Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribes
Off-Reservation Bison Hunt Regs & Maps
Regulations
Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes
Off-Reservation Wild Bison Hunting Regulations
Members may engage in wild bison hunting on open and unclaimed lands, and other lands as provided by agreement with the State of Montana, off of the Flathead Indian Reservation subject to the following conditions:
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Gardiner Bison Hunt Restriction for 2021-22 Hunt Season
BEATTIE GULCH SPECIAL PERMIT HUNT AREA
2018 to 2019 Season
Gardiner Bison Hunt Restriction for 2021-22 Hunt Season
(Note: These Rules do not apply for hunting all of the Gardiner Basin, these rules Only apply for hunting within the Beattie Gulch Special Management Area)
Due to continued hunter and public safety concerns for hunter activity in Beattie Gulch, the MOU hunt agencies have agreed to manage their hunters to improve safety in the Beattie Gulch site with 5 hunters per agency each day or hunt period. Each participating government will be required to have a game warden present each day that they have their 5 hunters at the Beattie Gulch Special Permit Hunt Area and the warden will be acting as the lead person to direct their hunter's activity and to coordinate with the other wardens/tribal hunters each day they hunt.
The selection process for CSKT hunters to be authorized for the special management hunt area will be conducted as follows:
- default_titleCSKT Hunters are Not allowed to hunt the Beattie Gulch area, unless a game warden is present. However, CSKT hunters are allowed to hunt in other areas within the Gardiner Basin without CSKT game wardens present.
- default_titleAll CSKT hunters that have been issued their 2021-2022 Bison Permit will be eligible to apply for a Beattie Gulch Bison Hunt. If you are interested in signing up to hunt Beattie Gulch, contact the Permit office at (406)883-2888 ext. 7200. A drawing for the 5 hunters/day will be conducted on the first Thursday in November and names will be selected to fill designated hunt days. Hunt days can occur anytime bison are present in the Beattie Gulch area starting in November, until the end of our season, which ends January 31st.
- default_titleDuring the hunt season, If selected hunters do not show up to the Beattie Gulch trail head parking area at 7 am on the day of their drawn hunt, the CSKT warden may select an alternate hunter from available hunters in the field that day. We will not hold your spot! The alternate hunters will be selected on site (Beattie Gulch Trailhead) on a first come basis, starting at 7 am the day of each scheduled hunt day by the CSKT warden on duty for the hunt.
- default_titleCSKT hunters must sign up each year, if they are interested in hunting Beattie Gulch. They will be limited to one day each until all applicants have also drawn at least one day. Once all entered hunters have one draw, hunters would then be eligible for a second hunt authorization day with the same process as the first drawing. Hunters may also put in for a non-scheduled hunt day draw that would occur only when bison are known to be available to hunt in Beattie Gulch and there is a warden available for hunt day. On those days, five hunters would be drawn and contacted on the immediate availability of bison that day or for the next day as planned by the respective hunters.
- default_titleIf the CSKT warden has to leave the special hunt area during an active hunt, all Beattie Gulch special hunt area hunters will receive general direction from other participating agency game wardens in the absence of the CSKT warden.
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National Park Service Regulations
With the opening of hunting seasons on lands surrounding Yellowstone National Park, hunters are reminded that hunting is not permitted within the park. Though most of the park boundary is well marked, it is the responsibility of the hunters to ensure they do not hunt within the park.
The Lacey Act and the Code of Federal Regulations strictly prohibit the killing or removal of any animal, living or dead, from inside Yellowstone. This includes animals shot legally outside the park that cross into and die within the park boundary. Taking and removing any animal parts, including shed antlers, is also prohibited.
Federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state and local laws, to legally possess and carry firearms in Yellowstone National Park, though discharge of firearms remains prohibited. The carry or use of other weapons such as bows, swords, and pellet or BB guns is prohibited. Additional details are available at www.nps.gov/yell/parkmgmt/lawsandpolicies.htm.
Continuing this year is a restriction on the transport of heads and spinal cords of deer, elk or moose that were taken in states known to have chronic wasting disease in wildlife. Complete details can be found on page 16 of the 2010 Superintendent’s Compendium, which is available at www.nps.gov/yell/parkmgmt/upload/2012_compendium.pdf.
Game animal carcasses or parts may be transported through Yellowstone by motor vehicle on park roads only if they are covered or stored out of sight, accompanied by a transport permit from the National Park Service, and are bearing a valid state tag as evidence that the animal was taken legally outside of the park.
Transport permits must be secured before entering the park and can be obtained at any park entrance station or by calling 307-344-7381 and arranging to meet with a park ranger.
Game animals cannot be transported on backcountry trails or stored overnight anywhere in the park, including campgrounds, parking lots or at concession facilities. Stock users are reminded that proof of a current, negative Coggins test is required for all horses and mules being transported into or through the park.
Visitors or hunters who observe illegal hunting activity within the park should call the Park Service tip line at 307-344-2132. In some cases a cash reward is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone illegally using firearms in the park or illegally killing or transporting wildlife in the park.
Maps
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Food Storage
Food Storage
Occupancy and Use Order# 01-14-11-00-02
United States Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service
Custer Gallatin National Forest
Beartooth, Bozeman, Gardiner, Hebgen Lake, and Yellowstone Ranger Districts
OCCUPANCY AND USE RESTRICTIONS
Pursuant to Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), 261.50 (a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited on the Beartooth, Bozeman, Gardiner, Hebgen Lake, and Yellowstone Ranger Districts of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. Definitions of terms used in support of the restrictions are also included as (Attachment A). The area affected is depicted on the attached map (Attachment B). This Order is effective March 1 through December 1, annually, until rescinded.
- Possessing or storing any food, refuse or other attractant, as specified in the Order (36 CFR 261.58 (cc).
- Possessing, storing, or transporting any bird, fish, or other animal, or parts thereof, as specified in the Order (36 CFR 261.58 (s).
- Camping as specified in the Order (36 CFR 261.58 (e).
UNDER THIS ORDER IT IS REQUIRED THAT
- All food, refuse or other attractants must be acceptably stored or acceptably possessed during daytime hours.
- All food, refuse or other attractants must be acceptably stored during nighttime hours, unless it is being prepared for eating, being eaten, being transported, or being prepared for acceptable storage.
- Any harvested animal carcass must be acceptably stored, unless the carcass is being field dressed, transported, being prepared for eating, or being prepared for acceptable storage.
- Camping or sleeping areas must be established at least 1/2 mile from a known animal carcass or at least 100 yards from a known acceptably stored animal carcass.
- The responsible party shall report the death and location of livestock to a Forest Service official within 24 hours of discovery. Any Forest user finding dead livestock should contact the Forest Service.
- Burnable attractants that cannot be completely consumed by fire (i.e., no post burning residue) must be packed out.
Exemptions
Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50 ( e) the following persons are exempt from this Order:
- Persons with a permit issued by the Forest Supervisor specifically exempting them from this order
- Any Federal or State officer placing baits to capture animals for research or management purposes as part of their official duties.
Done this day 19th of September, 2014.
Mary C. Erickson
Forest Supervisor
Custer Gallatin National Forest
Any violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000.00 for an individual or $10,000.00 for an organization, and/or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both (Title 16 USC 551, Title 18 USC 3571 (b)(6), Title 18 USC 3581 (b)(7)).
Exhibit A
Special Order—Food Storage and Sanitation
Definitions
1. “Food, refuse and other attractants” means any substance, solid or liquid or refuse (excluding water, baled hay, or hay cubes without additives), which is or may be eaten or otherwise taken into the body to sustain health or life, provide energy, or promote growth of any person or animal. Also includes items such as soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, canned foods, pet foods, processed livestock feed and grains, personal hygiene products, and empty food and beverage containers.
2. “Animal carcass” means the dead body or parts thereof, of any harvested mammal, bird, or fish, including the head or skull plate with antlers or horns and hide or cape of big game animals and any domestic livestock that may be found in the restricted area. Packaged or prepared animal carcass products transported into the restricted area for consumption, game birds, small mammals, or fish harvested for consumption in the restricted area are considered food under the previous definition.
3. “Burnable attractants” include items such as food leftovers, waste products, food grease or residue, food saturated containers or other substances that will not be completely consumed by fire. To be completely consumed, there must be no residual attractant on the surface or in the soil. These items shall not be buried, discarded or burned in an open campfire, unless placed in a suitable container (i.e. tin can or fire pan) to prevent leaching into the ground, and burned over an open campfire. Any remaining attractants unconsumed by burning shall be placed with other garbage, acceptably stored and packed out.
4. “Acceptably stored” means:
- Stored in bear-resistant container certified through the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee Courtesy Inspection Program.
Stored in a closed vehicle where the storage compartment is constructed of solid, non-pliable material that, when secured, will have no openings, hinges, lids, or coverings that would allow a bear to gain entry by breaking, bending, tearing, biting, or pulling with its claws (any windows in the vehicle must be closed), or
Suspended at least 10 feet clear of the ground at all points and 4 feet horizontally from any supporting tree or pole, or
Stored within a hard-sided residence, building, or storage container subject to the terms and conditions of a special-use authorization or operating plan, or
Stored by other methods approved in a permit issued by the Forest Supervisor responsible for the area where the method is proposed for use.
Animal carcasses must be acceptably stored (a. through e. above) when located 100 yards to ½ mile of a camping or sleeping area or within 200 yards of a National Forest System Trail.
Animal carcasses more that 1/2 mile from a camping area and more than 200 yards from a Forest Road or Trail may be left on the ground.
Animal carcasses killed or harvested (and parts thereof) within ½ mile of any established camping area or sleeping area must be acceptably stored, possessed, or moved to a distance beyond ½ mile from any such camp or sleeping area by the party(-ies) responsible for killing or harvesting such mammal.
5. “Acceptably possessed” means:
- Possessed or attended during daytime by a person(s) that is physically present within 100 feet and direct sight of the accessible food, refuse or attractant or
Possessed or attended by such a person(s) for the purpose of field dressing lawfully taken animal carcasses, transporting any food or animal carcass, preparing any animal carcass or food for eating, or eating any food.
6. “Camping/sleeping area” means National Forest System Lands temporarily used for the purpose of overnight occupancy without a permanently fixed structure or lands temporarily occupied by unattended camping equipment.
7. “Daytime” means ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset, Mountain Time.
8. “Night time” means ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise, Mountain Time.
9. "Forest Road or Trail" means a road or trail wholly or partly within, or adjacent to and serving the National Forest System that the Forest Service determines is necessary for the protection, administration, and utilization of the National Forest System and the use and development of its resources.
Management
Winter Operation 2021-2022
Total Bison Removed from the population: 834 Bison
Total Harvested: 284 Bison
Total Transferred to Slaughter Facilities: 442 Bison
Total Transferred to Quarantine Facilities: 105 Bison
(Including: 1 pen mortality & 2 management removals)
NPS Winter Operations Goals:
1. Stabilize Bison Population
• Current Yellowstone population is estimated around 4,600 bison.
• Remove 600-900 bison during the 2019-2020 season, focusing on removal within the northern Gardiner herd.
2. Balance Hunts & Capture (Lessons Learned)
Need for coordination and communication between trap/hunt parties
• Harvest reporting should be in a timely manner by All hunt agencies
• Daily & weekly monitoring of bison and hunters should occur
Addressing Hunt/Trap conflicts
• Hunt/Trap calls
• Better on-the-ground coordination
Met Common interests
• Removal Objectives, limiting bison numbers in conservation areas, supporting Tribal hunting and providing animals to the quarantine program
Address the Narrow window for capturing bison
3. Quarantine
• Enter approximately 110 bison into quarantine program
4. Conservations Zones
• Exploration and use of the out-of-park conservation zones
• Hazing and lethal removal to limit use beyond conservation zones
• Bison should be removed selectively to retain the current age and sex structure.
• Population management actions during winter 2018-2019 should focus on the northern herd. To focus on the northern herd, we recommend all state and tribal harvests and captures of bison occur in the northern management area.
• When the number of bison north of Mammoth Hot Springs exceeds 200, the National Park Service may initiate capture of bison at the Stephen’s Creek facility. Some bison will be allowed to pass by the facility to provide treaty and state hunting opportunities.
Latest Update as of 9-15-21
Yellowstone Bison Hunt
September 2021 through January 2022
Updates, Reminders and Revised Regulations
This is a Treaty Hunt and bad choices made by individuals and their actions can jeopardize our Treaty Rights and the bison hunt for other Tribes and the State as well. During the past bison hunt seasons, numerous incidents and violations have occurred with hunters. Be advised that the Crow Tribe will now start hunting, making your awareness more critical. Please carefully review these main regulations and updates:
- default_titleAny hunter convicted of violating any CSKT Tribal or Federal law, when engaged in the Yellowstone Bison Hunt, will lose their respective bison hunting privileges for a minimum of one year and may be revoked for additional years depending upon the violation. Additionally, no hunter shall be eligible for a permit for the bison hunt season until all outstanding citations for violations of prior Yellowstone Bison Hunts have been resolved, including fulfillment of all sanctions imposed upon the hunter by the Tribal Court and/or Tribal Council.
- default_titleThis is a Bison targeted hunt, please refrain from taking other species near the Park, especially Moose or Elk (State has limited or closed most of it’s hunting of Moose near the Park due to extreme low numbers).
- default_titleTribal Council authorized two hunt permits per hunter if needed, but you must have the capacity to care for what you harvest or you will lose that privilege.
- default_titlePlease harvest bull bison only in West Yellowstone.
- default_titleYou can only hunt on Forest Service property, know your hunt location and Forest Service use regulations for motorized use (off-roading, snowmobiling & ATVs): Forest Service enforces a 150 yard no shooting zone surrounding any developed facilities or sites and a safe food storage standards in bear country (no gut piles within 200 yards of roads and facilities until December 1st).
- default_titleForest Service closed lands east of highway 191 and north the town of West Yellowstone to all shooting and other lands above the town of Gardiner and the road side buffer zone at Beattie Gulch have no shooting restrictions.
- default_titleDo not leave a downed bison unattended or leave gut plies on or next to open roads (cut stomach (rumen) open when departing to spread/lower gut pile). There is a small 200 yard clean and no shooting zone area (no gut piles) from the Yellowstone Trail Road east into Beattie Gulch area.
- default_titleIt is illegal to snowmobile without a groomed trail permit and on public roads open to wheeled (cars) traffic, other than in the town site of West Yellowstone.
- default_titleCooperate with all law enforcement officers, stop at hunter checkpoints, and help other hunters in the field when possible.
- default_titleAll Gardiner Basin hunters need to know the Beattie Gulch Special Permit Hunt Area and regulations (map and special rules are posted on area kiosk).
- default_titleCall our Fish, Wildlife, Recreation and Conservation Office (883-2888, ext. 7299) for updates before you go and after harvesting a bison, the hunt report card must be turned into the office within 7 days.
- default_titleThe world is always watching you, act accordingly. Non-CSKT members must be clear of you while you are engaged in the taking (shooting) of a Bison.
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Gardiner Bison Hunt Restriction for 2021-22 Hunt Season
BEATTIE GULCH SPECIAL PERMIT HUNT AREA
2018 to 2019 Season
Gardiner Bison Hunt Restriction for 2021-22 Hunt Season
(Note: These Rules do not apply for hunting all of the Gardiner Basin, these rules Only apply for hunting within the Beattie Gulch Special Management Area)
Due to continued hunter and public safety concerns for hunter activity in Beattie Gulch, the MOU hunt agencies have agreed to manage their hunters to improve safety in the Beattie Gulch site with 5 hunters per agency each day or hunt period. Each participating government will be required to have a game warden present each day that they have their 5 hunters at the Beattie Gulch Special Permit Hunt Area and the warden will be acting as the lead person to direct their hunter's activity and to coordinate with the other wardens/tribal hunters each day they hunt.
The selection process for CSKT hunters to be authorized for the special management hunt area will be conducted as follows:
- default_titleCSKT Hunters are Not allowed to hunt the Beattie Gulch area, unless a game warden is present. However, CSKT hunters are allowed to hunt in other areas within the Gardiner Basin without CSKT game wardens present.
- default_titleAll CSKT hunters that have been issued their 2020-2021 Bison Permit will be eligible to apply for a Beattie Gulch Bison Hunt. If you are interested in signing up to hunt Beattie Gulch, contact the Permit office at (406)883-2888 ext. 7200. A drawing for the 5 hunters/day will be conducted on the first Thursday in November and names will be selected to fill designated hunt days. Hunt days can occur anytime bison are present in the Beattie Gulch area starting in November, until the end of our season, which ends January 31st.
- default_titleDuring the hunt season, If selected hunters do not show up to the Beattie Gulch trail head parking area at 7 am on the day of their drawn hunt, the CSKT warden may select an alternate hunter from available hunters in the field that day. We will not hold your spot! The alternate hunters will be selected on site (Beattie Gulch Trailhead) on a first come basis, starting at 7 am the day of each scheduled hunt day by the CSKT warden on duty for the hunt.
- default_titleCSKT hunters must sign up each year, if they are interested in hunting Beattie Gulch. They will be limited to one day each until all applicants have also drawn at least one day. Once all entered hunters have one draw, hunters would then be eligible for a second hunt authorization day with the same process as the first drawing. Hunters may also put in for a non-scheduled hunt day draw that would occur only when bison are known to be available to hunt in Beattie Gulch and there is a warden available for hunt day. On those days, five hunters would be drawn and contacted on the immediate availability of bison that day or for the next day as planned by the respective hunters.
- default_titleIf the CSKT warden has to leave the special hunt area during an active hunt, all Beattie Gulch special hunt area hunters will receive general direction from other participating agency game wardens in the absence of the CSKT warden.
- Show More
Common Hunt Protocols for Beattie Gulch
