CUSTER, S.D. (KELO) –Thousands from across the nation gathered at Custer State Park this morning for the 60th annual Governors Buffalo Roundup.
This year over 1,400 bison were guided in for their checkups and the new calves received their vaccinations, something that took longer than usual due to the heat.
“I think that we always try to remind folks that patience is the name of the game. And these are wild animals, and we’re moving them with wild animals with horses so it’s not always streamlined, it can have a little bit of an adventure to it.” Visitors Center Supervisor Lydia Austin said.
Including Governor Rhoden, there were 58 horseback riders helping these animals into the corral.
“Getting them to really run, there were several cranky ones that started giving riders the chase and stuff but we finally got them going and by the time we came out of the moving draw, they pretty much just turned like we like them to and started heading north towards the saddle.” Bison Heard Manager Chad Kremer said.
Being able to see that many bison up close at one time is becoming a must-see event each year.
“How as a unit they’re all just focused on, keep moving in the same direction. And they’re big, we all know that, but when you get all of those together, the mass of buffalo was impressive and it was fun to be that close to them.” First time viewer Bob Pottratz said.
“To me I always feel like it’s a South Dakota tradition. Even though everyone is out there, and they are hot and tired, you still see the smiles. You still see people helping each other out, the stories are being told, memories are being made. We have that and it keeps the tradition of the roundup for next year.” Austin said.
Currently there are about 75 bison going through the health inspection, as Custer State Park officials allow this next group time to adjust before they continue those checkups in a few weeks.
