The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) will auction surplus buffalo at the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge on Wednesday, November 16, 2016, beginning at 11 a.m. The auction is open to the public, and lunch and concessions will be available. Those interested in bidding are encouraged to arrive early to receive a bidder number.
The Maxwell Wildlife Refuge, 6 miles north of Canton in McPherson County, is managed to preserve the area’s prairie heritage and maintains herds of buffalo and elk, both native to Kansas grasslands. The primary public use on the 2,500-acre refuge is wildlife viewing. The habitat can support only a certain number of animals, so each fall, surplus buffalo are sold at a public auction. This year, 48 buffalo will be auctioned, including five cows, six yearling heifers, five heifer calves, six yearling bulls, 11 two-year-old bulls, five bull calves, and five cow/calf pairs.
Buffalo over 1-year-old will be brucellosis and tuberculosis tested and accompanied by a health certificate. Heifer calves will be vaccinated for brucellosis and certificates issued. Prices paid per animal can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on market demand, condition, sex and age of the animal.
Cash and personal checks (if accompanied by a notarized authorization letter from the issuing bank) will be accepted. KDWPT reserves the right to reject any or all bids. Buyers must pick up the bison the day of the sale or make arrangements with the refuge manager prior to the sale. Animals become the buyer’s responsibility upon settlement on sale day. Load-out assistance is available until dusk the day of the sale. Stock racks and trailers should be covered or lined because bison transport best in dark conditions.
The sale will be outside and will take place rain or shine, so attendees are encouraged to dress accordingly. For more information, contact Maxwell Wildlife Refuge manager Cliff Peterson at (620) 628-4592, or KDWPT’s Region 4 Office in Wichita at (316) 683-8069.
