CELEBRATING OUR STATE BISON: The state Bison herd’s 
doubled in size since arriving at Caprock Canyons … 
that’s reason to celebrate…details ahead on Passport 
to Texas. 

This is Passport to Texas

The official State Bison Herd has more than doubled in 
size since 1997—that’s when Texas Parks and Wildlife 
took possession of the animals at Caprock Canyons SP.

08—I believe there were around 50 or so when SP became the 
caretaker. There’s about 130 or so that are in the herd right now.

They’re descended from the original southern bison 
herd that thundered across the plains before European 
settlers reduced their numbers to near extinction. 
Donald Beard is superintendent at Caprock Canyons 
State Park, and says more bison are on the way.

06— We’re getting more cows into the breeding age. So, we’re going 
to see a population explosion before too much longer.

Plus: the Texas Legislature named the bison the state 
mammal. With all this good news, we need to celebrate. 
So, on Saturday, September 17, the 6th Annual Texas 
State Bison Music Festival takes place south of the 
park in Quitaque [KITTY-kway], Texas.

15— The festival this year will be headlined by Texas icon, Robert 
Earl Keen. Tickets are $30 for general admission. And, the concert 
starts at about 3 p.m. and the vendors start at about 9 a.m. Come 
all day and bring your lawn chairs.

Campsites are available and there’s a$10 cooler fee. 
Find complete details and music line-up, plus tickets 
for the Texas State Bison Music Festival at 
bisonfest.com. 

For Texas Parks and Wildlife…I’m Cecilia Nasti. 




Total sound bite time:		           0:29.0
Maximum Script time:                            0:56.0        Suggested show time: 85.0 = 1:25