Bison hunting is one of the few activities that still evokes the same nostalgia as it did at the height of its popularity in the 18th – 19th centuries. Its deep roots in American culture feature the Plains Native Americans, early settlers, European explorers, and commercial fur trappers.
The massive animals flooded the West with an estimated 15 million bison roaming across the Great Plains in the 1800s. Unfortunately, the population dramatically diminished without enough regulation keeping it healthy. Since then, the United States has implemented guidelines that helped bison herds grow throughout the country.
Today, there is a healthy and growing bison population with approximately 500,000 of them in North America. Most of these bison live on private ranches as semi-domesticated animals. Part of regulating the population through private ranching involves guided bison hunting. These conservation efforts allow the population to grow back in healthy, manageable numbers. Luckily, the benefits of bison hunting go both ways.
Hunters can enjoy hunting the magnificent animal in its natural habitat while participating in eco-friendly conservation efforts. One of the most popular spots for bison hunting is the great state of Utah. Utah maintains two bison herds with private hunting ranches helping the cause, as well.
Many of these bison roam the vast landscape of West Canyon Ranch in northern Utah. These large animals stand apart from their surrounding wildlife, including others on our private ranch like turkey, deer, and trophy bulls. But don’t be deceived. A bison’s beauty is almost as alarming as its stature. Its large size and natural instincts make bison hunting one of the biggest challenges of the sport.
The bison experts at West Canyon Ranch maintain our herd for superior genetics and overall trophy size. From mid-August to December, you can stalk and hunt these trophy bulls with most aged 6-10 years old and weighing up to 2,000 pounds.
With more than 4,000 acres of hunting grounds to explore, you’re sure to find a worthy bull. Not only do we guarantee a 100% shot opportunity, we guarantee an experience like no other.
Now that you know a little bit about bison hunting let’s discuss some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the sport.
