National Bison Range switches to winter hours

With the weather change from the heat of summer to the crisp cold of winter, wildlife behavior also changes. One no longer needs to be up at the crack of dawn to catch sight of deer or elk. Except during storms, animals will be up  and about at any time throughout the short winter days. So it is a great time to visit your favorite National Wildlife Refuge, such as the National Bison Range in Moiese.

The Refuge is open daily, from 7 a.m. to dark, which can come as early at 5 p.m. during the middle of winter. The Winter Drive provides a 10-mile round trip along a gravel road and it is open daily, weather and road conditions permitting,  of course. This route offers wildlife viewing opportunities for bison, white-tail deer, elk, pronghorn antelope and bald eagle along Mission Creek and in Alexander Basin. There are spectacular views of the Mission Mountains from the Basin. Visitors may also  take the shorter West Loop Drive and find deer, pronghorn or other wildlife. We suggest people give themselves about an hour to do the drives so they can go slowly enough to enjoy the wildlife and scenery. As the season advances, roads may become snowy and/or  icy, so use caution when driving. No fees are charged during the winter season.

Another good spot for viewing bison and sometimes elk is along the south side of the Range along Highway 93 north of Ravalli. Or, check out the southwest side along Highway 200 and look for bighorn sheep among the cliffs and rocks.

If the weather cooperates, try walking the Nature Trail located in the Day Use Area. This short, 1-mile, accessible trail is a good place to see winter birds, such as black–capped chickadees, northern flickers and Townsend’s solitaires.

If you are interested in birds, spend a little extra time and drive north along Highway 212 to Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge. When there is open water in the reservoir, this is an excellent place to see geese and other waterfowl.  Also look for rough-legged hawks, birds which choose to winter in the Mission Valley. Please remember, for your safety and the protection of wildlife, walking away from your vehicle  is prohibited on these National Wildlife Refuges except for the designated areas.

Visitor Center hours at the National Bison Range are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. weekdays. Stop by to view the displays and watch the 15-minute video. Staff will be available to answer questions and direct you to the drives, trails and  activities. And the Christmas Book Sale will be held the entire month of December. All items will be 25% off regular price at the Glacier Association bookstore. Although the drives are open daily, the Center is closed weekends and holidays. And during the  holidays, the Visitor Center will be closed for Thanksgiving (Thursday and Friday, November 26 and 27), Christmas (Friday, December 25) and New Year’s Day (Friday, January 1). Please call 406/644-2211 for up-to-date information, road conditions and Visitor  Center hours.

So, take advantage of those short but nice winter days - or even the not-so-nice days - by visiting the National Bison Range. The wildlife is waiting.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information,  visit the National Bison Range web site at http://bisonrange.fws.gov or the Service home page at www.fws.gov.