Big Game Bison bison
Bison (Buffalo) Hunting Guide
Complete Bison (Buffalo) hunting guide. Seasons by state, hunting methods, trophy criteria, rut timing, and field care tips for bison (buffalo) hunters.
Bull Live Weight
1000–2000 lbs
Boneless Yield
42%
Scoring
Boone & Crockett
Typical Season Dates
rifle
Sep-Feb
Note: Exact dates vary by state and management unit. Always verify with your state wildlife agency before purchasing licenses.
Trophy Criteria
Boone & Crockett Minimum
115"
Where to Hunt Bison (Buffalo)
Meat Yield
| Animal | Live Weight (avg) | Bone-In Yield | Boneless Yield | Boneless lbs (avg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bull | 1500 lbs | 55% | 42% | 630 lbs |
| cow | 900 lbs | 55% | 42% | 378 lbs |
Bison (Buffalo) Hunting Tools
Other Species Guides
Bison (Buffalo) Hunting Articles & Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Bison (Buffalo) season?
Bison (Buffalo) seasons vary by state and weapon type. Typical archery season: late summer to early fall. Rifle season: Sep-Feb.
What is a trophy-class Bison (Buffalo)?
Minimum scores for the record books are: Boone & Crockett: 115 inches, Pope & Young (archery): undefined inches. These are all-time minimums — many hunters target smaller, more achievable trophy goals.
How much meat does a Bison (Buffalo) yield?
A mature bison (buffalo) bull/buck weighs 1000–2000 lbs (avg 1500 lbs) live weight. Expect 55% boneless meat yield — roughly 630 lbs of boneless meat from an average animal.
What states can I hunt Bison (Buffalo)?
Bison (Buffalo) can be hunted in: AK, MT, WY, UT, AZ. Western states like AK, MT, WY are known for their bison (buffalo) populations.
When is the Bison (Buffalo) rut?
Bison (Buffalo) rut timing varies by region and elevation. Contact your local wildlife biologist for specific timing in your hunting area.