South Dakota Will Host Annual Buffalo Roundup Sept. 25
Custer State Park staff will gather the herd for health checks and selection for the upcoming fall auction.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in National Parks
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South Dakota will conduct its annual buffalo roundup at Custer State Park on Sept. 25, 2026. This event draws massive crowds to witness staff gather the herd to manage population numbers.
Why it matters
The state manages herd sizes to ensure the ecosystem remains healthy and to prevent the dangers of overgrazing. These efforts are essential for maintaining the population health of the roughly 1,400 to 1,500 buffalo living in the park.
Custer State Park houses 1,400 to 1,500 buffalo as part of a broader South Dakota population of roughly 40,000 animals. Attendance for the roundup reached a record 24,178 people in 2024.
The players
South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
This state department is responsible for managing wildlife conservation, outdoor recreation, and the health of the bison population in South Dakota.
Custer State Park
Located in the Black Hills, this state park serves as the primary site for the management and roundup of the region's buffalo herd.
The details
Staff work to gather the buffalo into corrals to facilitate sorting and health checks before the annual fall auction. This process is necessary to keep the herd at a sustainable size within the park boundaries.
Timeline
Sept. 25, 2026: The annual buffalo roundup occurs.
Nov. 7, 2026: The annual buffalo auction is held.
Travel Outlook
This event highlights the shift toward seasonal management of wildlife populations to ensure sustainability throughout the calendar year. It mirrors broader efforts across North America to maintain healthy bison counts within protected public spaces.
Visitors should anticipate high traffic and large crowds, as the event attracted over 24,000 attendees in 2024. Plan to arrive early to Custer State Park to secure viewing spots for the roundup.
The takeaway
Management of herd sizes is vital for protecting the local ecosystem from the impacts of overgrazing. Maintaining these population levels ensures the long-term viability of the park's bison for future generations to observe.
What happens next
The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks department will hold its annual fall buffalo auction on November 7, 2026, where they expect to sell between 200 and 500 head of cattle.
Further reading
Learn more about conservation efforts in National Parks.
Live Poll
Do you support the state auctioning off bison to manage wildlife population numbers?
