Antelope Island State Park has released the schedule for the 2026 Bison Roundup, a primary management tool used to ensure the health of one of the largest and oldest public bison herds in the nation. The event includes horseback riders pushing bison into corrals, individual health screenings, and a public auction.
The first phase begins on October 24, 2026, when riders will move nearly 800 bison from Fielding Garr Ranch toward northern holding corrals. Rider registration for this phase opens at 8:00 am on September 1, 2026.
The roundup consists of two distinct phases designed to manage the herd size and maintain the island's ecosystem. During the first phase on October 24, horse riders push smaller groups of bison into a single large herd before driving them into holding corrals for a week of rest.
The second phase, known as the Working of the Bison, takes place from October 27 to October 29, 2026. During this time, animals are sorted individually to receive vaccinations and health screenings, which include checks for parasites, pregnancy, and other health issues. Each bison also receives a small RFID tag to link them to permanent digital health records.
For the viewing public, the Roundup Rendezvous serves as an event area featuring food trucks, retail booths, games, and educational activities. Visitors can watch the final push into corrals from a viewing area at White Rock Bay. While the roundup typically concludes between noon and 3:00 pm, officials noted that the timing can vary due to the nature of the animals.
The auction for bison will be held online on November 4, 2026. This event is necessary because the island lacks natural predators capable of managing the herd size. To balance the food supply for other species like mule deer, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn, park staff reduce the herd to an ideal size of approximately 550 bison.
Revenue from the auction supports the Wildlife and Habitat Management Program, which funds habitat work and improvements to bison infrastructure. The auction will be available online and streamed in the Larry H. and Gail Family Theater.
