Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammal
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Bovidae
- Genus
- Bison
- Species
- Bison bison
Habitat
Traditionally an inhabitant of grass prairies, but bison were also found in open forests and mountainous areas.
Diet
Bison feed almost exclusively on grasses and drink water regularly.
Behavior
Wood bison form herds of 10-50 individuals, typically led by a dominant male, and exhibit strong social bonds within groups. They are primarily diurnal, spending much of their time grazing or wallowing in mud to regulate body temperature and protect against insects. These animals migrate seasonally in search of fresh grass and water, and they can be territorial, especially males during mating season.
Hunting
Wood Bison hunting is a carefully managed conservation tool in Canada, particularly in the Northwest Territories and select areas of Alberta, where regulated harvests help maintain healthy populations and fund habitat protection programs, building on the success of the North American Model that has restored species like bison through hunter-funded initiatives. Employ spot-and-stalk methods in open prairies and forested areas, using powerful rifles such as .338 Winchester Magnum or larger for effective penetration and ethical kills, with precise shot placement targeting the vital organs behind the shoulder to ensure a quick harvest. The optimal season is fall, from September to November, when bison are more active during rutting periods, improving visibility and opportunities for mature bulls. For trophy criteria, focus on bulls with large horn spreads and impressive body mass, which can qualify for Boone & Crockett records, emphasizing animals that meet or exceed minimum scores based on skull measurements. This hunting is only available through limited draw permits or on approved Indigenous lands, demonstrating how quota systems effectively balance population growth with ecological needs, as evidenced by the species' recovery from near-extinction.
Conservation Status
The IUCN classifies the wood bison as Near Threatened, with populations slowly increasing due to conservation and reintroduction programs. Major threats include habitat loss from human development and diseases introduced from domestic cattle.