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Land Between The Lakes Bison Auction Set
GOLDEN POND, KY - Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area has scheduled the annual Bison Auction for Saturday, January 30, 2010.
The Forest Service manages two herds of American bison at LBL. These herds have been established from only three source herds: Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota (1969), Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge in Nebraska (1988), and Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota (1996). Due to annual reproduction, there is a need to remove surplus bison from these herds. Thinning of the herd is necessary to sustain optimal habitat conditions and animal health.
A bison auction will occur at two locations. The first portion of the sale will begin at 9am at the Elk & Bison Prairie (EBP) corral, with previewing and registration beginning at 8am. Bison at the South Bison Range (SBR) will be auctioned at the SBR corral immediately following the EBP auction. If weather prohibits an outdoor auction, the auction will be held at the Administrative Office, located near Highway 68/80 and The Trace. Participants are responsible for their own transportation between sites. Bid packages and viewing will be available the morning of the auction.
Approximately 35 bison will be sold at this year's auction. These will include approximately 3 adult cows (born 1993-2002), 12 yearling heifers and 1 yearling bull (born 2008), 4 bulls (born 2007), and a mix of 15 bull and heifer calves. All cows for sale have produced calves. Past calf production for each cow can be provided as far back as 2004.
Bison must be paid for in full on the day of the auction. All animals will be tested for TB and Brucellosis, and certified by a licensed veterinarian. Buyers have the option of vaccinating bison prior to loading by an on-site veterinarian for the following: leptospirosis, blackleg, pinkeye, respiratory viruses, and worms. The buyer will be required to pay the cost of these vaccinations. Specific details on the age, sex, and weight of all animals to be sold may be obtained after January 26, 2010, by calling 270-924-2065.
Most buyers should load their bison on the day of the auction; however, those purchasing 4 or fewer bison may pick them up the following Monday morning. A $20 service fee per animal will be charged for this service, and all pickups must be arranged on the day of the auction. Bison will not be loaded into open-topped trailers or other open-topped vehicles. Trailers with sliding rear doors are preferred over hinged doors for loading. The Forest Service will assist the buyer in loading their bison, but once bison step off the loading chute and into the buyer's trailer, they become the property of the buyer and the Forest Service assumes no further responsibility for the animals.
For additional information regarding the bison herd, contact Curtis Fowler at 270-924-2061. Contact Margie Mitchell at 270-924-2005 or Lisa Neamon-Wilson at 270-924-2178 for information regarding sale or payment.
Land Between The Lakes is managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, in partnership with "Friends of LBL", to provide public lands outdoor recreation and environmental education. LBL information and maps are available on our website at www.lbl.org or by calling 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000. We encourage visitors to review our website each season, and throughout the season, for our Calendar of Events, updates on programs and policies, and temporary trail and road closures. You can find out more about "Friends of LBL" at www.friendsoflbl.org.
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Media Contact: 270-924-2000
(January 13, 2010)