Ian,

On day two of my "free range" Bison hunt we found the hurd and put on a sneak. To my surprise as I crawled around a cedar rather than the anticipated 40 yard broadside shot I found myself face to face with nice bull at 20 yards. We found the 300 H&H Partition (perfect mushroom) in the rear after travelling the length of the bull, taking out his heart on the way. As with the other reports he stood for what seemed forever, so I dropped him with a second round. Finding myself just 20 yards away, I was very happy to have the 375.
Take care

The Same things that killed Bison 130 years ago do so today. One of the things that the History books fail to mention, Bovine Cattle Blue Tongue. That still kills off Deer Elk and Bison every now and again in Wyoming. As for cartridge to use, I would go with your 375. In Africa Rinterpest, did a job on game populations in the 1890's. It was a different time, and yes you could say it was stupid, but the hides were used to make the belts that drove the Industrial Revolution. All told it lasted from the End of the Civil War to around 1890. It was a hard way to make a living. But one thing about the Old Bison hunters, they could shoot. Now there is CWD in some Deer herds. Its always going to be something. I can tell you those wood land bison are huge.

I have killed one bison with a .44 magnum handgun. Distance was around 75 yards. Six shots behind the shoulder. The bull stayed on his feet around 30 seconds and then dropped. I used some hot loaded Hornady 300 grain xtp bullets. Half penetrated completely and half were found under the skin on the offside. It takes a while for the shock to affect them but your 30-06 should do fine.

As a clarification, I made it a point not to judge the "off topic" folks one way or the other. The 4 "Did Not Address The Question" folks simply danced around the subject (on topic) without ever giving a definitive "30-06 a thumbs up or down" response.



With that said, your 375HH is a heart warming cartridge especially for bigger stuff here in NA. It is a favorite of mine for elk --- just seems like things end right there, even if its not perfect --- no walking, no tracking, just start quartering.



A free ranging bison hunt, on foot, and away from the truck strikes me as a good place to "temper one's steel" a little bit in a semi-dangerous game hunting environment. Travel cost is low and hunt prices are reasonable, plus a LOT of quality meat that can be taken home. An attractive hunt and arguably a good building block.



BTW, I agree, taking a back up rifle on all but the shortest of hunting trips is a sound idea.



Good Luck and Good Hunting,

EKM

IanF,



Thread has sidelined a bit....

Quote:

---

I am quite content with the idea of using a 30'06 with heavy, tough bullets for the Moose and all else....

would you be happy to use this calibre on North American Bison?

---

Per the respondants,



6 - No, use something bigger

4 - Did not directly address the question

2 - Yes, use the '06



Do you have a bison hunt planned and has this discussion had any impact on your choice of firearms for the hunt?



Good Luck and Good Hunting,

EKM

ELKampMaster...

As you mentioned - bitching between the girls aside - I have been greatful for the input as always.

Yes - have a hunt in the formative stages - Im not in a position to give you too much info at this time, other than my initial comments. Its looking as though it could be a beaut!

As to the calibre, well, dropping the animal swiftly could well be an important issue due to geography. I guess my lovely .375HH is gonna come out to play again!

The only reason I was looking at the '06 in preference, was due to it's stainless/synth construction striking me as more appropriate to winter hunting. Having said that - there is nothing to stop me taking both - best of both worlds!

Don't you love having these problems?

Rgds Ian