Celebrating the American Bison
Key Points about July as the National Bison Month:
- While not a federally designated observance, it is celebrated each July by the bison community.
- It serves as a time to celebrate the comeback of the American Bison, which was once nearly extinct.
- It honors the vast contributions of the bison to America’s cultural and ecological heritage.
- The American Bison was named the country’s national mammal in 2016, leading to July being recognized as National Bison Month.
In South Dakota, specifically:
- South Dakota has the largest bison population in the United States, with nearly 40,000 bison reported in 2022.
- There’s also a town named “Bison” in Perkins County, South Dakota.
South Dakota Bison-related Events
- Black Hills National Forest July Moon Walk: This event, guided by the Black Hills Parks & Forests Association, meets at Buffalo Corrals in Custer State Park on July 12, 2025.
- Trophy Buffalo Online Application Dates: If you’re interested in applying for a Custer State Park trophy buffalo hunting license, the online application period opens in late July (July 23 – August 7, 2025).
- Dakota Territory Buffalo Association (DTBA): The DTBA promotes the bison industry and likely offers events or activities related to bison during the year.
Other Bison-Related Attractions and Activities in South Dakota:
Custer State Park: Home to a large, publicly owned bison herd, offering opportunities for viewing bison in their natural habitat, such as:
- Buffalo Safari Jeep Tour: A guided tour through the park to see bison and other wildlife.
- Custer State Park Wildlife Loop: A scenic road where you can often spot bison.
- Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup: Although this is held in September, it is a major event focused on bison.
- Badlands National Park: This park also boasts a significant bison population, and you can see them roaming the rugged terrain.
- Bison Center (Fairburn, SD): A free-admission attraction with exhibits, a movie, and a gift shop, providing educational opportunities about bison.
While specific, large-scale events for National Bison Month in South Dakota may not be widely advertised yet, there are many ways to celebrate and learn about bison in the state during July. Checking local park websites and event listings as the date approaches may reveal additional activities.
There is also a National Bison Day which is celebrated on the first Saturday of November.
