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
Just finished Buffalo For The Broken Heart. Really enjoyed and could relate to many of the challenges. Loved watching your video of your recent gathering at Buffalo Gap. Looking forward to buying some meat and perhaps throw out some cake with you some day.
Pretty video.
I grew up on a beef cattle ranch, between Deadwood and Sturgis.
This is an interesting way to move buffalo, very gentle and kind (PETA style). Is this done to keep the animals calmer, releasing fewer “fight or flight” hormones into the meat, which would cause it to have a more “gamey” taste?
During the annual round-up at Custer State Park there’s a lot of “yippee-ki-yay” going on as the cowboys and girls herd the buffalo, while on horseback, (no mineral cakes needed). ;-)
I now live in SW Colorado and sure do appreciate being able to purchase quality, good tasting, buffalo at my local Natural Grocers (Vitamin Cottage). I’ve tried many different brands in the past and am most impressed with the excellent flavor of Wild Idea Buffalo Co.’s products!
You can make them do anything THEY want to do!