In our March report, we mentioned that the Blackfeet tribe recently announced that they would continue to hunt bull buffalo through the month of May in the Hebgen Basin. They have. The Shoshone-Bannock also continue to hunt, typically year-round as opportunity arises. Though, we’d be hard pressed to call either of the events that took place “hunts.”
Bull Wasted
Earlier this month, we were alerted by our friend and Horse Butte resident, who wants to remain anonymous, that a bull buffalo had been killed by Blackfeet hunters. This bull was sorely disrespected. The so-called hunters took his head, his back straps, and hindquarters and left the rest of him to rot. Local authorities were contacted, but the remains of the bull were taken to the local dump. She was able to document the gruesome scene and we share that with you here.
The image should speak for itself, but anyone who claims the buffalo to be a relative could not call this anything but a tragedy. It is also illegal to leave such waste. What a sad, sorry fate for this once-mighty bull. The so-called hunters should be hanging their heads in shame. We stand with our friend in pressing this issue until there is justice for this bull, and consequences for these killers.
Bull Illegally Killed in Horse Butte Eagle Closure
More recently, another shocking event took place when hunters from the Shoshone-Bannock tribe killed a bull buffalo inside an area that is closed to protect bald eagles. Signs are posted everywhere making it very clear it is forbidden for humans to enter the area from December 1 through August 1. This bull should have been safe. The bald eagles — who are nesting right now – should also have been safe.
Luckily our supporter was there to document. Her footage shows the blatant disregard of native hunters killing a sacred buffalo in a supposed sanctuary for sacred eagles. Her images are below.
Our friend contacted Roam Free Nation immediately. We did our best to support her. She contacted the local Forest Service Law Enforcement Office. She contacted the local game warden. She contacted the Gallatin County sheriff. She contacted Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks’ (FWP) Bozeman office, where she was finally heard. FWP Warden Sergeant Matt Wemple answered her call and came to the scene. A knife was left at the kill site, which he – having expressed being very concerned – kept as evidence. Other area residents were able to document the violation with high-powered equipment and are sharing their images with him.
The investigations are ongoing and aim to determine if the first bull was killed and left in an illegal manner; and to confirm if the other bull was killed in a restricted area, which would make it an illegal hunt. Several neighbors are becoming very concerned for the safety of themselves, their children, and their companion animals due to the shooting of high-powered rifles so close to residential areas and trails where folks recreate. These hunts – the gut piles and wasted meat – could also create human-grizzly conflicts, which never end well for the endangered bears.
The Gallatin National Forest Law Enforcement Officer is now in charge of the investigation(s). Please consider contacting the Gallatin National Forest Hebgen Lake Ranger District office at (406) 823-6961 and encourage them to see this through until justice is served!