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The bison herd in 71,000-acre (288-sq-km) Custer State Park, Black Hills, S.D., are rounded up (except the bulls; too dangerous) each year to brand (S on LS), vaccinate, preg check and to cull about 200 head, which are sold at auction. In 1914, some 36 bison were purchased to start the herd. In less than 30 years, the herd had grown to over 2,500 and were overgrazing the park. Today the herd is maintained at 1,300 head and the Buffalo Roundup is part of the management plan to maintain a healthy balance between the number of bison and the available forage.
The Park’s 50th annual roundup goes the end of September. Photo courtesy Custer State Park.

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