HELENA – Opportunities for guided bison and elk hunts on the Blackfeet Reservation are available through a lottery system. The lottery is a way FWP partners with the Blackfeet Tribe to demonstrate a shared commitment to managing fish and wildlife across the state and to facilitate hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities.

The lottery is open to all hunters – tribal members, nonmembers, Montana residents and nonresidents.

Bison

For bison, there are three opportunities to enter the lottery. Sales are open now and the deadline to enter the first lottery is Oct. 27; the drawing is on Oct. 28. The second lottery opens Oct. 28 and closes on Nov. 24, with the drawing on Nov. 25. The third lottery opens Nov. 25 and closes Dec. 22, with the drawing on Dec. 23. Bison season is open from Nov. 15 to Feb. 15, 2025.

Chances are $10 each, and hunters can purchase up to 20 chances. At least 400 bison chances need to be sold or the winner pays $500. Successful hunters can keep the bison’s head, hide and meat.

Elk

There is only one opportunity to enter the elk hunt lottery; the lottery is open now and the deadline is Oct. 20. The drawing takes place on Oct. 21. Elk season is open from Oct. 12 to Dec. 15.

Chances are $10 each, and hunters can purchase up to 20 chances. At least 1,200 elk chances need to be sold or the winner pays $2,500.

To enter any of the drawings, go to fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply. Lottery opportunities can also be purchased at a license provider or an FWP office. For more information, contact the Blackfeet Fish and Game office at 406-338-7207.