Bison Roundup

This page contains information about: Viewing the bison roundup, the auction, registration details and the agenda.

Dates and times to remember:

• Rider Registration Opens: September 1, 2026 at 8 a.m.
• Roundup (Bison Push): October 24, 2026
• Working of the Bison: October 27 – 29, 2026
• Bison Auction: November 3, 2026 (Online and Streamed in the Larry H. and Gail Family Theater)

Viewer Information

Promoting Health within Bison Herds: Hosted each year at Antelope Island State Park, the Bison Roundup is a primary tool utilized to help ensure the continued health of one of the nation’s largest and oldest public bison herds. To help people better understand how the bison herd is managed, you can visit Antelope Island State Park the day of the event and experience it first-hand.

Registration is not required for the viewing public: Come witness a true Western experience as hundreds of horseback riders round up nearly 800 bison from around the Island and move them north into the holding corrals. Riders begin at 9:00 am from Fielding Garr Ranch and move the herd north. For safety, vehicle access along the east side road will be limited.

White Rock Bay Viewing Area: Visitors are encouraged to join us to witness the final push into the corrals from a viewing area at White Rock Bay. At the viewing area in White Rock Bay, there will be food for purchase, vendor booths, educational information and activities. Bring a camp chair or blanket for seating. Typically in the past the Roundup is completed between noon and 3 p.m. but these are wild animals and we can’t predict how long the roundup will take.

• Riders Begin: 9am
• Roundup Completed: 12-3pm (typically)

What happens at the Roundup?

There are two (2) phases to the Bison Roundup.

Phase 1

The first phase; will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, is where horse riders round up and push the smaller groups of bison into one large herd. The riders then drive the bison into a holding corral where they rest. This rest period helps reduce the animals’ stress levels and allows them to relax, making them more cooperative during the second phase. Public riders are welcome to assist in this phase. Individuals interested in riding can get more information here.

This first phase is a popular event every year and attendees include both local spectators and visitors from around the world. The Roundup Rendezvous is the Island’s event area. This is the best place to view the final push into the corrals. The Roundup Rendezvous is a festival complete with food trucks, educational and retail booths, games and fun for all! This portion of the event is open from 10:00am until the final bison reaches the corrals.

Phase 2

The second phase; begins the week following the roundup, October 27-29, 2026. During the Working of the Bison, the animals are sorted and separated one at a time to receive their vaccinations. They receive individual health screenings that include checks for pregnancies, parasites, and health issues.

The bison are also given a small RFID tag, which serves as a permanent ID and links them to their computer records that store their health information. Once the bison are checked, they are either released back onto the island or kept in the corral where they are later sold in a public auction.

Free public tours and media opportunities; are available all three days of this phase. Educators and other group organizers: please reserve group tours by emailing [email protected]. Group reservations are limited and tours are not guaranteed for groups without reservations.

Why are some bison sold at auction?

Managing a Healthy Herd Size and Habitat: The manageable herd size for bison on the island is between around 500-550 bison, and each year there are between 100-200 calves born into the herd. With no natural predators on the island capable of taking down a bison, it is necessary to artificially reduce the herd size to balance out the food supply.

By selling excess bison at a public auction, park staff are able to keep the herd within a number the habitat can support. A portion of the revenue generated through the bison sale is used in the Wildlife and Habitat Management Program for habitat work and bison infrastructure improvement.

It is also important to remember that there are other animals – such as pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and mule deer – which also need to be considered when looking at the island’s overall food supply.

The Auction will take place on; November 4, 2026.

Bidder information can be found by visiting the link above. The 2024 sale prices are posted below:

Sale Results from 2025

2026 Range Ride and Bison Roundup Registration

2026 Roundup Range Ride Information and Registration.

Registration is required; for riders, non-riding partners, spouses, people shuttling trailers, and anyone staying in camp but not riding, etc.
Registration opens; Monday, September 1 at 8 a.m.

General Information

Age Requirements: This event is for those 18 years old and older. No one under 18 may register or be in camp.
Saturday October 24, 2026 will be the main push to move bison from the southern portion of the island to the handling facilities on the north end of the island.

Required Fees

Event registration fee is $100.00 per rider. Registration is required for riders, non-riding partners, spouses, people shuttling trailers, and anyone staying in camp but not riding, etc. The registration fee includes access to roundup, the roundup range ride, camping, souvenir bandana, and the chili dinner on Saturday evening. This event is for those 18 years old and older (no one under 18 may register or be in camp).

Refunds

Cancellations made on or before October 16, 2026 will be issued a full refund. Refunds will be made by crediting the same credit card as original purchase. No refunds will be given after October 16, 2026. To request a refund reach out directly to ParksPass here. Openings due to cancellations will be filled by pulling off the waitlist in the order they are received. Transfers will only be allowed if the waitlist is empty.

Event Tickets and Waivers

Event waivers will be signed during the registration process. You do not need to bring a hard copy. After you register, you will receive an email confirmation. That email will contain your ticket. Registration confirmation must be presented for each registration (printed or in email) upon arrival. No access will be given to the Roundup event without a registration and a valid photo ID. Participants will not be admitted to the event without proper registration and photo ID.

Camping

Event registration includes camping for up to 4 nights (Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday). There are no additional fees for camping. Camping is not required, however, for those wishing to camp at Fielding Garr Ranch (Roundup start location), you may begin checking in starting on Thursday, October 22, 2026 at noon. All campers must vacate the ranch by noon on Sunday. No one under 18 may register or be in camp.

Please note that the park gate closure times. There is no entry to the park after gates are closed. The park will re-open at 6:00 a.m. the next morning.

Agenda

Thursday, October 22, 2026

12:00 p.m. Registration and Camping Check-in
8:00 p.m. Park’s entrance gate closes

Friday, October 23, 2026

8:00 a.m. Registration and Camping Check-in
8:00 p.m. Park’s entrance gate closes

Saturday, October 24, 2026

5:45 a.m. Park’s entrance gate opens
6:00 a.m. Registration Check-in. *Note: it will take approximately 30 minutes to reach the ranch after check-in. Please arrive as early as possible.
8:00 a.m. East side road to the Ranch closed to all trailers. You must be through check-in no later than 8:00 am.
8:30 a.m. Mandatory range ride orientation at the Fielding Garr Ranch. All riders must attend this meeting in order to ride.
9:00 a.m. Range ride begins
5:00-6:30 p.m. Chili dinner hosted by Friends of Antelope Island at Fielding Garr Ranch barn.
10:00 p.m. Park’s entrance gate closes

Chili Dinner Hosted by Antelope Island Friends

The Antelope Island Friends, a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the visitors’ experience on the Island, will host a dinner on Saturday October 24, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Fielding Garr Ranch barn. Although the dinner is free, donations are gratefully accepted.

Other Important Information

• Registration closes when full or October 16, 2026, whichever comes first. If not registered by that date, you will not be allowed in ride camp or be able to participate in the range ride. No exceptions. This includes non-riding partners, spouses, people shuttling trailers, etc.
• You must provide your own horse to participate in the range ride.
• Must be 18 years old to register.
• No dogs will be allowed on the trail; dogs must be leashed in camp.
• Camping is permitted in designated areas only.
• Any fire restrictions in place at the time of the roundup will be enforced.
• Cultural resources on Antelope Island are protected and must not be removed.
• By order of the Davis County Sheriff, no alcohol will be consumed prior to, or on the trail. Violators will be asked to leave the island and may be issued a citation.
• Roundup memorabilia will be available for purchase during the chili dinner on Saturday evening.
• Weed-free hay is required.

Contact Information

For questions, contact [email protected]