National Bison Range
The National Bison Range is located in western Montana not far from the small town of St. Ignatius. The Range provides protection to one of the most important remaining herds of American Bison or Buffalo. The National Bison Range is home to 300 to 500 huge wooly, shaggy mammals that roam over an expanse of nearly 19,000 acres of waving grass and intermittent parks of timber. more info
Through the efforts of William Hornaday of the Smithsonian Institution, President Theodore Roosevelt and congress were persuaded to set aside lands for the preservation of the American bison. To that end, three reserves were established between 1907 and 1909 to save bison from extinction. As a part of that plan, the National Bison Range in Montana was established in 1908.
Because of its location in an area of steep hills and narrow canyons, near the southern end of Flathead Valley, the Bison Range receives only a slight coverage of snow in the winter. Areas close by may receive huge drifts of snow. But even if the area were subject to severe winters, Bison are very self-sufficient and can forage in snow by rooting.
In addition to the Bison, the National Bison Range is home to herds of whitetail and mule deer, elk, bighorn sheet, and pronghorns. You may also spot one or two Rocky Mountain goats.
You will want to start your visit at the Visitor Center. The center contains displays on the bison, its history and its habitat. If you have any questions, there are staff available to provide you with answers and also to direct you to the areas where you are most likely to see wildlife.
You can take a two hour Red Sleep Mountain self-guided drive. There is a shorter drive is you do not have two hours to spend, the Buffalo Prairie Drive. Always check at the Visitor's Center before beginning one of these self-guided tours.
You will find several picnic sites and a nature trail in the Day Use Area. Some public fishing is also allowed, but make sure that you comply with all applicable state regulations. You can also make arrangements in advance for special tours for organized groups.
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