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Tuesday, Sep 22, 2026

Does SD have the most bison in the US?

Emily DeCock, South Dakota News Watch
yes

South Dakota’s has about 40,000 bison, making it the state with the largest bison population.

North America is home to 400,000-500,000 bison. Before the 1860s, 30-60 million buffalo roamed in North America.

Between 1,400 and 1,500 buffalo live in Custer State Park, according to South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. Every year in November, the GFP holds an auction to keep buffalo herd sizes manageable and to prevent overgrazing. Between 200 and 500 buffalo are sold at auction each year.

“Buffalo are generally purchased to supplement an existing herd, to start a herd or to eat,” the GFP website says.

This year’s fall auction will be Nov. 7. In 2024, 482 bison were sold for a combined $885,425, the department reported.

The annual roundup, which is Friday, consistently draws a large crowd. In 2024, a record 24,178 people attended.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.

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