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Antelope Island wildlife manager Steve Bates honored for decades of bison stewardship
Summary
The commission recognized Steve Bates for more than 25 years of service at Antelope Island, highlighting his role in modernizing the islands herd management and conservation efforts.
The Davis County Commission paused its agenda Dec. 10 to honor Steve Bates for more than 25 years of service to Antelope Islands wildlife and the annual bison roundup.
Mitch Larson, the islands superintendent from 1976 to 1992, recounted the early roundups and praised Batess leadership and conservation work. Larson said the roundup began in 1987 and that the program has evolved since Bates joined, crediting volunteers and staff for its success.
Bates described his approach to herd management and said the program has shifted compositionally "we're reducing the number of bulls, increasing cows" and reported production of calves: "Right now, we're having about 250 and, with a goal of 300." Commissioners and staff presented Bates with a token buffalo and invited his family for a photo.
The commission and audience thanked Bates and other long-serving volunteers for establishing what presenters called one of the oldest and most recognized bison populations in the country.
