(GOLDEN POND, Ky.) — The U.S. Forest Service will auction approximately 30 bison next week as part of its annual herd management efforts at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.
The public auction is scheduled for Jan. 17 at 9 a.m. at the Elk & Bison Prairie corral, with bidder registration and animal viewing beginning at 8 a.m. The sale aims to keep the bison population within the sustainable carrying capacity of the prairie habitat.
Animals Available
The auction will feature bison of varying ages sold individually to the highest bidders. Available animals include two large bulls born in 2023, eight yearling bulls and six yearling heifers from 2024, 13 calves born in 2025, and up to three mature cows born between 2008 and 2012.
Preliminary details about each animal’s age, sex and weight will be posted after 2 p.m. on Jan. 13, with final information available the morning of the auction.
Purchase Requirements
Buyers can pay with cash, credit card or personal check. All animals will be tested for brucellosis and tuberculosis by a licensed veterinarian before the sale. Optional vaccination services will be available for purchase on-site.
Transportation presents specific challenges. Due to the size and temperament of bison, buyers must bring closed-topped trailers or vehicles. Animals become the buyer’s responsibility once they enter the trailer, and loading must occur immediately after purchase unless buyers pay a $40-per-animal fee to arrange loading on Jan. 20 between 8 and 10 a.m.
A veterinarian will issue Certificates of Veterinary Inspection required for interstate transport immediately following the auction. Import permits for Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Alabama and North Carolina will be available on-site. Buyers needing permits for other states must call 270-924-2061 by Jan. 14.
The Elk & Bison Prairie corral is located on the east side of the Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway, north of the prairie entrance. For more information, contact Curtis Fowler at 270-924-2061 or frederick.fowler@usda.gov.
