Controversial bison hunt near park returns in Montana

After a 15-year hiatus, bison hunting is back in Montana.

A 90-day bison hunt was recently approved to help thin herds migrating out of Yellowstone National Park, the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Department announced last week.

Hunting will be allowed on a total of 460,000 acres in the Gardiner and West Yellowstone areas.

Montana will hold a special drawing for 25 either-sex bison licenses for a Nov. 15-Jan. 15 season and another 25 either-sex licenses valid Jan. 16-Feb. 15.

If drawn, residents will pay $75 a tag; nonresidents $750.

Applications are due by Sept. 30. Get details on the Internet at www.fwp.mt.gov.

Public bison hunts are held in several Western states, including Alaska, Arizona, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming. In Montana, the last public bison hunt drew considerable controversy when it was held in 1990 because the targets were from the national park.