State to auction off surplus bison at Kansas wildlife refuge
.JPG "A bison at the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge.")
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is conducting a public auction of surplus bison from Maxwell Wildlife Refuge on Wednesday, Nov. 5.
The auction will begin at 11 a.m. and take place at the refuge – 6 miles north of Canton in McPherson County. It is open to those who want to bid and the general public.
Herds of bison and elk, two species native to Kansas grasslands, live at Maxwell Wildlife Refuge. Because the refuge can only support a limited number of animals, surplus bison are periodically offered to the public through auction, according to a news release.
A total of 61 bison will be auctioned this year, including: 13 yearling bulls, eight bull calves and eight heifer calves.
Heifer calves older than 6 months will be vaccinated for brucellosis, with certificates issued, the release said.
Those interested in bidding can preregister by filling out the bidder registration form and emailing it to cassie.smith@ks.gov no later than Monday, Nov. 3. While preregistration is preferred, on-site registration will also be available.
For more information, contact Maxwell Wildlife Refuge manager Cliff Peterson at 620-628-4592 or the KDWP Pratt Operations Office at 620-672-0763.
