The U.S. Forest Service is scheduled to host a public bison auction Jan. 17 at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, according to a community announcement.
The auction is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. CST at the Elk & Bison Prairie corral, with bidder registration and animal viewing starting at 8 a.m. The event is part of the agency’s annual effort to manage herd size.
Bison auction will include bulls, heifers, calves, and cows
Approximately 30 bison are expected to be sold individually to the highest bidders. The animals available for purchase are expected to include:
- Two large bulls, born in 2023
- Eight yearling bulls, born in 2024
- Six yearling heifers, born in 2024
- Thirteen bull and heifer calves, born in 2025
- Up to three cows, born between 2008 and 2012
A preliminary list with details on age, sex, and weight is expected to be available after 2 p.m. Jan. 13, with a final list posted at 8 a.m. on auction day.
Veterinary services and transport requirements
All bison will be tested for brucellosis and tuberculosis before the auction. A licensed veterinarian will be on site to issue Certificates of Veterinary Inspection, which are required for interstate transport. Import permits will be available for Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Alabama, and North Carolina.
Additional veterinary services, such as vaccinations, can be purchased with cash or check at the time of bid acceptance…