ABSTRACT 



Large hunter harvest of bison during the 1988-89 bison 

 reduction outside of Yellowstone National Park provided an 

 opportunity to obtain and document population characteristics 

 of the bison which are normally confined to the park. Total 

 bison killed was 569, including 53 calves of the year and 516 

 older animals. Sex ratios were 57% male and 43% female. 

 Eighty-five percent (48-;) of harvested bison were tested for 

 brucellosis; 54% tested positive to the presence of Brucella 

 abortus antibodies. More males than females tested positive. 

 Age structure of harvested animals was analyzed using three 

 methods. Ages ranged from ^ to 15 years, with a median age of 

 four years. Seventy-four percent of females examined were 

 pregnant. Fetal measurements indicated a prolonged calving 

 season with most (76%) calves born by early June. Physical 

 measurements of harvested adults are presented. 



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