Herd of 50 Bison Scheduled for Release Near Badlands National Park
A herd of 50 bison is scheduled for release on approximately 39,904 acres of leased range land near the Badlands, within Badlands National Park. The event, open to the public, will take place on range 506 off BIA Highway 27…

Rapid City, SD, October 6, 2026 —
A herd comprising 50 bison is slated for release into a significant expanse of leased range land adjacent to Badlands National Park. The release is scheduled to occur on approximately 39,904 acres designated for grazing.
The location for this event is identified as range 506, situated near BIA Highway 27. The public is invited to witness this wildlife event, which is planned to take place between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Specific details regarding the start and end dates for the release window were not provided in the summary.
The operational details, such as the contracting entity for the leased land or the specific agency managing the bison herd, were not detailed in the provided summary. The exact origin of the 50 bison is also not specified.
This initiative aims to reintroduce bison to a large, naturalistic environment within the Badlands region. The acreage involved represents a substantial area intended to support the herd’s needs. Further information regarding the long-term management plan for the bison or the specifics of the lease agreement was not available.
The event is open to the public, offering an opportunity for observation. Attendees are advised to note the designated times and location for the release. No additional information was provided regarding any specific protocols or viewing areas for the public.
Story summarized from the original created by Karli West on www.kotatv.com, see more information here.
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