison hunts now takes place in a number of states and provinces. These include: Alaska, Arizona, Montana, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming, the Crow Reservation in Montana, Mexico and Canada. If you can’t get a tag, you can also choose to hunt your bull on one of our bison hunting ranches.
- The minimum score for a Boone and Crockett bison is 115 inches.
- The Pope and Young minimum score for a bison is 100 inches.
Bison Hunting Ranches
The best bison hunting ranches maintain a quality breeding program, and are not put-and-take operations. They will feel like a free range bison hunt, with miles and miles of great, natural habitat. These are the types of ranches we strive to work with. Hunting on one of our bison hunting ranches offers the thrill and excitement of an iconic Western experience without the costs and hassles of having to draw a tag.
Why you should consider one of our bison hunting ranches:
- A great alternative to drawing a hard-to-win tag, or paying top dollar for a guided free range hunt.
- Not only are bison an icon of the American West, the meat is delicious and nutritious…and there’s A LOT of it!
- Plus, everybody wants a buffalo robe…right?!
Free Range Bison Hunting
There are only a few bison herds recognized by Boone and Crockett and Pope and Young. These two organizations only recognize the wild herds, but Super Slam and SCI accept all bison, regardless of where you hunt them.
Alaska
The odds of drawing a bison tag in Alaska are very low, but they have no point system, so you’ll have a random chance of drawing, just like everybody else. Be sure to do your homework prior to applying because many of the units are comprised almost completely of private land. Other units will have only fly-in access.
- Copper River
- Delta Junction – The Delta unit has the best access, plenty of public land, and also has the largest free range bison herd in Alaska.
- Farewell
Alberta
Arizona
Arizona has the most complicated draw process of any other state, but you can accumulate more than one point per year for your bison hunt. Draw odds for the any Arizona bison tag usually run between 1% and 10% and cow hunts run between 10% and 20%.
- House Rock Valley Herd
- Raymond Wildlife Area (closed)
- Arizona also offers a raffle tag and a Governor’s tag.
British Columbia
- Pink Mountain
Montana
- Area adjacent to Yellowstone National Park – The odds of drawing a buffalo tag in Montana are just under 1%, but there is not a point system. Montana does allow you to apply for a cow/calf tag as a second choice, but they only issue those tags if enough bison come out of Yellowstone.
- Crow Indian Reservation – If you want to avoid having to draw a tag, you can skip that process by hunting the Crow Reservation. Great bulls are taken yearly on the reservation.
South Dakota
In addition to some great privately owned bison hunting ranches, South Dakota has a point system in place for bison tags.
- Custer State Park – If you draw a trophy bull permit, you will be scheduled for a three-day hunt. For non-trophy meat hunts, bulls and cows, you will be scheduled for a one-day hunt. If you draw, you will be fully guided by Custer State Park employees for no extra charge.
The Northwest Territories
- Mackenzie Bison Sanctuary
The Yukon Territory
- Aishihik Wood Bison Herd
Utah
Utah bison hunting tags are issued through draw, raffle tags, Governor’s tags and Commissioner tags. You can apply for either a bull or cow hunt, but be prepared…if you don’t have 20 points, your chances are under 1%.
- Antelope Island – Davis County
- The Henry Mountains – Garfield, Wayne, and San Juan Counties *Possibly the best free range bison hunt in North America.
- Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation
- Book Cliffs
Wyoming
Wyoming has a random drawing for their bison tags, and you can apply for either either-sex, or a cow/calf permit. Bull hunts (either-sex) are about 1% to 2% depending on the year, but the cow/calf hunts have better odds at 15% to 20%.
- Area adjacent to Yellowstone National Park – Teton County
European Bison Hunting
The European bison, also known as the “wisent“, is a symbol of power and majesty. Weighing up to 2,000 pounds and standing over six feet tall, these colossal creatures are a sight to behold. With their striking, dark brown coats and robust physiques, they represent the epitome of natural strength and resilience.
Habitat and Conservation
European bison are native to Europe and were once on the brink of extinction due to hunting and habitat destruction. However, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, their populations have rebounded in recent years. These efforts have made it possible for enthusiasts and hunters to experience the thrill of observing and, in some cases, hunting these magnificent creatures in their natural habitats.
Where You Can Hunt the European Bison
For those who seek the thrill of a bison hunt, Europe offers a variety of locations to choose from. Poland, Belarus, Lithuania, Sweden and Russia are some of the prime destinations known for their bison populations. Each location provides a unique backdrop and experience for hunters, from dense forests to sprawling meadows.
It’s worth noting that hunting European bison is often tightly regulated and strictly controlled to ensure the species’ continued survival. Funds generated from bison hunts are frequently reinvested in conservation efforts, helping protect and expand the bison population.
The Rich Cultural Significance of Bison in European Folklore
The European bison has long been a symbol of strength and vitality in European folklore. It’s a creature intertwined with the continent’s history, and its depiction can be found in art, literature, and even on currency.
Ask About European Bison HuntingBISON Hunting Gallery
Here are a few Outdoors International clients who have sent us their pics from bison hunts over the years.
BOOK YOUR BISON HUNT
Let Us know when you’re ready to schedule a HUNTING consultation.
Bison hunting is extremely limited, especially non-trophy meat hunts are almost always fairly limited, so don’t wait to book. A buffalo bull will provide you with 600 pounds of meat or more, the USDA has gone on record stating that buffalo meat is healthier than beef.
Thousands of people have trusted Outdoors International to help plan their hunt.
We have a team of hand-selected hunting experts to help you book your next trip. Our job it is to help you in researching, booking and planning a great adventure with one of our amazing outfitter partners around the world.
My hunt was absolutely top notch.
The outfitter is a fantastic man and incredibly hard working and knowledgeable, there is no doubt he will do everything within his power to make peoples hunts successful and enjoyable. I plan to do it again with him next year for sure.
Wade Zuver
Our hunt was excellent.
We saw bucks every day along with all other sorts of wildlife. Mountain goats, bears, and foxes were common sights. Fishing and crabbing was special bonus. The food was excellent, the crew was amazing. Outdoors International did a great job of finding exactly what we were looking for.
Jesse Neveau
What an amazing experience!
The hunting lodge was out of this world!, Rooms, food and the scenery were all A+. Our guide was exceptional and had us on Shiras moose all five days. We saw over 30 total with at least 10 bulls. They had a plan for everything including taxidermy and game processing.
Kayla Redmon