The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission approved today a new 90-day hunting season for bison in southwestern Montana.

The commission authorized the sale of 25 either-sex bison licenses for use between Nov. 15 and Jan. 15, 2006; and 25 either-sex licenses for use between Jan. 16, 2006 and Feb. 15, 2006. In accordance with a new state law, a total of 16 of the licenses will be allotted to Montana’s Indian Tribes. A total of 10 licenses will be awarded to the hunters drawn for last season’s proposed hunt, which was canceled by commissioners who were committed to ensuring fair chase circumstances by expanding the duration of the hunt and the area open to hunting.

The licenses will be valid on private lands with landowner permission, and on those public lands specifically defined as bison areas outside the northern and western boundaries of Yellowstone National Park.     

Bison hunting licenses for the 2005 season will be offered through a special drawing set for October.

How to apply

* Hunters may apply online at fwp.mt.gov, at any FWP office, or through the mail.  

* All applications must be received by Friday, Sept. 30, by FWP’s Special Licensing, Helena.   Applications will not be accepted after Friday, Sept. 30.  

* Applicants must have a valid 2005 conservation license.

* A $3 nonrefundable drawing fee must accompany the application.   Nonresidents must submit a cashier’s check or money order.

  Applications and Regulations  

* Applications and regulations will be available at noon Friday via the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov, and from most FWP offices.

* Printed copies of the applications and regulations will be available Monday, Sept. 12 from most license providers.

Drawing Results

* The drawing is scheduled for the first week in October.

* Successful applicants will be notified by phone.

* Drawing results will also be available via FWP’s web site.

License Purchase

FWP will provide each successful applicant with license-purchase information. The bison license cost is $75 for residents and $750 for nonresidents. Hunters must purchase their l icense before they hunt.

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