Presenter: Roy Welch

Commission Agenda Item No. 7
Briefing
Texas State Bison Herd
April 1998

I. Discussion: In the fall of 1996, the owners of the historic J A Ranch donated the Charles Goodnight bison herd to TPWD. These bison represent the last descendants of the Great Southern Plains Bison Herd and are a genetically unique resource. Staff were assigned to determine how TPWD could capture these animals and where they would be placed. It was determined that the Wildlife Division would manage the capture and movement of the bison and that they would be housed at Caprock Canyons State Park. Holding facilities have been constructed at Caprock Canyons State Park, and 33 bison have been captured and transported to these facilities. Plans are being made for the future management of the herd and for fundraising activities to endow those management activities.