Montana is a top buffalo (bison) hunting destination, and Bearpaw Outfitters' private bison ranches near Missoula offer some of the best buffalo hunting in the state. "Buffalo" is the common name, but these iconic animals are properly called bison. Hunt trophy bulls, young bulls, cows, or yearlings with a rifle, bow, pistol, muzzleloader, or sharps — every hunt is guided and guaranteed, and no license or hunter education is required.
Bearpaw Outfitters have guided hunters for nearly 50 years and hold an A+ rating at the Better Business Bureau. Many record-class buffalo have been taken on these ranches. Please see the Hunt Reviews by past hunters.
We operate on private ranches in western Montana, less than one hour from Missoula. The ranches hold buffalo of all sizes, and after the herd is located your guide will glass to find the right animal for you before making a careful approach for the shot.
Shot opportunity has been 100%. We can usually get within 30 to 100 yards or less, so practice at those distances. We guarantee an animal that meets your approval — if you do not like the animal the guide suggests, tell him before you shoot. Once you shoot, that is your animal.
Trophy bulls, young bulls, cows, and yearlings are offered. Cows and younger animals provide the most tender, best-eating meat, while old bulls have the largest horns and make the best trophies but tougher meat. Only guided hunts are offered because of the danger of hunting these giant animals.
Priced by animal — Cost Per Animal
Yearling...................$4200
2-Year-Old.............$5400
Upgraded Cow.......$5700
Upgraded Bull.......$7000
Trophy Bull 4+.......$9300
Biggest Available $13000+
No-shoot fee is only $500 if you choose not to take an animal.
Call Dale or Tara at (509) 684-6294 for questions or bookings!
We usually have buffalo of all sizes available, and many record-class bison have been taken. Yearlings and old bulls are normally the first to sell out each season. Meat-market demand drives pricing, which has trended upward in recent years, so booking early is wise.
There is no specific hunting season, but most hunts occur from September to March. The best hides are taken from December to February, when bison carry their thickest winter hair. Most hunts take a single day; larger groups may plan for two or three days.
After the herd is located, your guide glasses to find the right animal, then makes a careful approach with the vehicle to get you safely within range. Buffalo are unpredictable and have been known to charge people and vehicles, so hunters stay in or near the vehicle for safety until the animal is down.
These huge animals weigh anywhere from about 450 to nearly 2000 pounds depending on age and sex. Old bulls carry the largest horns and make impressive mounts. Buffalo hunts can easily be combined with antelope, mule deer, whitetail, or prairie dog hunting for a bigger Montana adventure.
Hunters may use any weapon they are proficient with that's large enough to bring down a bison — modern rifle, bow, pistol, muzzleloader, or sharps are all welcome. Because we usually get within 30 to 100 yards or less, practice at those close distances before your hunt.
Bison meat is very tasty at all sizes, but cows and younger bulls are more tender and are what most meat hunters choose. Older bulls taste good but the meat is tougher, so you may want to grind a greater percentage. Many hunters ask about buying meat — we will try to arrange purchase and delivery of a half or whole buffalo; just call.
Most hunts take just one day. An overnight stay at the ranch house with meals is available by prior appointment for $100 per night for one or two people, and $50 per night for each additional person. Larger groups who need two or three days should plan lodging ahead.
Taxidermy and meat processing are both available locally for a fee, or you can transport your animal home with you. Local meat processing is usually done in one or two days, so you can be on your way with your buffalo not long after the hunt.
Items Not Included: taxidermy, meat processing, any licenses needed for other animals, gratuities, and any other items not listed as being included. Bring your personal gear, snacks, and drinks.
Antelope, mule deer, whitetail, or prairie dog hunting can easily be added to your buffalo hunt. Bow, muzzleloader, sharps, large pistol, and modern rifle hunters are all welcome. Give Bearpaw Outfitters a call and we'll discuss the options and help plan your trip.
Call Dale or Tara at (509) 684-6294 to ask questions or book a hunt. Use the Hunt Application to reserve your dates. "We look forward to meeting and hunting with you!" — Dale, Tara, and The Staff.
Common questions about hunting buffalo (bison) with Bearpaw Outfitters in Montana.
No license or hunter education is required for these bison hunts, because they take place on private ranches. If you plan to hunt other animals on the same trip, ask us about the licenses needed — hunter education is required to hunt other animals if you were born after January 1, 1985.
Yes. We guarantee an animal that meets your approval. If you do not like the animal the guide suggests, tell him before you shoot — once you shoot, that is your animal. If you choose not to shoot an animal at all, you only pay a $500 fee.
Hunts are priced by the animal: yearlings are $4200, two-year-olds $5400, upgraded cows $5700, upgraded bulls $7000, trophy bulls (4+ years) $9300, and the biggest available bulls $13000 and up. Meat-market demand drives pricing, which has trended upward in recent years.
There is no specific season, but most hunts happen from September to March. The best hides come from December to February, when bison carry their thickest winter hair. Most hunts take a single day, while larger groups may plan two or three days.
You may use any weapon you are proficient with that's large enough to bring down a bison, including a modern rifle, bow, pistol, muzzleloader, or sharps. We usually get within 30 to 100 yards or less, so practice at those close distances before your hunt.
Bison weigh from about 450 to nearly 2000 pounds depending on age and sex. The meat is tasty at all sizes, but cows and younger bulls are more tender and are what most meat hunters choose. Older bulls have the largest horns for trophies but tougher meat, which many hunters grind.
We only offer guided hunts because of the danger of hunting these giant animals. Buffalo are unpredictable and have been known to charge people and vehicles, so hunters stay in or near the vehicle and follow the guide's instructions closely until the animal is down.
Many people ask about buying meat, and we will try to arrange purchase and delivery of a half or whole buffalo — just call. Antelope, mule deer, whitetail, or prairie dog hunting can also be added to your buffalo hunt for a bigger Montana adventure.
Dale and Tara look forward to you having a fun and exciting buffalo hunt!
Outfitter & Guide
Buffalo Hunts
