justnorth posted on September 13, 2007 15:38 :: 1476 Views
The annual auction of bison from the resident herd at Blue Mounds State Park will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, Sept. 28 at the park.
Each year the park culls a portion of the resident bison herd to keep it to a manageable size. This year approximately 21 bison will be auctioned on site. Early estimates of the bison available include approximately 14 heifers and bulls born in the spring of 2006, three or four older cows and three to four bulls. Exact numbers, sex and age of bison that will be available for auction will be available after 1 p.m. on Sept. 17, by contacting the park.
The park’s bison herd was established in 1964 when a small number of bison were introduced as an exhibition herd. Over the years, the herd has grown and been moved to more expansive areas of prairie where their presence has become an integral part of the park’s prairie management program.
Currently, the park manages about 100 head of grass-fed bison.
Bison sold at auction have been purchased as breeding stock or sold for their meat. Lower in calories and cholesterol than beef, bison meat has been growing in popularity both for its taste and nutritional value.
All animals have been inspected and a veterinarian will be on hand at the auction. Arrangements also can be made on premises for processing and delivery of bison meat.
The auction will take place near the park’s maintenance compound.
Money raised through the sale helps fund prairie and herd management projects in the park. Those interested in receiving more information about the auction should contact the park at (507) 283-1307.
Blue Mounds State Park is located in southwestern Minnesota. From the town of Luverne, go north four miles on Minnesota Highway 75. Turn east on County Road 20 and go one mile to the park entrance.
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