Wood Bison return to the wild in Alaska
 

Just a few days ago 100 wood bison were flown to the village of Shageluk in western Alaska. In the coming weeks they'll be released from their temporary holding pens and back into the wild, where they've been absent for over 100 years. This summer 30 adult bull wood bison will be barged down the Yukon River to be released with the rest of the herd.

http://www.usnews.com/news/science/n...elease-planned

This has been a huge undertaking that has been more than 20 years in the making. Hopefully it is a success as Alaska has several other areas of prime wood bison habitat that they could also be released. The Yukon Flats, north of Fairbanks, has more suitable habitat than the Mackenzie Bison Sanctuary in Canada's NWT, and could easily support a herd of several thousand.

Once they reach sufficient numbers, hunting permits will be allocated. 20% will go to local villages through registration permits, and 80% will be given out via drawing permit, with 90% allocated to Alaska residents.

Good to see. I've hunted Plains Bison in Ak a couple of times. Quite a bit smaller than the Wood Bison. Be nice when they have a huntable population. Some good meat on them critters! If you think a Beef Porterhouse is good, then lemmi tell you, a Bison porterhouse will make you think you have died and gone straight to heaven!

Nothing better than a bison roast or steak. Elk is in second place clawing at first.

Thanks for sharing the article. Good to see something like this happening. Hope they adjust well and populations begin to grow.
-Jake

This is great news. Most people may not be aware, but the bison was once common from coast to coast in the lower 48, not just on the plains.

A long time ago there were wood Bison in PA. There is a small village near where I lived as a child named Buffalo Springs because when the Bison came through they would water there. I think reintroduction of a native species in Alaska is a great idea.

Delighted to hear that.

We need to do more for the generations yet to hunt !

It's our heritage............................??

I live about 45 minutes from the town of Clearfield, PA, which got its name from the herds of bison grazing the area into a large clearing. To have been alive in colonial times and have seen the bison, elk, and other wildlife in PA would have been amazing.

I am excited to see them on my next adventure to W.A.
-JR