The Art of Bison Persuasion
Apr 07, 2017
This past week I had the chance to ride along to bring in a herd of buffalo from their winter grazing grounds on the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands. Dan and Colton had been bringing bunches in all week and we hoped this was the last group.
Their winter pasture consists of 24,000 acres, which can make finding them a challenge. If they are miles away in rough terrain, it may take days to get them close to the river and onto their summer pasture. If this is the case we will either use horses or ATV'S and get behind them at a distance, making a presence, to encourage them to head for home. When they are within a couple of miles we will use a different approach, which is featured in the video. It may not be as sexy as a bunch of cowboys running open with a herd of stampeding buffalo in front of them, but it is less stressful on the buffalo and the people. I hope you enjoy it!
40 comments
Thanks for sharing. This is an interesting technique. Truly a “Shepard” approach. Leading rather than driving. Glad they are returned safely and yourselves as well. Less Stress is Very Good. I remember Dan’s introduction to Bison at Custer State Park’s roundup. The contrast is epic. Glad he was able to save the ‘FuzzBalls’.
I am impressed with the way you handle your buffalo. The video is very cool. We enjoy your buffalo meat and look forward to coming to your “store” in the near future on our way back to Montana from our wintering in Texas.
You have the best job in the world.