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The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Game and Fish Department is rounding up buffalo again after a year-long hiatus
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The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Game and Fish Department is rounding up buffalo again after a year-long hiatus

STANDING ROCK (SIOUX COUNTY) – For nearly 20 years, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has been conducting bison roundups. However, last year’s did not happen.

When we think of a roundup, we might think of horses and cowboys in trucks. However, for about 20 years, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Game and Fish Department has banded together each year to conduct a different type of roundup.

Director Jeff Kelly said last year’s roundup didn’t happen for several reasons. Now he and the other crew members are back in the saddle, or rather on the seat of the ATV.

“It’s a very big deal. A lot of people are talking about it. Many people want to participate. … Sometimes there just aren’t enough vehicles for everyone who wants to come and participate,” said Sheriff Michael Crowfeather.

“In this pasture alone we have almost 200 with our calf crop. So it’s a small portion, so we’ll keep working until we have the majority of it,” Kelly said.

Not all will be arrested, but through communication and teamwork, drivers will be able to herd the buffalo into an enclosure.

Ranger Keifer Demery said not all roundups go as smoothly as this one, but in just an hour or two the team rounded up about a third of the buffalo.

Kelly said once the mustering is over, they will sort the yearlings from the pack. Then they will be sold at auction.

“The buffalo we sell help support the program, keep it going,” Kelly said.

He said money raised from the raid helps fund buffalo rangers’ salaries and any repairs the fence may need.

The overview is not quite finished yet; the team will leave on Saturday to gather the last third of the herd. Later this week, they plan to officially name their sacred white buffalo, which is currently called “Rowdy.”