History and Facts

Mom and Baby Bison

The History of Bison

Approximately 60 million American Bison (commonly known as the American buffalo) roamed the North American plains when the first pioneers settled the frontier. Bison represented an abundant food source for Native Americans and settlers alike, offering longevity and strength to all who partook. Due to a combination of excessive hunting, U.S. expansion westward and a general lack of respect for the herd, the American Bison population soon teetered on the brink of extinction.

Thanks to efforts of early preservationists and concerned private breeders, the bison population was given enough protection to slowly rebound.

Today, more than a half-million bison again thrive on native ground. A growing demand for a healthy, eco-friendly, sustainable meat source has given ranchers and farmers incentive to raise bison. This consumer demand helps keep bison breeders in business while simultaneously strengthening the future of the herd.

Bison are special in their ability to thrive within diverse climates. Their sturdy bloodline has stood the test of time, proving them more resilient to the many complications common to modern livestock. Unlike most modern livestock, bison free-range without the need for barns or synthetic structures, which preserves natural resources.

With genetics on their side, American Bison require fewer interventions than typical bovines, resulting in a delicious meat that is, in so many ways, far superior to any other protein sources. Untainted by steroids, fillers and additives, our bison is naturally flavorful and 100% pure.

The one-and-only, true American red meat is back.

Read more about the incredible history, health benefits and current comeback efforts of the American Bison.

More Bison Facts

Bison meat served as a primary staple to the Plain’s Indian diet, greatly contributing to their physical vitality. This population enjoyed freedom from heart disease and cancer. Bison themselves are the only mammal known to avoid contracting cancer, and they generally survive over thirty years.

Although many of the largest bison were killed during the expansion westward, original male bulls could weigh up to 5,000 pounds. Even though such genetics were lost due to excessive hunting, today’s mature bulls often weigh up to 2,000 pounds. You may think such a bulky animal would be rather clumsy in its movements. Surprisingly, bison can pivot more precisely and even outrun most horses.

Helpful to ranching efforts is the bison’s ability to recognize specific human voices. This complements their generally docile nature, unless provoked.

Healthy females produce one calf per year for up to thirty years. Young are born with distinctive red hair and begin grazing almost immediately.

Thanks to private breeding measures, the American bison is no longer an endangered species.