Cowboy Up For The Antelope Island Bison Roundup

The annual Antelope Island bison roundup will take place October 26 and 27, 2012. Members of the public are invited to participate in the popular event, which attracts crowds.

A herd of some 500 free-roaming bison live on the island, which is located in the Great Salt Lake near Salt Lake City. Much of the island is a state park and is managed for public recreation and conservation. Every fall biologists gather the bison for health assessments and other purposes. Many people participate in the roundup, either as spectators or riders herding the bison.

Volunteers on horseback push the bison toward holding corrals. Park officials also participate, and use helicopters and other kinds of equipment as needed to ensure safety and move the huge animals in an orderly manner.

People come from all around the region to help round up the buffalo. The event is very popular you need to make advanced reservations if you want to ride. There are limited campsites on the island and you need to reserve one in advance if you want to camp.

People coming as spectators for a day do not need advanced reservations.

The park website has details about the roundup, along with comprehensive information about recreation on the island. The park provided this information for people who may want to volunteer.

No registration will be accepted after October 20, 2012; if you are not registered by

that date you will not be allowed to participate in the range ride. No exceptions.

Payment must be postmarked on or before October 13, 2012 to avoid a $65 late

registration fee. Registrations postmarked on, or after October 14, but received before

October 20, 2012 will be assessed a $65 late fee.

Mandatory Ride Orientation: 8:00 a.m. both mornings at the Fielding Garr Ranch. All

riders must attend the orientation(s) in order to ride and be assigned to a group.

Camping: For those wishing to camp at the Fielding Garr Ranch, you may check-in

Thursday, October 25, 2012 starting at 12 noon. The overnight camping fee is

$15/night/vehicle. A $15 extra camping vehicle fee will be charged. Camping fees are due

at time of registration.