More than 45,000 people have applied to cull bison in the Grand Canyon with the National Park Service.
The National Park Service launched the lottery to help with overpopulation. In recent years, the herd grew to 600. They hope to reduce it to 200 in order to protect Native American archeological sites and cutback on soil erosion and water contamination.
An initial 25 volunteers will be selected. After being vetted by park officials, a final 12 people will be chosen to cull bison in the park’s North Rim area. Volunteers will have to carry out any meat on foot without the help of a vehicle or any pack animals. The shooters are allowed to bring a support team to help.
Some environmentalists warn the lottery could set a dangerous precedent.
Hunters who are selected will be announced Monday, May 17, 2021.
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Bison industry establishes Center of Excellence for Bison Studies