Environment

You May Be Able to Hunt Bison in Yellowstone This Winter

BILLINGS, Mont. (The Blaze/AP) — As many as 360 migrating wild bison would be shot by hunters in Montana, captured for slaughter or shipped elsewhere this winter under a proposal from Yellowstone National Park officials seeking an alternative to the indiscriminate slaughters of years past.

Documents obtained by The Associated Press show officials are considering “selective culls” to help reduce the park’s bison population from 3,700 animals to about 3,000. Some of this winter’s anticipated decrease would come from natural deaths.

Officials Consider Hunting, Relocation as an Option to Reduce Yellowstones Growing Bison PopulationPark biologists wrote in the proposal that reducing the population could avoid the need for the large-scale slaughters — more than 1,700 were killed or removed in 2008 — seen during past migrations. In harsh winters, bison leave the park in large numbers seeking food at lower elevations in Montana. But, in milder winters, less bison leave the park, meaning for this proposal to work, the park would need to be opened to hunters in area where the bison roam.

The proposal comes amid rising pressure from Montana officials including Gov. Brian Schweitzer to rein in the size of Yellowstone’s iconic bison herds. Others say the animals should roam freely — although cattle ranchers worry that could bring unwanted competition for grazing space and spread the animal disease brucellosis.

State officials said hunting was their top choice for population control. However, Schweitzer said in an interview that for the strategy to work, the park must open its borders to hunting inside portions of Yellowstone where bison often congregate in winter.

“These things have to have some give and take. The buffalo doesn’t know there the line is when it leaves the park,” said the Democratic governor. “We end up taking care of the oversupply of bison because they aren’t managing their population within the park.”

Yellowstone administrators declined an AP request to interview the biologists who wrote the proposal. Park spokesman Al Nash said it was a draft document subject to change, but hunting inside the park would not be considered.

Still, after years of public acrimony over the slaughters, Nash said the park is looking for a new and lasting approach to bison management.

“Everybody would agree that we would rather not see large culls of animals,” he said. “We’re certainly looking at something that would have to be a longer-term plan.”

More than 3,600 Yellowstone bison were removed over the last decade to prevent the spread of the disease brucellosis. That included the 2008 number, when Yellowstone’s temporary bison capture pens were overwhelmed and many animals went to slaughter without being tested for brucellosis.

The disease can cause pregnant animals to miscarry and has been eradicated nationwide except in the Yellowstone region.

Tens of millions of bison once roamed North America. Only about 20,000 wild bison remain and Yellowstone’s are considered among the most genetically pure.

A representative of northeast Montana’s Fort Peck Indian Reservation said slaughtering those prized bison does not make sense when tribes have been trying for several years to get Yellowstone bison to start new herds outside the park.

“If they want to give them to the tribes they wouldn’t have this problem,” said Fort Peck Fish and Game Warden Robert Magnum.

Park officials predict this winter’s migration will top 1,000 bison from the park’s two herds – potentially offering an early test of the culling proposal if it garners approval from other state and federal agencies.

In years without major migrations Yellowstone’s bison population grew relatively unchecked. That set the stage for yet more slaughters when the population peaked again.

“These large (bison) removals that have happened every few years are a black mark on everybody,” said Montana State Veterinarian Marty Zaluski. “We need to manage with regular, smaller removals to regulate those peaks and valleys.”

The proposal calls for 200 female bison, 50 calves and 50 yearlings from the park’s northern herd to be shot by hunters, captured for relocation, or captured for slaughter. The slaughter would focus on animals that test positive for disease exposure.

Thirty bull bison from the park’s central herd would be harvested by hunters. An additional 20 to 30 bulls from the northern herd could be removed during a late-winter hunt targeting animals that resist returning to the park.

Relocated bison could be shipped elsewhere to establish new herds, the proposal states. Such a tactic has been cast into doubt over the last few years: State and federal officials have been unable to find a permanent home for about 150 bison held in quarantine under a pilot relocation program.

Relocated bison also could be used for research purposes. The park and Department of Agriculture plan to start a study next year to determine whether chemical contraceptives could manage the bison population.

Despite Schweitzer’s reservations about any approach that lacks hunting inside the park, putting the park‘s proposal into action could be made easier by an increase in Montana’s tolerance for bison under his administration.

Schweitzer blocked a bison slaughter last year days before it was to begin with an order that barred shipment of the animals through Montana. And for the first time in decades migrating animals last winter were allowed into the vast Gardiner Basin, located just outside the park in south-central Montana.

Park County and the Park County Stockgrowers Association have challenged those changes in a lawsuit pending in state District Court. State officials said they anticipate victory in those lawsuits and plan to again allow bison into the 75,000-acre basin this winter.

Comments (123)

  • kcinco
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:22pm

    There’s plenty of open space in CO, can’t they just relocate them?

    Report Post » kcinco  
    • NoRoomForSocialismHere
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:40pm

      I thought your illegal aliens had that land covered

      Report Post »  
    • ashestoashes
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:00pm

      @KC There’s plenty of open space in CO, can’t they just relocate them?
      That’s my thought..I hate to see animals killed and these are such beautiful animals. There are so few of them that they could almost be placed on an endagered species list..They are in my opinion…stronger physically that cattle..I can’t believe that these wonderful animals used to roam the plains and that men were paid by the government to kill them to starve the Indians…they have along history…I hope the fish and game department get a clue..

      Report Post »  
    • ashestoashes
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:02pm

      ELIASIM has a point..I understand the Grizzlies are at record numbers in Yellowstone..so I am quite sure that they will keep them thinned out…they might also thin out a few hunters.

      Report Post »  
    • eagle2715
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 2:26am

      The biggest problem is brucellosis. They make a large effort here in Montana to keep the bison separated from cattle as bison still carry it and spread it to cattle. It’s not as simple as relocating them as keeping brucellosis contained is a much higher priority, especial in cattle dependent state like Montana….

      Report Post » eagle2715  
    • Tifn8r
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 8:03am

      These libs are nuts! They all talk about the beauty of nature and the harmony of living off the land and want us to go back to living like the settlers and Indians, but as soon as it turns to hunting LIKE INDIANS AND SETTLERS DID we’re brutal Neanderthals! It just proves that they don’t really have any logic in their arguments, just arguments in an attempt to limit our freedoms.

      Report Post » Tifn8r  
    • mils
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 9:21am

      We watched a round up one year…ANY…ANY buffalo that didn’t make it back to the park in time were killed…disgusting.

      The buffalo dont’ know where the boundry is located!.. if they are eager to control the population..give them some sort of birth control. OR just relocate …

      Report Post »  
    • Ruler4You
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 12:27pm

      The problem here is that humans are trying to “manage” wild animals for nostalgic reasons. I won’t hunt any where near Yellowstone. Bison have been found to spread disease among populations of wild Elk and Deer and among domesticated bovine species. When I put my tag on an animal it’s going into my freezer. Not to the land fill.

      Report Post » Ruler4You  
    • Rational Man
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 6:05pm

      mils
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 9:21am
      We watched a round up one year…ANY…ANY buffalo that didn’t make it back to the park in time were killed…disgusting.

      The ones that got shot and killed may have been the lucky ones. The reason buffalo leave the park is because there is no food left due to poor range mangement by the Park. The ones who made it back into the Park may well die a slow death by starvation. Or, in their sick and weakened condition, will be taken down by wolves or bears and eaten alive.
      I choose the quick death as opposed to the slow one myself. Besides, I like to eat them with fresh vegetables, potatoes and gravy.

      Report Post » Rational Man  
  • Colt45acp
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:21pm

    That is worth buying a new gun for. Where do I sign up?

    Report Post » Colt45acp  
    • Detroit paperboy
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 11:04pm

      We are all gonna need to hunt bison, nobody can afford groceries, how that hope and change workin out for ya ? Or was it shuck and jive ?

      Report Post »  
    • Balrog28
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 2:59am

      That was the first thing that came to my mind as well – I’m definitely researching that tomorrow morning.

      Report Post » Balrog28  
    • M82_Barrett
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 6:52am

      I already got my new rifle… I just need the signup list. Then I can make a winter coat out of the animal so I have something warm to wear when I’m protesting the 99% (… the 99% of meat that doesn’t taste this delicious!)

      Report Post »  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 8:32am

      To each his own but, how much fun is it shooting a cow? I know you have to thin herds etc. and I’m all for it but, I don’t get the thrill of it.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
  • ISeeDanger.com
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:11pm

    Ketchup!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Report Post » ISeeDanger.com  
  • mexneck
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:05pm

    Anyone have information on getting a tag? Time to get the hunt on.

    Report Post »  
  • proantisocialist
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:59pm

    i say let the native americans hunt them…

    Report Post » proantisocialist  
    • bikerr
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 8:06pm

      You do mean the Buffalo?. Right?

      Report Post »  
    • lukerw
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 8:45pm

      Agreed!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:09pm

      Uh, that’s probably not a good idea to lower the herd too much since coyotes, mountain lions, gray, and the Timber wolf is making a comeback. We are chugging right along into the Sabbath.

      Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:10pm

      Personally I have a soft spot for Native Americans.

      Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:12pm

      I hope all you Native Americans are brushing up on your Native traditional skills.

      Report Post »  
    • NoRoomForSocialismHere
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:39pm

      Well I was born here and have some very nice guns.

      Report Post »  
    • NoRoomForSocialismHere
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:43pm

      Eliasim
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:09pm

      You are not wildlife managment and they have taken care of it for decades. We shoot the coyotes and wolves as well so we help all the way around and enjoy to right of man since the begining at the same time thank you, thank you very much

      Report Post »  
    • NoRoomForSocialismHere
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:45pm

      La Nina is going to cause some heavy snow up there and will kill some too. Why dont you volunteer to take some home and keep them warm by the fireplace…bwaaah

      Report Post »  
    • SgtB
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:52pm

      @ Eliasim,

      You say that you have a soft spot for Narive Americans. Well, I’m from Oklahoma and I do not. They are allowed to have their own nations inside the borders of this nation and we pay to keep them. Often I hear Indians tell me about how they think that they had their land “stolen” away from them and that they feel as if every white person is disgraceful. I always have to then point out that I did not do any harm to them or their ancestors and that contrary to their belief, the Indians were at war with themselves over land even before the “white” man landed in America. I am sure that there WAS alot to be mad about and reason to fight from the 1400‘s to as late as the 1800’s, but today they enjoy all the comforts of western thinking and civilization and bear no cost for the society that makes that life possible for them. The Indians had not even invented the wheel when this nation was “discovered”. And to anyone who believes the story about the white man giving disease ridden blankets to indians… I want you to look up when in fact germ theory first came about and then tell me if people could have possibly known about microbial viruses or bacteria at the time of your old wives’ tale.

      I dont’ think that we should keep coddling this group of people just based on their ancestry. We shouldn‘t be paying them reperations and we shouldn’t afford them special priveleges. They should be counted as citizens. If they want to keep their culture, that is their

      Report Post » SgtB  
    • SgtB
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:57pm

      Also, my state just started building a “Native American Cultural Center” at the crossroads of I-35 and I-40. They started building the thing with taxpayer money but KNEW they did not have enough to finish the job. They assumed that the Indian nations in the state would help pay the bill for this monstrosity and now they air state funded commercials asking Oklahomans to donate to pay for a building they never wanted and have already paid to build half of.

      I don’t blame the Indians one bit for this, but rather I use it as an example of how the sentiment to treat the Indians as some sacred group is robbing the rest of the nation of its resources and rights. Also, the Indians already built a nice heritage center in southern Oklahoma near a popular vacation destination, so this thing really is a useless waste of taxpayer dollars.

      Report Post » SgtB  
    • BannedByHuffpo
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 11:04pm

      I was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, USA. Guess that makes me a “native” American.

      Report Post » BannedByHuffpo  
    • Ookspay
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 2:15pm

      @SgtB, Great points and post. Sadly the Indian catastrophe is emblamatic of a majority of Americans today; pay them to be nonproductive and they will be. Sin – Guilt – Punishment, a most destructive trilogy.

      Report Post » Ookspay  
  • Cameron
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:56pm

    My 300 win mag should be enough….

    Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 8:35pm

      Go for the heart/lungs and not the head; never for the head, a .300 will not even phase the dumb things. I want to find out how to get a bag tag for these buggers, buffalo is great.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • jlperry84
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:52pm

    where do i draw a tag

    Report Post »  
  • TH30PH1LUS
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:45pm

    Bison is good meat. Along with relocation programs (that work), hunting is a good idea.

    Report Post » TH30PH1LUS  
    • Tepeyac
      Posted on November 23, 2011 at 9:03am

      Relocate some to my back yard! Save me a trip…and it’s an easy shot from my window!

      Report Post »  
  • GideonCain
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:32pm

    Hunting licenses for overpopulated game animals to fill the freezers of tax payers? What a novel idea. We also need a trophy season on grizzly bears in the region. When I was a much younger man, it was estimated the Yellowstone area could support around 360 bears; there are now over 1,000, with sightings as far south as Lander, WY. Of course, I think liberals would prefer to see animals eating people, rather than people eating animals.

    Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:19pm

      I’m not a Liberal, but that is actually what happens during the Lord’s Sabbath. That‘s why the Bible says that hopefully when you have to flee it won’t be during the winter or the Sabbath.

      Report Post »  
    • eagle2715
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 2:24am

      The biggest problem is brucellosis. They make a large effort here in Montana to keep the bison separated from cattle as bison still carry it and spread it to cattle. It’s not as simple as relocating them as keeping brucellosis contained is a much higher priority, especial in cattle dependent state like Montana….

      Report Post » eagle2715  
    • eagle2715
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 2:26am

      Not just in the park. Places up in NW Montana could use some better management of the griz. They could sell trophy tags for $15,000 a piece and fill everyone they put out…

      Report Post » eagle2715  
    • Rational Man
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 6:16pm

      Only park rangers are allowed to shoot Grizzlies. You know that you silly man!
      You know how the government works. They would rather spend alot of money mis-managing the wildlife in their “care”. Instead of raking in the revenues from hunters, licenses, lodging and so forth. And besides, too much of that money would go in the pockets of the people of the surrounding area, improving their state economies. In short! It would just make too much sense to let you hunt them!!

      Report Post » Rational Man  
  • scout n ambush
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:24pm

    I think they should be re intaduced in their natural habitats in other states where they once roamed .Food prices are outrageous and will only get worse as things progress corn beef and milk are just a few. Why not let them populate till we can all use them for food sustanence instead of killing them off now. They can be raised like cattle but with more lbs. if nothing else, can’t be as bad as all the dumpster diving bears and wolves and coyotes they have threw out here now wild boars and rattlesnakes and there is talk of elk being brought in to re start a population might as well give us some roaming buffalo.

    Report Post » scout n ambush  
    • chicago76
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:43pm

      I do not think you realize how big and dangerous these creatures are. You would not want a herd or even one coming onto your property.

      Report Post »  
    • brickmoon
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:13pm

      Should’ve Introduced them in Zuccotti park, camps in Oakland, Portland, et al., and solved two problems at once.

      Naw, that would have been cruel to the bison.

      Report Post » brickmoon  
    • idarusskie
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 6:01am

      you ain’t never seen what one will do to your fences?

      Report Post »  
  • bikermailman
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:15pm

    I don‘t see why they don’t do like Custer State Park in South Dakota, by Mt Rushmore: Every fall, do a roundup and auction the excess off. An area can only support a certain population, healthily. I saw the roundup at Custer a couple of years ago, really neat. Was in Yellowstone in September, and they did have quite an excess….looked like Dances With Wolves.

    Report Post » bikermailman  
  • Searchingforthelight
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:15pm

    My favorite meat next to rib-eye and duck. When I was young there were bison all over Antelope Island
    on the Great Salt Lake. Eventually the government allowed them all to be killed and it saddened me because that was one thing that reminded me that the indians once roamed the plains here.

    Report Post »  
  • Dusty Trails
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:12pm

    So …. How do I get a tag?

    Report Post »  
  • banjarmon
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:11pm

    Hunting Bison….like shooting Fish in a barrel!!

    Report Post » banjarmon  
    • grayling646
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:30pm

      I’ve never shot fish in a barrel, but I don’t think it would be as easy as it sounds. If you miss once you’ll have a leak in the barrel and then what are you gonna do?

      Report Post »  
    • bikerr
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 8:04pm

      @grayling646— That’s funny!

      Report Post »  
  • V-MAN MACE
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:06pm

    The Bison is one of the most dangerous animals in North America.

    Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • eagle2715
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 2:28am

      They injure more idiot tourists in the park every year than all the other animals combined….

      Report Post » eagle2715  
    • V-MAN MACE
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 8:42am

      I believe it. That’s a large ornery animal and people are stupid.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • AmazingGrace8
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 12:00pm

      As a kid in the 50′s, our family would go 60 miles to Red Lodge, Montana and the SEE ‘UM ALIVE ZOO. At the exit, there was a mirror on the wall and a sign at the bottom of the mirror that read, “WORLD’S MOST DANGEROUS ANIMAL”. Sure left an impression on me.

      Report Post »  
  • Raging Goose
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:05pm

    Time to tune up the old Bison blaster….. Weatherby .460 mag wooooo hooooooo!

    Report Post » Raging Goose  
  • soundtracktowar
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:05pm

    Too big to carry back to the truck on a four wheeler.

    Report Post »  
    • godhatesacoward
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:29pm

      It is always wise to know how to field dress your kill.

      Report Post » godhatesacoward  
    • GideonCain
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:35pm

      Quarter the damn thing, but it will take a couple of trips; and mind the cape, it will make a nice rug.

      Report Post »  
    • eagle2715
      Posted on November 22, 2011 at 2:28am

      GIDEONCAIN, I would LOVE to have a bison rug….

      Report Post » eagle2715  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:01pm

    .
    You May Be Able to Hunt Bison in Yellowstone This Winter…….

    How did ya’ll know my Sister-in-Law was gonna be there?………….

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
  • dennybug
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 6:59pm

    It should be a no brainer let the Montana’s Fort Peck Indian Reservation start new herds as proposed and whats the problem with letting them migrate into the 75,000-acre basin ?????/

    Report Post » dennybug  
  • palerider54
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 6:56pm

    Most people do not realize that the U.S. Government slaughtered the bison almost into extinction as an effective way of starving the native Americans into submission. If bison are permitted to breed uncontrolled, they would soon ruin the beef industry.

    If they are not regulated by controlled hunting, they would soon migrate off state lands and compete with the ranchers cattle for grazing rights.

    Report Post »  
    • Goobergregory
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:09pm

      Are you kidding me?? If this was the issue, there would be no reason to hunt them. You my friend are showing your ignorance!

      Report Post » Goobergregory  
    • miljr11
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:37pm

      I thought reintroducing the wolf was supposed to help this. Another really stupid idea in itself.

      If they must be exported, start relocating herds to live wild.

      Or the best idea yet, let mother nature and locals control all the wildlife as is best for those who live there. The well thought out ideas for restoring and managong the eco-system is a joke.

      I’d love to have the hunt and ultimately, the meat.

      Report Post »  
    • hidden_lion
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 8:07pm

      The bison slaughter had nothing to do with starving the indians..the government didn’t think that far ahead, it was about greedy people looking to make a fortune on their hides. That is all it was about. The idea that they did intentionally to starve indians is propaganda.

      Report Post » hidden_lion  
  • Chuck Stein
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 6:54pm

    Maybe they can be put up for adoption (as with horses and donkeys/“burros”) and/or kept at taxpayer expense (again, as with horses) so that they don’t wind up on a plate in Paris or Tokyo (as with — of course — horses). It is working so well with horses: it only costs a little shy of 40 million dollars a year. Such a great deal for taxpayers (especially for Christians like me who do not adhere to a dietary law that proscibes the consumption of bison, horse, or donkey).

    Report Post »  
    • grayling646
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:35pm

      I agree with the horse and bison but I do occasionally enjoy a nice piece of ass.

      Report Post »  
    • arvadadan
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 10:27pm

      Bison is a kissing cousin(see Beefalo) to the beef cow, no real difference other that a lower fat content.

      Report Post » arvadadan  
  • 4X4in
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 6:54pm

    Get the Indians involded, spread the herds around. The tribes with casinos should be able to afford to help out here. And they should be glad to do it!

    Report Post »  
    • mexneck
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 9:10pm

      I didn‘t know bison were big on drinkin’ and gamblin’?

      Report Post »  
  • circleDwagons
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 6:54pm

    so are they setting up a lottery to hunt? hunting bison cool … bison steak mmmmm mountain oysters

    Report Post » circleDwagons  
  • cyclops
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 6:53pm

    Yummy…….bison steaks on my plate……..I’m signing on………LOL!!!!!!

    Report Post » cyclops  
    • 4X4in
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 6:55pm

      Sounds good huh! Side of mushrooms for me please……..

      Report Post »  
  • bikerr
    Posted on November 21, 2011 at 6:43pm

    Shouldn’t mess with mother nature.

    Report Post »  
    • chips1
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 6:50pm

      In Colorado, It’s Snow Bunny season. No permits required. No limit.

      Report Post »  
    • V-MAN MACE
      Posted on November 21, 2011 at 7:16pm

      Time for a little “Thunderbolt and Lightfoot”?

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In