Every year Custer State Park in South Dakota uses private citizens to help with its annual buffalo roundup. 20 people are selected by lottery to help drive the herd about five miles into corrals while 15,000 spectators watch. This year’s roundup will take place Monday, September 26, 2011. Not only is the roundup a spectacular sight to see, it is also a critical management tool in maintaining a strong and healthy herd.
The actual Buffalo Roundup will begin at 9:30 a.m. Guests must stay in the viewing areas until the herd is safely in the corrals, generally around noon. Following the roundup, you can stay and watch park staff sort, brand and vaccinate the herd in preparation for the fall buffalo sale.
Custer State Park in the beautiful Black Hills is full of lush forests, quiet and serene meadows and majestic mountains. This 71,000-acre park is also home to one of the world’s largest publicly-owned bison herds, nearly 1,300 strong (number of animals vary depending on rangeland conditions).
From the Park press release:
“This can be very strenuous work for riders and horses. The terrain is steep and often rocky. Horses should be shod. Rough country running should be expected. Horses will work in close proximity to buffalo, and must be able to react quickly. Stream crossings may be encountered. Jumping fallen trees may be necessary. Do not bring horses that are not fit, stallions or late gestation mares, green-broke horses or horses that have not had extensive outdoor use. Riders will work in teams and take orders from an assigned Team Leader. At a minimum, the tack shall include a breast collar; a crupper and flank cinch is also recommended. This is not easy riding!”
If you think you’re up to it you can get an application by contacting the Park Office at 605.255.4515. The lottery draw will be July 13th. I applied so wish me luck!
You can get more information at their website by clicking HERE.
If you have problems seeing the video below click HERE
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