cull

In the past, the bison capture and slaughter program has met resistance from animal rights activists.

Officials had sought to reduce Yellowstone's approximately 4,900 bison by 600 to 900 animals this year.

Police sharpshooters have killed 151 deer since the local program began.

Meat from slaughtered bison is distributed to Native American tribes.

The bison capture and shipping operations may continue through March.

More than 1,200 bison were removed last winter with most shipped to slaughter.