Passport to Texas

Bison at Caprock Canyons State Park

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This is Passport to Texas

When you visit Caprock Canyons State Park you may come face-to-face with one or more of the over 150 bison roaming freely within on the park.

You do want to give them respect.

The animals make up the official Texas State Bison herd. Donald Beard is park superintendent, and says when on the grounds, remain aware of your surroundings – which is true even if there weren’t one ton animals ambling about.

They are a wild animal and they are capable of running very fast. So, you want to give them at least a 50 yard buffer. Of course, they don’t have to follow that rule, so they could come right up to you. And if that’s the case, then what you want to do is just stand still; no sudden movements. And wait for them, they’ll just pass right on by.

As tempting as it might be: do not approach the bison, and do not feed them.

This goes for all wildlife. Every one of these. You don’t approach the wildlife. This is their territory. You have to respect that you’re in their house. So, you just give them the right of way and let them do their thing.

And you can do your thing Saturday September 23 at the Annual Texas State Bison Music Fest in Quitaque. Money raised from ticket sales funds bison research and conservation. Find the music lineup and ticket information at bisonfest.com.

That’s our show for today… For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti

Members of the Texas State Bison Herd at Caprock Canyons State Park

Historic Bison at Caprock Canyons State Park Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This is Passport to Texas

History walks on four legs at Caprock Canyons State Park. It’s where descendants of southern plains bison, from a herd started by rancher Charles Goodnight, roam free.

It’s the official bison herd of the State of Texas. It’s a herd started by Charles Goodnight back in 1878; these animals are direct descendants of those that he captured in the wild right here in this area.

Donald Beard is park superintendent.

These are the last true remaining example of the southern plains bison. Animals that were captured by him [Goodnight] in these canyons. Kept in these canyons and never had any influence from any other animals [bison] outside of this area. So, their genetics are basically the same as they were back in the 1870s.

No fences separate visitors to Caprock Canyons State Park from the approximately 150-plus bison on site.

Awe, it’s amazing. You have to wait for them to cross the road. They can wander through your campsite. Go down to the lake while you’re fishing and take a drink. They’re just like any other wild animal in the park. You can experience them as they were – not behind a fence in an exhibition.

September 23 the 7th Texas State Bison Music Fest takes place in Quitaque. Find the music lineup and ticket information at bisonfest.com. Money raised funds bison research and conservation.

That’s our show for today… For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti