Buffalo Roundup Is Over

The buffalo roundup in northwest Iowa we first told you about Monday is over. 

Most of the 225 buffalo that got out of their pen at the Frick and Joe Buffalo ranch just north of Ashton Sunday night are penned back up.

The buffalo could run, but they couldn't hide.   After a wild chase Monday through four Iowa counties, most of the herd is back in the pen at Frick and Joe's.

Owner Michelle Frick says she was worried someone would get hurt and that's why some of the herd had to be shot and put down.

"They were too much of a threat; we didn't want anyone getting hurt from it," Frick said.

Frick and Joe's raise the buffalo for their lean meat.  She says those that were killed will be taken to the locker to be processed and she'll have no problem finding buyers.

"We already have had a number of calls from people who want the meat," Frick said.

And speaking of phone calls, the buffalo line at the sheriff's office was busy.

"We really didn't have to do a lot of looking around.  The general public had been calling us right away," deputy sheriff Seth Hofman said. " Kind of unusual to have a buffalo in your backyard or on the road."

That cooperation is why they think no one got hurt. 

"I want to thank everybody who pitched in and helped out.  Small community pulled together; it was awesome to see so many people who cared," Frick said.

As for how they got out? Frick believes the buffalo got spooked Sunday night and rammed the front gate.

"We are going to make sure this never happens again," Frick said. "We are going to put more reinforcement on the gates and paddle lock them just in case people try to be cute."

Frick says there might be a few buffalo still on the loose and if you see one, you're asked to call the sheriff's office to report it.