CANTON, Kan. (KSNW) – The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks will hold a public auction of surplus bison.
The bison come from the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge and the Sandsage Bison Range. The public is invited and encouraged to attend the auction, which will take place at 11 a.m. on November 2, at the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge, located 6 miles north of Canton in McPherson County.
The bison refuge and range are used to preserve native Kansas bison and elk populations. However, only a certain level of population can be maintained, so surplus bison are sometimes auctioned off.
A total of 80 bison will be auctioned on November 2, including:
- 15 – Cows
- 2 – 2 year old heifers
- 7 – Yearling Heifers
- 13 – Heifers
- 12 – 2 year old bulls
- 15 – Yearling bulls
- 16 – Young bulls
Bison over a year old will be tested for brucellosis and tuberculosis and accompanied by a health certificate. Heifers over 6 months old will be vaccinated against brucellosis and certificates will be issued.
Interested bidders should arrive early to receive a bidder number. Bison must be picked up on sale day unless prior arrangements have been made with the sanctuary manager.
Assistance with loading animals will be available. It is recommended that stock racks and trailers be covered or lined as bison travel best in the dark.
Cash and personal checks (if accompanied by a notarized letter of authorization from the issuing bank) will be accepted. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks reserves the right to reject all offers.
For more information about the auction, contact Cliff Peterson, director of the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge, at (620) 628-4592 or the KDWP Region 3 office in Wichita at (316) 683-8069.
To learn more about Maxwell Wildlife Refuge, including tour information, visit their website. To learn more about the Sandsage Bison range, Click here.
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