June, 2007
by Gervase Hittle

Not all ranches operate in country where the "buffalo roam, where deer and antelope play;" but this one does. In the winter the antelope gather into large groups and flow about the land like schools of fish. At this time of year (Spring/Summer) the does are off having their babies and are just now bringing them out of hiding. (I saw a pair of Twins with their mother last Sunday--the first I've seen all season.) the bucks are scattered out, presumably establishing territory for the coming rut.

The buck deer are just beginning to replace their antlers, and I see deer almost every morning in their favorite habitats--but I have not yet seen any fawns. They almost have to be there. I hear the turkeys every morning and evening and see the toms strutting and gobbling while the majority of hens have secreted themselves away on their nests. I think the toms are just practicing their presentation and honing their appeal for the Fall season.

And I watch the mystery and attitude of the buffalo cows as they prepare for birthing, as they disappear from the herd, usually with a small contingent of other cows, a couple of yearlings and maybe one or two 2-year olds. At this time the older and larger bulls often go off by themselves, putting on weight and conserving their energy, waiting for the breeding season to begin. they are now at the laziest part of their year. Starting, probably in June/July, that will end.

Our buffalo calves started appearing on April 2nd, which is about two weeks earlier than usual. These little guys are great to watch, that is after the mother introduces them to the herd, and she, herself, loses some of her shyness, her nervousness, her willingness to bolt with her calf at the least sign of a disturbance: a rider on horseback or a vehicle of any sort. The calves run and buck, kick up their heels, butt heads with one another, and seek (at full speed) the comfort and sanctuary of their mothers. Mom grunts; calf tucks itself securely into the sanctuary and safety of her flank.

Later this Summer their coats will change color, not like colts change color, surprising you with their adult coat; but the calves will go from reddish-gold to a variety of shades between blondish-brown to black. Mottled coats and spike horns show their age and gender. We watch them grow, both from a distance and from fairly close up, always keeping a watchful eye on the cow; and in mid to late Summer through Fall watching the bulls carefully, attending to their behavior during the breeding season that last deep into the Fall.

I mention this in part because this is the time period when people, unfamiliar with buffalo and vacationing in state and national parks, can get into trouble with the buffalo residing in them. Visitors might inadvertently go between a cow and her calf, or make a bull feel challenged, threatened or cornered, forgetting or neglecting to give themselves an escape route or placing themselves away from a place of safety or sanctuary. So for anybody visiting places that have buffalo, remember what you have just read. We, at the ranch, want you to learn about these animals and to respect them, but to stay safe while doing it. We want you to enjoy these magnificent animals both on their land and on your table.

Note: please don't hesitate to ask questions about these animals, especially if you are visiting places where the buffalo roam, and more especially if you are hiking, riding a motorcycle or a bicycle. great photographs are a fine thing; so is coming home to enjoy them.