Enjoy a day retreat at Buffalo (Bison) annual auction Published Oct. 2, 2007 By Gwenn McElwee 97th AMW ALTUS AFB -- Join the Altus Armed Services YMCA as they attend the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge American Bison Auction Oct. 25th at noon. The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge conducts auctions every year to remove all excess Texas Longhorns and American Bison from the refuge. This auction helps maintain the desired number for the refuge, approximately 600 bison. Joan Wilcoxen is the Altus ASYMCA Executive Director and encourages you to join her as she provides transportation for those who may not have a way to travel due to being stationed at Altus Air Force Base on a temporary basis, or who may need to save the cost of transportation. Most families who have come to Altus AFB have never seen a buffalo or a longhorn, much less a live buffalo auction of any kind. This event is educational, free, and a "must see" experience. Call Joan Wilcoxen for details at (580) 481-6761 and sign up to go. From 1907 through 2006 more than 7,000 animals have been sold or donated to preserve the high quality of the Wichita grasslands. Roundups are conducted in preparation for the annual auctions and various studies. These buffalo belong to the cattle family and are subject to some cattle diseases; however through brucellosis testing, these animals are proven to be healthy and free of this viral disease. These animals are not tame, and the Wildlife Refuge does not encourage you to wander up to them on the grasslands on foot. If you have never driven out to the Refuge, don't miss this opportunity to catch a free ride, mingle with your fellow Airmen and other families on base and receive an educational Oklahoma heritage experience you would not otherwise get.