Wild Bison Hunting Information
Hunting wild bison in Hunt Area 2 offers a challenging and often unpredictable experience, as bison frequently reside within the protected boundaries of Grand Teton National Park for much of the season. Because hunting is prohibited within the park, success relies heavily on bison movements influenced by weather and migration onto adjacent lands like the Bridger-Teton National Forest and the National Elk Refuge. Hunters should be prepared for remote, physically demanding conditions, high grizzly bear density, and the necessity of staying informed about seasonal closures and boundary regulations to ensure a safe and legal hunt.
Before the Hunt
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Check out the Game and Fish Hunt Planner to view the bison hunt area map, drawing odds, and land status.
The Bison Harvest Comparison Chart allows you to compare harvest statistics from 2008 to 2025. The data is organized by harvest month, location (National Elk Refuge or other), and total harvests broken down by license type. Please note that Type 4 licenses were not available from 2023 to 2025.
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Type 1 (any bison) licenses: 30 licenses will be available, valid for any bison. Drawing a Type 1 license is considered a once-in-a-lifetime draw, regardless of harvest success.
Type 4 (cow/calf) licenses: This license, which was last offered in 2022, is being reintroduced. Seventy licenses will be available, valid for cows and calves only. If an applicant receives a Type 4 license, regardless of harvest success, they must wait five years before applying for another Type 4 license.
For both license types, limited alternate permits for the National Elk Refuge may be available from Jan. 2- 31 through the department's Jackson Regional Office. These permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis until the season ends, or until conditions require the start of supplemental elk feeding on the NER.
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Video #1: Hunt Overview, Maps, Access
Video #2: FAQs