Bison (Bison bison) were reintroduced to Alaska in 1928, when 23 plains bison from the National Bison Range in Montana were moved to the Delta River. Delta herd stock later seeded the Farewell, Chitina and Copper River herds.[1]
| Scientific name | Bison bison |
|---|---|
| Introduced | 1928, 23 animals from Montana |
| Herds | Delta, Farewell, Chitina, Copper River |
| Delta objective | About 360 at spring precalving count |
| Delta Junction Bison Range | 90,000 acres (1979) |
| Report period | July 2009 to June 2011 |
Introduction
In 1928, 23 plains bison were moved from the National Bison Range in Montana to the Delta River. Stock from the Delta herd later founded the other Alaska herds. The figures below come from an Alaska Department of Fish and Game management report covering July 2009 to June 2011, so current counts may differ.[1]
Delta herd
The Delta herd, in Game Management Unit 20D, ranges over the Delta River floodplain, the 90,000-acre Delta Junction Bison Range established in 1979, the Delta Agricultural Project and Fort Greely lands. Spring precalving counts were 366 in 2010 and 342 in 2011 against an objective of about 360, and fall counts were 435 and 412. Hunting is by drawing permit, and estimated human-induced mortality was 79 in regulatory year 2009 and 81 in 2010.[1]
Farewell herd
The Farewell herd in Unit 19 was established with 18 bison from Delta in 1965 and 20 more in 1968. Counts were about 350 in the late 1990s, 261 in June 2011 and 330 in June 2012, with an objective of at least 300. The range centres on the 1977 Bear Creek burn and the South Fork Kuskokwim River.[1]
Chitina and Copper River herds
The Chitina River herd began in 1962 when 29 cows and 6 bulls were moved from Delta Junction to May Creek, peaked at about 56 in 1985 and counted 36 in 2011. The Copper River herd traces to Delta stock, with a 1950 transfer of 5 bulls and 12 cows to the Nabesna Road, and counted 143 in 2009, the highest on record, against a low of 51 in 1967.[1]
FAQs
When did bison come to Alaska? In 1928, when 23 plains bison were moved from Montana.
How many herds does Alaska have? The report covers Delta, Farewell, Chitina and Copper River herds.
How are bison hunted? By drawing permit, per the management report.
Sources
Key facts
- 23 bison in 1928
- Delta Bison Range 90,000 acres
Quick checkWhen were bison introduced to Alaska?Show answer
1928
Sources
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Bison Management Report, July 2009 to June 2011. 2012 (accessed 2026-11-14)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 14, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue