In the heart of Yellowstone National Park, a controversial operation is underway to manage one of America’s most iconic wildlife populations: the wild bison herd. As of last Friday, park officials reported that 304 bison have been removed from the park this season in a carefully planned effort to keep the herd at sustainable levels. This culling program, which involves both tribal hunting and capture-for-slaughter operations, has ignited a heated debate among park officials, Montana state authorities, tribal communities, and wildlife advocacy groups. For middle-aged American men who value the outdoors, hunting, and the legacy of the American West, the story of Yellowstone’s bison management raises tough questions about balancing nature, tradition, and modern pressures.
The National Park Service, tasked with overseeing Yellowstone’s bison, set a goal to remove between 600 and 900 animals this season from a herd that numbered around 4,500 last summer. So far, 96 bison have been harvested by hunters from seven tribal nations, while 208 were captured at the Stephens Creek Capture Facility and sent to slaughter. One bison died during the capture process. This effort is part of a long-standing strategy to prevent overpopulation, maintain the genetic health of the herd, and reduce the risk of disease transmission to livestock outside the park.
The Brucellosis Battle At the core of the culling program is the fear of brucellosis, a bacterial disease that can cause bison and elk to abort their young. While both species can carry the disease, bison are seen as a bigger threat to Montana’s cattle industry. Rachel Meredith, an attorney representing Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, emphasized this concern in a recent U.S. District Court hearing, stating that bison pose a “much more significant risk” to the state’s livestock. She pointed out that up to 60% of Yellowstone’s bison test positive for brucellosis, compared to just 5% of elk in the Greater Yellowstone Area, though some elk herds show rates as high as 20-30%.
Montana’s push to limit the bison population stems from its desire to protect its cattle industry, a cornerstone of the state’s economy. The state has challenged Yellowstone’s 2024 bison management plan, which allows the herd to range between 3,500 and 6,000 animals. Montana argues for a stricter cap of 3,000 bison, claiming the park’s plan doesn’t adequately address the disease risk or the concerns of local ranchers. This legal battle, heard before Judge Brian Morris, highlights the tension between federal wildlife management and state economic interests.
Bison that stray beyond designated “tolerance zones” on the north and west sides of Yellowstone are either killed or herded back into the park. These zones also serve as key areas for tribal and public hunting, where licensed hunters take part in the harvest. For many American men, particularly those who hunt or value self-reliance, these hunts represent a connection to tradition and the land. However, the culling process itself—especially the capture and slaughter of bison—has drawn sharp criticism from those who see it as a betrayal of the wild spirit of these animals.
Voices of Opposition Wildlife advocacy groups like the Buffalo Field Campaign and Roam Free Nation have been vocal in their opposition to the culling program. They argue that the operation prioritizes the cattle industry over the well-being of Yellowstone’s bison, which are part of America’s oldest wild herd. These groups describe Montana’s approach as a “zero-tolerance policy” that unfairly targets bison, preventing them from roaming freely in their natural habitat. Jaedin Medicine Elk, co-founder of Roam Free Nation, expressed frustration, saying, “All of it serves the human, not the buffalo. Dead or in jail is no way to live.” For advocates, the bison represent a symbol of the American West that deserves more protection and space to thrive.
The controversy resonates with many middle-aged men who grew up admiring the rugged independence of the West. For them, the idea of culling wild bison to protect cattle operations feels like a step away from the untamed frontier they associate with America’s heritage. Yet, the practical realities of disease management and economic interests create a complex challenge with no easy answers.
From Park to Plate For the bison that are culled, the process doesn’t end in the park. Many are transported to facilities like Tizer’s Meats in Helena, where they are processed into high-quality meat for distribution. Matt Elvbakken, who leads a butchering team hired by the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes, described the operation as a well-oiled machine. His nine-person team processed 26 bison in a single day, handling the physically demanding work with precision. A typical 600-pound bull bison yields about 300 pounds of meat, which is then distributed to tribal members at cost, covering only processing and transportation expenses.
This meat distribution is a lifeline for tribal communities, providing affordable, high-quality protein while honoring cultural traditions tied to the bison. For many American men, especially those who value hunting and sustainable food sources, this aspect of the program highlights a practical benefit of the cull. It ensures that the animals are not wasted and that their meat supports communities with deep historical ties to the bison.
Elvbakken noted that this year’s bison are in exceptional condition, a stark contrast to previous years when the animals were often thin and malnourished. “These buffalo are in the best shape of any I’ve seen,” he said, describing them as well-fed and healthy. This observation underscores the success of Yellowstone’s efforts to maintain a robust herd, even as it navigates the challenges of population control.
A Delicate Balance The Yellowstone bison cull is a microcosm of the broader struggle to balance wildlife conservation with human interests. For park officials, the goal is to preserve the genetic diversity and long-term health of the bison herd while addressing the concerns of neighboring ranchers. For Montana, the priority is protecting its cattle industry from the potential spread of brucellosis. For tribal communities, the cull provides a vital source of food and a connection to their cultural heritage. And for advocacy groups, the fight is about ensuring that wild bison have the freedom to roam as they once did across the American West.
For middle-aged American men, many of whom feel a strong connection to the outdoors and the legacy of the frontier, the Yellowstone bison cull is a reminder of the tough choices that come with managing natural resources. It’s a story that pits tradition against progress, wildness against control, and community needs against individual ideals. As the debate continues, the fate of Yellowstone’s bison remains a powerful symbol of the challenges facing America’s wild spaces.