A new approach: First non-tribal Blackfeet buffalo hunt a success

The Blackfeet Nation, tucked along the north end of the Rocky Mountain Front, has played host to a tribally managed buffalo herd for decades. 

Now in the past, the tribe has sold occasional bison hunts to individuals, but last month marked the first time a tribe in Montanan opened a raffle bison hunt to the public. In partnership with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, the Blackfeet Nation invited members of the public to enter two trophy bison hunt raffles. People could buy 20 tickets maximum at $10 apiece and the winner had to pay $2,500 to secure the spot.

Jeff Larson out of Victor was the first winner, and reporter Nora Mabie and I headed out to the Blackfeet Reservation in February to see what the hunt was all about. Nora, who covers Indigenous communities for the Lee Montana newspapers, joins me today.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Montana Untamed, hosted by Thom Bridge, covers the state's rugged landscape from hook and bullet to policy and science.