“And that means five more months to get out on the land and experience the Yukon winter in an exciting new way.”
While the beginning of November signals the closure of the vast majority of big game hunting in the territory, another incredible opportunity is just getting underway.
Whether you’re still looking to fill your freezer with some high-quality organic protein or just want a good excuse to get outside with your friends and family, then I have good news for you—bison hunting is now in full swing. And that means five more months to get out on the land and experience the Yukon winter in an exciting new way.
However, bison hunting season also coincides with the darkest, coldest months of the year. It presents us with a unique set of challenges and variables to grapple with and overcome. Fortunately, with some planning and preparation, this hunt isn’t as daunting as it sounds.
CHECK YOUR GEAR
One of the most important things you can do to stay safe during winter outings is to check your gear and plan ahead. The old saying—“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing”—is particularly true for those adventurous enough to explore the depths of the backcountry in search of North America’s largest (and possibly most iconic) terrestrial animal.
As you prepare for a bison hunt, it’s essential to do a comprehensive assessment of your winter gear. Cleaning and treating waterproof and down equipment ensures that your clothing system will be up to whatever curveballs Mother Nature throws your way.
Dust off the old parka and ensure that moths haven’t chewed a big hole in your insulation. If you have holes or leaks in your outer layers, use some gear tape (or Tuck tape) to patch it up. If you’re considering retiring some old winter garments, now may be a good time to invest in some new pieces. Reliable clothing is essential for bison hunting, and holiday deals are just around the corner.
I like to use Merino-wool base layers because they keep you warm, even when slightly wet from sweat, and also outperform synthetic fabrics during more static activities. While bison hunting, you’ll likely find yourself driving a snowmachine across frozen lakes, or motionlessly glassing basins and mountainsides for hours on end. It gets cold. So, dressing accordingly is paramount.
Fur hats and mitts are a great investment. With some upkeep, fur will outlast almost any other material, and buying fur also supports hard-working local trappers. Bring these “essential” items with you on every outing, regardless of the forecast. The temperature may be mild at the trailhead, but you’re likely to experience adversarial conditions while you’re out there. And nasty winter storms can sneak up on even the most experienced hunters.
Footwear will also be critical to staying focussed on the task at hand. Check your old muck boots for cracks and leaks. Mukluks can be an excellent option for deep cold, but bison hunting will often take you into wetlands, lakes covered with overflow, or across open creeks. Having footwear that is both warm and waterproof is a must for me, which is why I opt to wear military “bunny boots.” You can usually find a lightly-used pair on military-surplus websites.
Easy-to-use firestarter headlamps, with extra batteries, a solid tarp or emergency bivy, a robust first-aid kit, a GPS and a functioning two-way satellite communication device are also critical items to include in your pack. Test your survival gear before you head out the door, and make sure you know how to use it under pressure. When things go sideways during the winter months, being able to access and use this gear readily can save your life.
Whether you like to hunt with or without a machine, transportation will also significantly affect your ability to find and pursue these animals. The Aishihik Wood Bison population is notorious for venturing into the most rugged terrain their core range has to offer. So, whatever method you choose, take some time before heading out, to ensure everything is in orderly, functioning condition.
Wax your skis, treat your snowshoes, feed your dog team an extra meal, or check the components of your machine and skimmer. However you choose to do it—just buckle down and make sure your vehicle is serviced and ready to go. Take a shorter day trip (or two) to get back in the groove and shake that lazy-summer rust off. These outings will also help you acclimate to the frigid temps.
Lastly, make sure you have the freezer space to house hundreds of pounds of meat for the next year. And if you don’t, maybe think twice about whether you really need to harvest a bison this season. They are incredibly large animals and produce a lot of meat. Hunt with friends and family and, if you get lucky, be sure to share your harvest. There will be plenty to go around.
SIGHT YOUR RIFLE
Another crucial piece of the puzzle is choosing an appropriate firearm that meets all the legal requirements. Bigger calibres are usually better, but as long as it meets the minimum requirements, the most important thing is to be comfortable using your bison-hunting rifle.
Practice, practice, practice. Hit the range and sight-in your rifle, with your selected hunting ammunition, before you go out on the land. Use a lead-sled or a sandbag to “zero” your rifle from a bench.
Once you’re dialled in, do your best to practice shooting in a way that imitates a real-world hunting scenario. Shoot from multiple positions and in deeper snow. Common situations will have you standing (using a shooting stick or tripod), laying down behind your pack or shooting from a natural piece of cover like a rock or a log. It’s hard to force yourself to practice this way, but it’s going to pay off when you get the opportunity to take a clean shot at one of these spectacular animals.
Carefully select a bullet that’s constructed to ethically take down large-bodied animals. For this reason, I reach for monolithic solid-copper rounds. Although, there are also some bonded bullets that work well for thick-skinned, big-boned animals like bison. Do some reading online, talk to your friends or visit our local hunting store if you have questions about sourcing appropriate ammunition.
It’s also a really good time to learn more about bison anatomy, because it differs significantly from other ungulates like moose, caribou and sheep. The vital zone on bison appears proportionately lower due to their massive thoracic vertebrae. To make an effective shot, you may be aiming lower than you’re comfortable with if you don’t understand where their heart and lungs are situated.
Wounding loss from bad hits on bison is likely higher than it is with other ungulates, partially because they are such resilient animals, and partially because they sometimes get hit in “the hump” far above the vital zone. It’s our responsibility as hunters to ensure a clean, ethical kill. So, let’s do our part in conserving these opportunities for future generations.
When you’re practicing, it’s also a good idea to take follow-up shots, because you may need to make a few shots in order to bring down a bison. You won’t lose much meat in doing so, and it’s a good idea to “shoot until it’s down” with these animals.
Reacquiring your target can be tricky with higher-power rifles that recoil a substantial amount. Having someone to spot your shot placements can be a fantastic help. Carrying a second magazine (or extra rounds) in your pocket is also wise. You never know when you’re going to need them.
Beyond that, wait for a good shot opportunity. Broadside is always best. Quartering towards and away angles can be tricky for many shooters, under the best circumstances, and can be entirely ineffective on animals this size. Don’t take headshots. If you want to know why, just go into the Environment office and ask to see a cross-section of a bison skull. Their brain is encased in a few inches of armour-plated bone.
Always approach a downed animal from the rear, on the spine side, and use caution. Look to see if the chest is rising and falling, or if steam is coming from its breath. If you need to dispatch an animal, do so from a safe but fairly close range and put a shot into the base of the skull where it meets the spine. When you walk up to the bison, poke it in the hind quarter with your rifle, and then remain on the spine side and poke the eye to see if there is a reflex.
MENTAL PREPARATION
Like other winter pursuits, bison hunting can be mentally trying. There’s a good chance you will be tested at some point, whether it’s from getting a machine stuck, being soaking wet in overflow or having some other unforeseeable challenge to deal with. The key is not to be surprised when it does happen. Expect the unexpected and you’ll be safer for it.
Approaching every bison hunt—whether on a day trip, a weekend or a week-long mission—with a positive mental attitude makes a massive difference and often leads to a successful hunt. Be prepared to endure some hardships, but try to do it with a smile and the confidence of knowing you’re ready to tackle it with all of the planning you’ve put in.
The most successful hunters I know all seem to imbibe the same attitude: patience, positivity, and perseverance. And remember, the greatest challenges often come with the greatest rewards.
If you’re still learning how to bison hunt, I highly recommend you attend the HEED (Hunter Education and Ethics Development) bison-hunting workshop later this month. Check the Conservation Officer Services Facebook page, or contact Environment Yukon for details. This year’s clinic is shaping up to be an exciting one and I hope to see you there!
Sharing the land with bison and being able to harvest them is one of the greatest, most-unique opportunities offered to us as Yukoners. Remember to take only what you need, and use all of what you take.
Stay safe, and have fun out there! And if you ever have questions about bison hunting, feel free to contact us on social media @YukonUnguided.
