National Bison Range closes earlier as days shorten, roadwork begins
Linda Sappington
A muley buck makes his way towards the river on the National Bison Range in Moiese.
Linda Sappington
The National Bison Range offers opportunities to view a variety of wildlife, including bison, deer, bighorn sheep, bear and antelope, above.
Linda Sappington
Bison stroll through the native grasses of the National Bison Range in Moiese.
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News from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Even though the forecast calls for the summer heat to continue, autumn is just around the corner. And as the seasons change, other changes can be expected at the National Bison Range.
One of the most noticeable changes is the shortening of days, with evening coming earlier and earlier. This is reflected in the Bison Range’s new fall hours which start today (Sept. 4). The Visitor Center will continue to be open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. but times for the scenic drives change. The Refuge will be open from 7 a.m. to dark. The actual closing time will change frequently from 8:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., as the sun sets earlier every day. Visitors will need to begin the Red Sleep Mountain Drive by 6 p.m. to be able to finish before the main gate closes at dark. This 19-mile, one-way gravel road takes about one-and-a-half to two hours to drive. The shorter West Loop and Buffalo Prairie Drives take about 20 to 30 minutes. If you are unsure about the opening or closing times of any of the scenic drives or the Visitor Center, please call (406) 644-2211 for further information.
In preparation for chip sealing its paved roads next June, the National Bison Range is planning to do some preliminary road repairs the week of Sept. 16. The Visitor Center and Red Sleep Mountain Drive will remain open throughout but visitors will need to follow the detour signs. The Day Use Area may also have restrictions during this time.
Workers will repair cracks, fill in swales, and fix holes to make the road smoother. Speed bumps will also be installed in the Day Use Area to encourage visitors to follow the 15 mph speed limit that is in effect through that area, due to the high use by families and children.
More details about detours and closures, as they are confirmed, is available by visiting the Bison Range website at www.fws.gov/refuge/national_bison_range.
Visitors should also note that Red Sleep Mountain Drive will close for about a week sometime between Oct. 2 and Oct. 9 to allow staff to move the bison herd. During this time, the Winter Drive will be open for use with no fees charged. Red Sleep Mountain Drive will reopen through the next weekend (with fees back in place) but will close completely for the season after Friday, Oct. 18. Visitor Center hours will also vary during this time frame.
With the change to fall, the days become cooler and nights turn frosty, which in turns brings on more activity among the wildlife. The elk at the Refuge begin bugling in early September and visitors can sometimes catch action between rival bulls. This is a good time to visit the National Bison Range during this season of change and take Red Sleep Mountain Drive a time or two before it closes for the winter season.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. Connect with the Service’s Mountain-Prairie Region via their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/USFWSMountainPrairie, follow tweets at http://twitter.com/USFWSMtnPrairie, download photos from their Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/51986662@N05, and watch their YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/usfws.
