First bison hunt in 15 years held

GARDINER, Mont. -- Bison hunts in Montana once drew outrage, in part because game wardens led hunters to specific animals, which were sometimes grazing peacefully when shot at close range.

On Tuesday, after a 15-year hiatus, the hunt resumed, but under different rules meant to minimize the fault-finding.

A teenager bagged the first buffalo within 90 minutes of sunrise -- and animal-rights activists photographed the scene in quiet protest.

While state wildlife officials were out in force to deal for any run-ins with protesters, Mel Frost, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, said she knew of no confrontations.

The hunt is meant to thin the bison population near Yellowstone National Park. It resumed only after years of protests from animal-rights groups.

State and federal officials say the hunt will help manage a population that has grown to an estimated 4,900 animals, more than some fear the area can support. Some ranchers also worry that some diseased bison could spread illness to cattle.

In 2003, lawmakers opened the door to resuming bison hunts.

Wildlife officials cannot tell hunters where bison have wandered outside the park, and no more than 50 bison overall can be killed during the three-month season.