The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service is set to host a public bison auction next month at the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. This event aims to manage the bison population and ensure the herd remains healthy.
The auction will take place on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the South Bison Range corral, located along the Kentucky-Tennessee state line.
Bison Details and Auction Schedule
Approximately 30 bison will be available for auction, including:
- 3 large bulls born in 2022
- 8 yearling bulls born in 2023
- 9 yearling heifers born in 2023
- 10 bull and heifer calves born in 2024
Here’s the schedule for the auction:
- 8 a.m.: Bidder registration and animal viewing begin
- 9 a.m.: Auction starts
The animals will be sold individually to the highest bidders. Payments can be made through cash, credit card, or personal check.
Important Information for Buyers
Preliminary details about the animals, such as their age, sex, and weight, will be available after 2 p.m. on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. A final list will be ready at 8 a.m. on the day of the auction.
All animals will undergo testing for brucellosis and tuberculosis by a licensed veterinarian before the event. Certificates of Veterinary Inspection required for interstate transport will also be provided immediately after the auction.
If you plan to transport bison to another state, be aware of your state’s import regulations. Import permits for the following states will be available at the auction:
- Tennessee
- Kentucky
- Missouri
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Ohio
- Alabama
- North Carolina
If your state is not listed, call 270-924-2061 by January 28, 2025, to ensure the necessary permits are ready.
Transportation Guidelines
Given their size and temperament, bison must be transported in closed-topped trailers or vehicles. Once the bison step off the loading chute and into the buyer’s trailer, they become the buyer’s responsibility.
Buyers are required to load the animals immediately after the auction. However, for a fee of $40 per animal, arrangements can be made to load the bison on Monday, February 3, 2025, between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Auction Location
The South Bison Range corral is located on the west side of the Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway, just south of the Kentucky-Tennessee state line. It is directly across from The Homeplace 1850 historic farm, located at 4512 The Trace, Dover, Tennessee.
For more details or questions, contact Curtis Fowler at 270-924-2061 or email [email protected].
Background on Land Between the Lakes Bison
The Forest Service manages two herds of American Bison at the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. These bison have a rich history, with their bloodlines originating from:
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota (1969)
- Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge in Nebraska (1988 and 2012)
- Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota (1996)
This auction provides a unique opportunity for individuals and organizations to own and care for these remarkable animals.
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