2023-2024 Blackfeet Nation YNP Off Reservation Bison Hunt

Tribal hunters are reminded that Blackfeet aboriginal hunting rights are a tribal right, not an individual right. The Blackfeet Tribal Business Council, Blackfeet Fish and Wildlife Commission, and the Blackfeet Fish and Wildlife Department all supported the current pricing structure for Yellowstone hunting licenses and tags as the best way to fund the presence of Blackfeet game wardens in the Gardiner/West Yellowstone areas. Blackfeet game warden presence demonstrates the Blackfeet Nation’s commitment to exercise our off-reservation aboriginal hunting rights. Blackfeet game wardens are paid to assist tribal hunters with questions regarding Yellowstone National Park, Forest Service, and State of Montana regulations pertaining to Yellowstone hunting and to ensure Blackfeet participation in the Beatty Gulch hunts. Blackfeet tribal hunters must have a Yellowstone hunting license and appropriate tags in possession before hunting off-reservation.  In addition, hunters are encouraged to download and utilize the Onx Hunt cell phone application or to obtain maps for the area you are hunting to avoid problems.  Ask a State, Yellowstone NP, Forest Service, or Tribal law enforcement officer if you are unsure about area hunting closures.


All Blackfeet tribal hunters are required to thoroughly review Yellowstone hunting regulations and sign the acknowledgement form before obtaining your kill tags.  We encourage you to read the materials on every page of this website.  Remember, this is an exercise of off-reservation aboriginal hunting rights that reflects upon the Blackfeet Nation and other tribes.  Although, we will strive to have Blackfeet Game Wardens present to enforce tribal laws, any time you are on Forest Service lands you are subject to numerous special regulations related to the Yellowstone Bison hunt.  For example, tribal hunters have been cited for shooting across public roads, riding a snowmobile upon roads closed to snowmobiles, driving off established Forest Service roads, etc.  It pays to stop by the local Forest Service office to obtain accurate maps and to find out what special regulations are in place where you may be hunting to avoid problems.  Please hunt in an ethical way and abide by all Tribal, state and federal regulations governing hunting, camping, and any other activities you are engaged in while hunting in the Yellowstone area.  * March 1st Food Storage orders go into effect, which requires all gut piles to be 200 yards from any road or trail.

 

2023-24 YNP - OFF RESERVATION TRIBAL MEMBER HUNTING REGULATIONS.

Note:

  • Hunters can buy up to five (5) tags of each species (bison, elk, & deer).

  • Each tag is $20.

  • All Blackfeet tribal bison hunters must sign the Yellowstone Bison Hunting regulations Acknowledgement form indicating that they have read and are thoroughly familiar with the Yellowstone Bison Hunting orientation materials and maps provided below.

These licenses are available online or by calling the Blackfeet Fish and Wildlife Department office @406-338-7207.

 
Additional Information Hunting Essentials  

Blackfeet Nation Off Reseration Hunting Map West Yellowstone

Brucellosis Safety

Equipment, Tools, and Support

 
Food Safety

Choosing your animal

 

Hunter Safety

Shot Placement

 
Use of a spotter

After you shoot

 
Maps

If you wound a Bison

 
     
     

Useful and Helpful links.  Recommended that all tribal hunters review the below information and become familiar with the maps of the Yellowstone areas.

***Please read the Brucellosis Exposure precautions throughly***

Top