| 1content.onlineagency.com/sites/95014/pdf/tbj2012proof.pdf · 2013-09-19 · visited the bison at Yellowstone Park with a presentation from their park bison manager. We also visited

www.TexasBison.org | 1

US $3.95

2 | TEXAS BISON JOURNAL | 2012

2012

Features16 Where the Buffalo Don’t RoamBad raps, misinformation, negative press, cattlemen rumors....bison have a reputation for being uncontainable. Can we bust this myth, once and for all?

20 Amazing GrazeSouth Texas hunting operations are looking for a ‘non-cattle’ grazing solution. Enter the amazing American bison.

24 SurvivalRaising bison in West Texas creates difficult challenges, but they are worth it.

28 Trading PostA showcase of new & exciting products for bison enthusiasts and proud Texans.

30 Bison Recipes

DEPARTMENTS4 From the President6 TBA Officers & Committees8 Bison Business10 Wild & Woolly15 Join the Herd38 Parting Shots

16

28

20

24


JOURNAL

From the President

We’re Getting StrongerDAN HUMPHRIES


I am extremely proud to be a member of the Texas Bison Association (TBA). As my term as president of the TBA comes to an end, I want to take time to reflect back on the past

year and ponder our exciting future. We had a great 2011 Texas Bison Conference in Austin last May. It was the fourth consecutive year that Texas Gov. Rick Perry proclaimed the first week of May as “Texas Bison Week.” Even Miko, the trained buffalo attended the conference and made a special appearance at the State Capitol. Miko had his picture taken with Senator Craig Estes, interns and aids and Austinites. Our 2011 Texas Bison Journal sold out at every Tractor Supply store in Texas. Many stores reordered and sold out twice! There are more than 125 Tractor Supply stores in Texas, and the Texas Bison Journal is the first and only bison industry magazine sold in the country on retail newsstands! We continued our efforts to educate ranchers across Texas, about the advantages of bison ranching. We even attracted the interest of bison ranchers from other states, thirsty for credible information for raising bison in the South. Many new bison ranchers attended our ‘Texas Style’ Fall Workshop, where folks had the opportunity to observe and even try their hand at working 35 head through the handling system, administering vaccinations, attaching ear tags and recording weights. We continued to travel across Texas with the Texas Bison Advantage message to agricultural expos and are currently working to develop a curriculum for approved bison classes for the Future Farmers of America. We survived one of the worst droughts in Texas history and worked to provide members with help getting information on drought assistance. While many livestock ranchers were downsizing due to the drought, the majority of Texas bison ranchers were strategically planning to increase herd sizes. In the past year, I have been active in learning from other bison ranchers across the country as well as Texas. I attended the National Bison Association Spring Conference in Big Sky, Mon., where there were many good speakers there and great seminars. We visited the bison at Yellowstone Park with a presentation from their park bison manager. We also visited Ted Turner operation’s Flying D Ranch with around 3,500 head of bison. I attended the NBA Winter Conference in Denver, Co., where I met other attendees and share our Texas Bison Journals and Fall newsletters. In September, I rode with Gunsel Horse Adventures for three days in Custer State Park with many of the Buffaleros and observed the roundup of around 700 head of bison on horseback. Most of these events also had a good representation from other TBA ranchers. Throughout the past year, working with ranchers and associations across the country, the take away was always the same and a lesson learned. The bison industry is one of the most exciting and promising industries to be in! The only negative reality I saw repeatedly was the fact that there currently are not enough bison ranchers or bison to “provide a health conscious consuming society with our healthy, tender, tasty and sustainable product – “Bison, The Original Red Meat!” There is a large loyal customer base and we are unable to keep up with the growing demand. We are getting stronger with every additional member. Be strong; join the herd, the Texas Bison Association.

Dan HumphriesPresident, Texas Bison Association

The bison industry is one of themost exciting and promising

industries to be in!


The Texas Bison Association works to

promote and preserve Texas bison through leadership, education

and building public awareness for the bison ranching and

meat industry. Founded in 1994, the Texas Bison Association

provides assistance in raising and producing bison among our

membership and promotes the nutritional health aspects of the

North American Bison to consumers. The TBA welcomes anyone with an interest in the

preservation and promotion and production the North American Bison. TBA Board of DirectorsPresident Dan HumphriesVice President Tim FrasierSecretary Dawn EllzeyTreasurer Pat BierschwaleBoard of Director Charles Addington IIBoard of Director Roy LiedtkeBoard of Director Charles Robertson

TBA Administrative Committees & LiaisonsAMA Liason Charles Addington II, ChairBy-laws Roy Liedtke, ChairMarketing Dan Humphries, ChairMembership Dawn Ellzey, ChairScholarship Pat Bierschwale, ChairShow & Sale Charles Addington II, ChairYouth Outreach Tim Frasier, Chair

Texas Bison Journal is published annually by the Texas Bison Association. Statements of fact and opinion in this publication, including editorial and advertisements are the sole responsibility of the authors and advertisers and do not necessarilyreflect the opinions of TBA officers, members, staff or other contributors.

Columnists & Contributors:Charles Addington II

Tim FrasierDan Humphries

John MengShawn Vickers

Graphics and production for Texas Bison Journal are provided by Meng & Associates Inc., Liberty Hill, TX.

For editorial or advertising inquiries, contact John Meng at [email protected] or 512.778.9092.

Copyright ©2012 All Rights Reserved.

For membership

information, visit

www.TexasBison.org.

JOURNAL

One of my favorite sayings is, “talk’s cheap, whiskey costs money.” This is a common cowboy colloquialism for the purpose of weighing the value of talk, as compared

to action. On a closer look, talk may not be all that cheap when we, as bison producers, engage the general public on a one-on-one basis, or otherwise. In a talk by Gene Haul with the Texas Farm Bureau at a North Texas farm and ranch expo with 300-plus farmers and ranchers in attendance, I watched and listened while the importance of communication between farmers and ranchers and the public was conveyed. Coaching on word choices and positive perspectives were shared, defending American agriculture from the constant attack based on misinformation and urban myth. As I watched and listened, I was entertained by the folks that seemed to be waiting for recess, while sitting through math class. Mr. Haul very wisely suggested, in conclusion, that the consumer is calling the shots more now than ever, and we should all respect that reality just as we would an employer’s direction. Another one of my favorite sayings is, “My farm, My rules.” While this is true and speaks to the independent spirit and resilience of American land stewards, it’s also part of the problem. The “my rules” part is the part that bison consumers are focusing on as production partners. “Production partner?” You better believe it ‘pahtna!’ Two or three times removed it’s “Your farm, Your rules” that the consumer is buying and believing in. The great thing for bison producers is that the unspun truth is the message and story that best serves bison as a niche animal-agriculture reality. We manage bison in a very appealing way for consumers, because bison actually produce more when left alone. Adequate food, family and water, in combination with the opportunity to perform natural behaviors, is our best and most profitable management plan. So, it’s still “My farm, My rules” so long as the buffalo agree, and our production partners love that! So it seems that talk is not so cheap after all and our public conversations can be expensive. There are a lot of conversations going on about bison right now, and our production partners are tuning in. In an independent private study, I daily monitor Google Alert headlines about bison under many different heading choices. The two most popular subjects, by a very wide margin, are Conservation and Culinary. I find this very interesting and perfect! The rancher, historically and currently, provides the most positive vehicle for the repopulation of this iconic species. Additionally, conservation efforts make the ranching community possible. This represents a positive conversation that should be shared. Another positive conversation available is bison as an eco-integrity agent. We are observing more positive ecological interactions every day, impacting everything from soil structure to bird species populations. What we can’t prove, we can leave to the wisdom of the eons through which bison adapted and evolved as the most successful large mammal in the planet’s history. Oh ya! I almost forgot the most positive conversation of all — bison meat has health nutritional which is off the chart, and tastes great! Our conversations are positive because there is almost no room to reference any negatives about what bison. Bison stand alone on their positive merits, and all of us that understand those merits, stand together. You may think that a conversation about bison with your neighbor, friend or acquaintance is insignificant. One-on-one turns into One-on-100,000 if one person repeats a conversation with 10 others. As a result, the conversation you have with one person, may affect one attitude or 100,000 attitudes. Either way, the strength of the conservation and culinary message is all positve.

Bison business

TALK IS CHEAPTIM FRASIER


Adequate food, family and water, in combination

with the opportunity to

perform naturalbehaviors, is our best and

most profitable management plan.


Stampedes are not uncommon in Texas history, but this was a wild and woolly stampede unlike any before seen in Austin. As part of Texas Bison Week and the 2011 Texas Bison Conference, Texas Bison Association (TBA) members converged on the State Capitol building to

build awareness for the Texas bison industry and the species. The guests of honor were renowned trick rider and trainer Bree Worthington (www.BreeWorthington.com) and Miko the Buffalo, who turned a lot of heads in downtown Austin. “Building awareness for bison and bison products is part of the TBA’s mission, and our Stampede on the Capitol was a great way to build

excitement about bison and inform our state representatives about our growing industry,” says then-TBA President Tim Frasier. The annual Texas Bison Conference is the largest event in Texas dedicated exclusively to the American bison. The event brings together individuals, businesses and organizations from throughout the bison and agriculture industries, and hosts informative seminars, exhibitors, a fun Buffalo Banquet, silent and live auctions that include buffalo art, jewelry, ranch equipment, furniture and much more. For more information on the Texas Bison Conference, call 512.778.9092 or visit www.TexasBison.org.

Bison Conference Makes Capitol Gains

A Few Glimpses of the Texas Bison Conference....


The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS)

announced recently it is considering ‘down listing’Wood Bison (Bison bison athabascae) from the its current ‘endangered’ status to ‘threatened’ under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The USFWS reports, since 1978, the number of free-ranging, disease-free herds has increased from one to seven, and the number of wood bison has increased from approximately 400 to more than 4,000. Most authorities agree on the Wood Bison’s successful recovery and urge USFWS to delist the Wood Bison entirely. The National Bison Association and Canadian Bison Association filed a joint comment with USFWS last year stating, in part, “Although reclassifying the Wood Bison from Endangered to Threatened is considered a positive step, the bison industry recommends that Wood Bison be declassified. Herds are sufficiently large for the survival of the species.” Earlier this year, the Western Bison Association also petitioned the USFWS to remove Wood Bison entirely from the list. The WBA cited the latest scientific research that indicates that Wood Bison and Plains Bison are not subspecies, and should be managed as a single species.

Interest in raising and conserving bison is booming in Texas. The Texas Bison Association reports its membership has grown nearly

300 percent in the past three years. “It’s safe to say that the secret is out about bison. People have discovered that raising these magnificent animals is fun, lucrative and it helps preserve the species for future generations,” says Dan Humphries, president of the Texas BisonAssociation. “Of course, not everyone has the resources to raise bison, so membership in the TBA and other bison-specific organizations is a great way for people to support the species. For anyone that cares about these noble animals, I urge them to become a supporter of conservation and production models.”

Texas is well-known for suffering record-breaking droughts. Here are the Top 10 Tips for your bison to weather a Texas drought.

• Drought is about no water and little, or no, grass. Bison need forage and water.

• Determine the total ration of the bison in combination with the ‘bulk’ daily ration available feed. If the game is ‘Texas Hold-em’ then a 8- 12% protein total ration should supplement the bulk ration components.

• Pasture systems should allow for the performance of natural behaviors in response, such as wild water sources for cooling. Newborn calves are in jeopardy during times of extreme heat without the ability to cool. They are not endothermic for 5-14 days after birth.

• Where shade is available, rotate pasture use so shade is available in times of extreme heat. Drought, combined with heat, will make the need for shade more critical.

• Keeping mineral and salt available near water sources will help keep electrolyte balances functional for heat and drought response.

• Don’t waste springtime. This cool season forage may be the last you see. Make sure your parasite control is in order and your bison grow strong before the summer.

• Do not handle or stress bison during heat and drought unless absolutely necessary. If necessary, work at night.

• Calculate and weigh your replacement realities with ‘Texas Hold’em’ costs.

• Aggressively rotate to maximize residue flora and water use efficiency. This strategy only works with some rainfall.

• Learn to ‘rain dance.’ Remember, rain dances work if you don’t quit until it rains.

SINCE 1978, THE WOOD BISON population has grown 1000% and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is now moving to change the species’ status on the Endangered Species List.

Bison Rebound

Bison Boom in Texas

Top 10 Tips for Drought

289%


12 | TEXAS BISON JOURNAL | 201212 | TEXAS BISON JOURNAL | 2012

Hands-on experience was the name of the game at the recent TBA Bison Ranch

Workshop in Hamilton, Texas. More than 80 attendees gathered to learn about

bison ranching, and it was the single largest attended workshop in TBA history.

The event was hosted by Six Spokes Bison and provided close encounters and helpful

information about working a bison herd, administering medications and also offered a fun

networking opportunity for new and experienced bison ranchers.

The Saturday workshop featured seminars on bison handling, animal evaluation and

health care and a Texas bison producers panel with experts from around the state.

Plus, attendees saw first-hand how Six Spoke Bison works its bison herd, an experience

which is impossible to duplicate in a classroom environment.

“The Texas bison industry has experienced tremendous growth in recent years and we

were very excited to offer this new workshop to help new bison producers learn efficient

and humane methods for growing and managing their herds,” says Dan Humphries,

president for the Texas Bison Association.

For upcoming TBA workshops and other events, call 512.778.9092

or visit www.TexasBison.org.

Bison Workshop Gets Hands-On

Enjoying America’s original red meat is always a non-partisan

effort. Earlier this spring, bison was the center of attention

during a White House State Dinner honoring British Prime

Minister David Cameron.

President Obama, Cameron, and their invited guests enjoyed a

main course featuring Bison Wellington with Red Wine Reduction,

French Beans and Cipollini Onion.

“There’s no meat more American than bison, and it’s a perfect

healthy choice for entertaining guests at your home or in the

White House,” says Dan Humphries, president of the Texas Bison

Association. “Using bison in the traditional Beef Wellington recipe

really demonstrates how versatile bison meat is and that it is a very

lean alternative whether you’re preparing gourmet dishes, steaks or

even burgers.”

President George

W. Bush first served

bison at a White

House State Dinner,

hosting Mexican

President Vicente

Fox in 2002.

Texas bison producer Donnis

Baggett has been named

2011 Member of the Year by the

National Bison Association. NBA

Past Presidents’ Council Chair

Gail Griffin presented the award

during the 2012 NBA Winter

Conference in Denver, Color.

Baggett was described as “a

great, willing and goto person,

always giving of himself for the

betterment of the NBA and the bison business,” He has served on

the board of the directors for the Texas Bison Association and the

NBA, and he also now serves as NBA vice president.

Three years ago, Baggett recommended the NBA revive its

Government Relations Committee and has served as its chair since.

The committee organized two visits to Washington D.C. by the

NBA in 2011, as well as other government relations activities.

Baggett, along with his wife Beverly Brown, owns Lucky B Bison

in Bryan, Texas.

White House, Red Meat National AssociationHonors Texas Producer

www.TexasBison.org | 13www.TexasBison.org | 13


As a matter of Western heritage, bison andTexas are partners in time and the TexasBison Association is working hard to preservethe legend. Join the TBA and help uspromote and preserve Texas bison throughleadership, education and building publicawareness for one of the world’s mostresilient and magnificent animals — theAmerican Bison.

Sign up for a TBA Basic Membership for only $50 per year.Or, sign up as an Active Memberfor $100 per year and receiveadvertising discounts in theTexas Bison Journal.

YES, I want to join the Texas Bison Association

❑ $50 Basic Membership ❑ $100 Active Membership(Basic membership package includes Texas Bison (Texas Bison Journal, TBA cap, TBAJournal, TBA cap, TBA key ring & newsletter) key ring, newsletter, voting rights, and 20% discount on advertising in the Texas Bison Journal.Name _____________________________________________________________________Contact Name (if business) ____________________________________________________Address ___________________________________________________________________City __________________________________________________ST _____ Zip __________Phone _______________________________ Email* ________________________________

Mail Payment to:TEXAS BISON ASSOCIATIONP.O. BOX 10Liberty Hill, TX 78642

*The Texas Bison Association delivers special announcements and alerts via email. Please include your email so we can keep you updated on importantindustry news and events.

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

New TBA Basic membersreceive a one-year subscription to

Texas Bison Journal, TBA cap,our quarterly eNewsletter and a

TBA key ring to proudly display thatyou are helping to preserve a

true American icon — theAmerican Bison.

Bison steaks and burgers delivered right to your door!Order online at FrontierMeats.com

Buying All Classesof Bison For Our

~ Texas Bison Program ~

16 | TEXAS BISON JO 2012


Among many undeserved infamies of bison is the myth that they cannot be contained. This is simply inaccurate and all too often stated as a matter of fact, which very quickly becomes

misinformation and dogmatic truth. As a matter of provable fact and with the benefit of four basic needs, bison are extremely easy to contain on any property incident-free. The four bison-basics are food, family, water and common sense. The fourth basic, common sense, is a human element and bison-basic that can be regionally deficient. I have been diagnosing, documenting and attempting to treat such deficiencies for the last 15 years and can tell you without hesitation, that when astray bison occur, deficiencies of the fourth bison-basic is most likely “the rest of the story.” One theory that fits very nicely with the myth that bison are not containable is the migratory behavior assumption. This would work well, were it not for the observations of conservation pioneers and ranchers like Charles Goodnight who observed and documented that the migratory behavior ceased after the Southern Herd was reduced to a shadow of its former self. Could it be that with the reduced herd size three bison basics became plentiful and left the fourth bison basic to make sense of it all? Out of 618 bison farms reported in Texas by the USDA Census, there have been virtually no astray bison. When it has occurred, it made the news, while farm animals of every kind went astray, everyday, as a matter of rural normality.

Another common cause for astray bison, and the most prevalent among fence damage occurrences in bison models, is non-bison damage to fences. This would include drunk drivers and vehicular damage, washouts and fallen trees. Additionally, in the North, snowdrifts can be the cause of astray bison, as well as astray pigs, chickens, cattle, etc. So it seems on closer examination that fences which are no longer there, cause the few bison escapes that actually occur, but because they are not Longhorns, Herefords or Brangus, they make the news and are indicted for fence damage and escape. It’s very common for folks to assume that bison leap tall buildings with a single bound, and behave as a destructive and uncontrollable force of nature. They can posses those qualities and behaviors, but don’t when their basic needs are met. My original career choice was cattle. I have seen cattle do more jumping, attacking and perform more uncontrollable force-of-nature behaviors than bison. Plus, cattle have demonstrated a greater tendency to go astray and damage fences. Let’s look at a fence like a buffalo might, literally! Can I see it? Does it look like a barrier? Can I crawl through it? Can I crawl under it? Can I step or hop over it? And finally, representing all four basic-bison needs, why would I? The answer to the last question is the most important part of bison fencing and the reason for a strict protocol when introducing bison to a new property. That protocol includes a control pasture or small one- to two-acre trap pasture for the purpose of getting the newly recruited bison home and accustomed to ranch operations. The trap pasture most often features additional precautions like field fence/net wire and possibly additional stays. If you are planning on receiving more than 100

head of bison at once, you should consider multiple control pastures or additional acreage within one, but limited to 10 acres. Time allowed for bison introduction to a new property should never be less than 14 days. It may need to exceed 14 days depending on their response to ranch operations and general attitude. The general attitude you should observe in the bison before release is behaving contently as opposed to ‘on edge’ or pacing the fence. It is within this ‘getting-home’ or introduction phase that you can get them coming to feed as a routine. This will be an invaluable tool when gathering your bison or dealing with astray situations, should it ever happen. Occasional feedings, as a protocol, will also contribute to a lack of interest by the bison to the other side of the fence. Perimeter fences for bison should be constructed for reliable containment, which is an axiom that applies to cattle as well. There are many fence constructions that work very well, but a four-foot field fence with two to three strands of barbed wire on top for a total height of 5 ft. 3-in. to 5-ft, 6-in. tall is usually recommended. As a consultant, I know that if a bison operation has this type of fence and there are containment problems, there is probably more to the story. At six feet, there will be even less cause for concern (which is a disclaimer statement, and something I do not feel is necessary with adequate bison management in place). Another option for fence construction that works well is normal barbed wire construction with five to seven wires, and 5-ft. 3-in. to 5 ft. 5-in high. All other considerations for good reliable cattle fence construction apply such as good braces, three-inch wood or steel posts every 30 to 50 feet, good quality wire and no gaps left underneath the fence big enough to allow escape. Basically, if it will hold

BISON DON’T REQUIRE HIGH FENCES or other elaborate ‘fortifications.’ As long as the animals’ basic needs are met, a four-foot field fence with two to three strands of barbed wire on top for a total height of 5 ft. 3-in. to 5-ft, 6-in. tall is usually recommended.

OCCASIONAL FEEDINGS will be an invaluable tool when gathering your bison or dealing with astray situations, should it ever happen. Feedings will also contribute to a lack of interest by the bison to the other side of the fence.


Brangus, Salers, Brafords or Longhorns, it will hold bison that are managed correctly. In many situations it is more feasible to add materials to an existing unreliable fence, than to tear it out and build new. A preferred choice for additional material to existing fence is field fence/net-wire with the addition of more strands of barbed wire on top. This is also a preferred new construction at a height of 5 ft. 3 in. to 5 ft. 6 in. You can also just add wire, posts and stays until the old fence line is reliable and tight. High fence, or game fence, is widely used in Texas for ranch models that focus on deer and game species. This is more than adequate for holding bison at eight feet and, if your ranch model is based on game fence, then a six-foot fence will be more than adequate for your bison. The game fence does not work well for areas in which the bison will be under handling pressure. The game fence is not visible enough and though it will hold them, bison may jump into it and be caused unnecessary injury and stress. Wire fences of any kind are never recommended in areas where handling pressure occurs. Electric wire, or hot-wire, can be an affective tool for certain situations with bison but should never be relied on for containment by itself. When hot-wire is used, barbed wire should be used in order to penetrate the hair coat and deliver a deterring shock. Smooth wire will work if the bison touch it with their nose or shorthaired areas, but overall it is not as effective. Most accounts from bison managers about electric bison fencing agree that bison learn quickly and retain a very healthy respect for wire of any kind, once they have been shocked by a hot-wire. For that reason, some bison managers use electric wire as a training aid during the introduction period while in the control pasture. However, most bison managers do not recommend electric wire for more than an addition to a well built and reliable fence. Internal or cross fences can be built with less attention to containment. Rotating pastures can minimize exposure to internal parasites in bison and maximize forage production and forage crop health. The internal cross fences need only be built-up if there is unauthorized rotation occurring. You will be amazed

at just how little fence will contain bison internally. Problems arise with internal cross fencing when you separate family group members from one another. The behavioral ‘pull of the herd’ will cause the separated subordinates to exhaust every possible option for returning to the herd. If your ranch operations cause this dynamic to exist, it might be viable by separating the groups by whole pastures. The distance across a whole pasture, as opposed to across the wire, seems to suppress behaviors associated with separation anxiety. Water gaps and geography will hold cattle differently than bison. In the case of water gaps,

keep in mind that bison are intelligent and curious. They may find opportunity to mess with things that cattle don’t notice. For this reason, the construction of water gaps will be the same, but the precautions may differ. Something left swinging for cattle and held in place by gravity should be fastened with something that breaks for debris and enough water pressure for bison ranches. Geographic barriers that hold cattle may or may not hold bison. The perspective to apply here is the fact that the bison are in their natural home and quite able and willing to handily negotiate anything in it. Water may stop cattle, not bison. Rugged and steep grades may represent containment barriers to cattle, but not bison. If bison are caused to do any and all things possible with cloven hooves, they can and

will, if they have to. At the end of the day, bison fencing and containment is very easy. However, there are a few things that should be taken seriously. Food, family, water and the fact that they are a wild animal are top considerations. But bison are the most amenable to containment and management among all the wild species. Contained and propagated as livestock or wildlife makes no difference to the buffalo. For them it’s all about their basic needs, including that fourth bison-basic need from us, common sense.

Tim Frasier is bison consultant who has been ‘helping buffalo with people’ since 1995. He operates Texas Buffalo Exchange and Frasier Bison in Gainesville, Texas.

It’s very common for folksto assume that bison

leap tall buildings with asingle bound, and

behave as a destructiveand uncontrollable force

of nature. They canposses those qualities

and behaviors, but don’twhen their basic needs

are met.



Transport back to the early 1990’s and you’ll see a burgeoning wildlife market in South Texas. Hunting lease

prices and guided hunts began to demand that ranchers and landowners take notice. When a threshold of hunting prices was reached, it triggered a massive land exchange between working family-owned ranches and absentee land owners with only one, or possibly two, desires — deer and/or quail. Another factor triggering the exchange was the concept of managing whitetail deer to produce better herds. Culling bucks with inferior traits became commonplace. The frenzy of producing “super deer” would come less than a decade later. This management approach was difficult when cattle and agriculture reigned supreme and hunting was tolerated simply because it was historically a part of South Texas culture. Hunting and anything related to it were viewed as recreational activities and not serious work. When sleepy, economically depressed towns began to wake up to hoards of well-funded, camo-clad weekenders evey fall, a sort of gold rush began. Television shows, celebrities, hunting and fishing super stores, and all walks of life began to impact South Texas wildlife resources — and land. Hunting lease holders where the land owner had little or no desire to put wildlife before agriculture began to simply buy ranches as an alternative. At that time, the first major change was to remove cattle, agricultural operations and livestock infrastructure to work toward a hunting paradise, and with no need for the land to produce income.

Wildlife management in South Texas continues to evolve on large hunting operations, and most devoted land owners are seeking an

effective ‘non-cattle’ grazing solution. Enter the amazing American Bison.

by Shawn Vickers


Thus began the alteration of the South Texas landscape. Brush was deemed valuable, whereas under the cattle scenario, it was at the center of a battle to keep grazing areas open. The pendulum began to swing the other way. Pastures were allowed to go fallow, and no brush control was the plan. Simply buying land and letting nature take over was the general recipe. But as deer management began to mature and receive more direct input from better educated biologists and savvy landowners, it was recognized that “some” brush management was needed. Admittedly, a good portion of this brush control effort was geared toward opening areas to allow better hunter access, food plots to draw in game, and aesthetics. However, it was quickly realized that most South Texas wildlife liked a mix of open areas and native brush. During the early stages of this evolution, the concept of “manage the land, not the animal” was born. Backed by huge sums of money, an army of yellow iron began to change the face of South Texas with one goal — better hunting opportunities. Creative and wildlife-tailored brush removal was dubbed “Brush Sculpting” (by this author) and was a drastic departure from the total clearing procedures used in the past. Modern technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and GPS were employed to create intricate designs that enhanced the edge effect that deer preferred. High-fenced, dependant wildlife became the responsibility of land owners as population, predators, food, cover and water needed to be carefully managed. As fragmentation of large ranches into smaller, more affordable tracts became the norm, it was discovered that Mother Nature spawns a limited number of large, anomalous bucks. Landowners and hunters spurred biologists and deer managers to somehow artificially alter this natural tendency. The Super Buck was born in highfenced breeder pens around the state. Controlled conditions, known genetics, and impatience with the natural order fueled the race to become the breeder that produced the buck with the most total inches of antler. Each year, experimental breeders far surpassed the previous year’s record. Instances of eliminating

entire deer populations within high fenced ranches and replacing them with deer from breeders brought ranches surprisingly close to the livestock operations that had been removed in the name of hunting wild game. High protein supplemental feed and water became the biggest inputs some landowners interjected into the system, thereby reducing and even eliminating the practice of managing the land. Forward to the present and we see a mix of these

early efforts being applied, along with more sound scientific methods. The most sensible managers today learn from each success and mistake and formulate a hybrid approach. These ranches produce impressive, healthy herds, superior trophies, and more consistent hunting opportunities. Virtually all native, and some exotic, game thrives in South Texas, as does the wildlife market. This scenario is now playing out to varying degrees in all areas of Texas. All along this evolving path, remained the land. However, missing since the beginning was a large

grazing animal. Most hunting ranches are still without cattle and any grazing occurs under the hoof of an exotic, most typically from Africa. With 10 to 20 years of intense, targeted management under their belts, ranch owners and managers have come full circle and are now beginning to seek out grazing alternatives. Heavy grass cover is an on and off problem that hampers the goal of hunting management through a variety of ways. Forbes and “weeds” important to all types of native game are shaded out by ungrazed grass and unable to produce that important mass of spring vegetation. Fire hazards are high especially in areas densely covered with aggressive non-native grasses. In fact, in some cases, the only solution is to burn off the grasses to encourage forbe production. Unfortunately, most of these grasses respond vigorously to frequent burns. Currently, the trend toward native grass restoration has led to efforts to eliminate the exotic, invasive grasses. Of course, these same grasses were highly prized by the cattle ranchers of the past and the monocultures they produced. Enter the American Bison. As wildlife management continues to reach sophisticated and complex levels,

BRUSH SCUPTING is a standard method for ehancing wildscapes for hunting operations, however exotic game are not effective grazers for large tracts. Today, savvy landowners are introducing bison, the only large grazing animal native to North America, into their land management strategy.


most seriously devoted land owners are essentially trying to recreate the past. The lands they now have control over were very different than they are today. Some of the past will never be brought back. Regardless, most land owners do not want to see cattle operations return and haven’t found exotics to be effective at grazing large areas. Additionally, the numbers of exotics that would be required would hardly complement the native landscape. So bison are on the table for discussion now. Bison, and exotics, have the possibility of being included in the hunting realm as an alternative quarry — cattle obviously do not. Land owners see bison as fitting ranches, even more so than cattle when included in a wild, native game hunting scenario. Regardless of whether they are occasionally hunted, romance, nostalgia, and the fact that they are the only large grazing animal native to North America give bison an edge over exotics. The major hurdle within the hunting ranch community is that bison have the reputation of being a nuisance or even dangerous. Any livestock-like animal, that is not a primary hunting species, will be treated as something wildlife managers would rather not deal with. The primary redeeming quality of bison to those focused on deer, quail and other wild game will be their use as a tool to better manage the land while attempting to foster native habitats. To explore the bison alternative, producers should work with land owners conducting pilot projects, studies, etc. The wildlife community has proven their willingness to adapt and invest significant resources into the science and programs necessary to achieve their goals. But unless bison myths are dispelled through firsthand experiences and documented results, their poor reputation may prevail. Regardless of perspective and philosophy, the hunting market is a permanent and powerful force in Texas. With seasoned and educated land owners deriving more pleasure from creating sustainable native ecosystems, bison could become another tool at their disposal. Within this opportunity for bison and the bison industry, one must never forget the history and factors that created it — hunting.

Shawn Vickers is a GIS, Remote Sensing, and Ranch Planning consultant, based in Seguin, Texas. He serves as technical advisor to several Groundwater Districts in Central Texas and numerous wildlife foundations. He specializes in the application of technologies to wildlife, ranching, natural resources, and planning. His current client list comprises 26 million acres of Texas ranchland and 10 million acres in Tanzania.


Raising bison in West Texas creates unique anddifficult challenges...but they are worth it.

by Charles Addington II


When asked about survival, most people worry about themselves and what misfortunes have happened to them. This article is different ibecause it’s about one of the

greatest animals on earth. As a proud member of the Texas Bison Association, it would be remiss of me not to proclaim how wonderful bison are but, when you will sacrifice blood, sweat, tears, money, time, and just about everything else you have because you truly feel that way, you are saying something. West Texas is cattle ground and has been for centuries with vast wide open spaces that currently have fences about every mile. So when we had the idea of bringing bison here, we received a lot of strange looks. “Why in the world would you bring a un-fence-able wild creature like that to this country?” If I heard that phrase once, I heard it 1000 times. However, when doing the due-diligence about bison it quickly was discovered that this species was an untouched market. These majestic creatures were in this country years before there was ever a bovine cow. They flourished and prospered in this vast land. So with an untouched market, history of previous success, and determination one can only conclude that raising bison would be an excellent idea. In the famous words of Paul Harvey, “Now for the rest of the story.” The journey to a prosperous production model has been rough. Here are a few of the bad events in the journey so far. •Lawsuit.Thewordaloneisnauseatingandwhenyouareinvolvedin one because of people’s ignorance and hatred of an animal that they don’t even truly know, it only make it worse. • Death. When your animals, specifically calves, are dying because of oppressive heat and there is nothing you can do, it is almost overwhelming. •Land.Whenyoustartwithsmallacreageandthenrealizethatthesize of the pasture land itself is causing problems, then you have to decide how bad do I really want to ranch. •Knowledge.Whenyoustartlearningaboutaspeciesthatissomewhat foreign to most periodicals and where the science concerning bison is still based mainly on cattle nutrition and studies, the learning process is more difficult. •Stock.Actuallyacquiringtheanimalsissomewhatarduousduetofinding the animals that will match and work within your herd. •Facilities.Havingtherightequipmenttodothejob.Thismeansbeingable to work the bison the way THEY want to be worked and decrease injuries to as few as possible. •Feed.Establishingarationthatwillprovideyourbisonwiththebestnutrition and not bankrupt you to get it. •Drought.Finally,theonethingthatyouhavenocontroloverthatisprobably the worst adversary of all.

The drought from October 2010 to the present has destroyed our part of the nation unlike any other event in history. The cattle infrastructure and herds in our area are at an all-time low and will take many years to rebuild. Survival of the fittest is a true statement during this crisis. But the buffalo have remained true. Let’s not forget that they were here before many of the other creatures and learned how to survive. It is only when we self-impose restrictions with fences that we limit the instincts of survival. With the fences comes our responsibility to the animal to provide them with whatever they need. So, when hay must be bought because grass is growing short and extra supplement has to be purchased to make up for poor grazing nutrition, then that is when the love of the animal must be truly discerned. When comparing bison to cattle it must be brought out that to replace bison requires a larger process. Since there are already so few bison in the United States today, to replace what would have to be killed to make ends meet is almost unfeasible. So we must find alternatives and constantly research ways to decrease costs other than by killing the animals. Exotic game breeders all over the state will rise and fall by simply killing off their herds and waiting for the next cheap auction to replace the animals. Of course, not all exotic breeders fit that category because there are some that spend thousands of dollars to maintain their operation. As mentioned earlier, it will require years to replace the cattle that have been lost in the last 18 months. But, if as many bison were eliminated percentage-wise as the number of cattle, then it would amount to pure genocide. Our forefathers nearly perfected that strategy 100

years ago. Studies show that there are roughly 200,000 buffalo left in the United States today. Some of those are in conservation herds, some are in production herds, and some are in everyday people’s lives as beautiful icons from the past. What needs to be remembered is that we are all stewards of the animal and have to take the responsibility to make sure the bison last. Developing a production bison herd has been the process of a lifetime. My entire family has sat around the dinner table and figured out what the entire family was going to sacrifice to keep the herd. When the hardest times hit and the conversation comes to selling cows to make ends meet, it’s easy to see how much these animals are revered when the whole family, without descent, decides to give up whatever is necessary to keep the herd. We have watched the lands of generations — where grandfathers worked their fingers to the bone establishing a ranch — sold and carved up because no one wanted to do what it took to keep it. Our herd is not considered an exotic adventure where we simply get rid of animals in tough times and buy more later. This is a true part of our family where prayers are still said over bulls headed to slaughter and tears shed over the ones that don’t make it. This production model called Addington Buffalo Company is a true testament to the will and determination of many people, but my family believes in the bison and we will forever stand by the animal and sacrifice as long as we can to preserve, protect, and promote the greatest animal on earth.

Charles Addington III is the owner and operator ofAddington Buffalo Company.


Handmade by CowboyA pendant can be a powerful forcebecause it rests in line with yourtongue, throat and heart. This beautiful,handcut buffalo nickel pendant byHandmade by Cowboy is highlightedwith 24 kt. gold electroplate, wrappedwith a sterling silver rope and back!www.HandmadebyCowboy.com

Red Brand FenceThe Official Fence of the TexasBison Association, Red Brand hasstood guard protecting onAmerican farms, ranches and livestocksince 1889. Whether for fulltimefarmers or part-time enthusiasts,Red Brand is the product ofchoice when selecting the best infarm fence. www.RedBrand.com

A showcase of new & exciting products for bison enthusiasts and proud Texans.


The Buffalo Collectionat Scenic MesaPart of the new Colorado line from TheBuffalo Collection at Scenic Mesa, this buffalo leather chair matched with a sofa or loveseat will bring your living or family room up-to-date with a nostalgic touch of bison. 10 available colors. www.ScenicMesa.com

Buffalo GoldDesigned to keep your toes toasty all night, these luxuriously soft women’s bed socks are made from a bison down blend and have a reinforced bottom and gentle roll at the ankle. www.buffalogold.net

Dan Inject Dart Guns The CO2-powered JM Standard rifle darts at ranges up to 140 yards and an effective range of over 40 yards. With over 20 years of proven effectiveness, it is made of the highest quality material, lightweight, quiet, low maintenance and very humane. The JM Standard uses Dan-Inject’s humane system of darts and disposable darts. www.DanInjectDartGuns.com



America’s OriginalRed Meat

H ave you discovered the delicious, healthy taste of bison yet? Bison, or buffalo, meat tastes similar to high-quality beef with a slightly richer and sweeter flavor. Nutritionally, bison meat provides more protein and nutrients with fewer

calories and less fat. It’s recommended by the American Heart Association and it’s becoming more and more popular among health-conscious diners. Try some of these delicious recipes, submitted by members of the Texas Bison Association.

Photo courtesy Frontier Meats


HEART HEALTHY

Although commonly referred to as ‘buffalo,’ bison has been a healthy food source for centuries on the North American continent. Bison delivers a great source of flavorful red meat that is 97 percent fat free and contains 40 percent more protein than beef. Bison meat is nutritionally dense, meaning the proportions of protein, fat, minerals and fatty acids are high when compared to its caloric value. Bison meat also has a great concentration of iron as well as other essential nutrients. Compared to grain-fed beed, a six-ounce bison steak has as about 100 fewer calories. In fact, according to some fitness experts, you can lose up to 10 pounds a year by switching to bison! The American Heart Association recommends eating bison and has included bison as a lean meat option on their brochure: An Eating Plan for Healthy Americans

•Bisonspendmostoftheirlivesfeedingongrass,sothey are not subject to drugs, hormones or chemicals.

•Eating5ozofbison,3-to4-timesperweekcanhelpmost people reduce LDL cholesterol 40 to 45% over six months.

•Bisonmeathasfewercaloriesandlesscholesterolthan chicken or fish.

•Bisonhasmuchlessfatthanbeefsothatyougetmuch more edible meat for your money.

•Bisondoesnottastewildlikesomegamemeats.

•Bisonistheonlyredmeatthatisnon-allergenic.

•Bisonmeatcooksfasterthanbeefbecausethereisfar less fat in the meat to insulate it from the heat.

•Bisonaretheonlymammalsnottogetcancer.

Nutrition Comparison ChartSPECIES FAT(g) CALORIES(kcal) CHOLESTEROL (mg) IRON (mg) B-12 (mcg)

BISON 2.42g 143 82mg 3.42 2.86BEEF (choice) 10.15g 219 86mg 2.99 2.65BEEF (select) 8.09g 201 86mg 2.99 2.64PORK 9.66g 212 86mg 1.10 0.75CHICKEN(skinless) 7.41 190 89 1.21 0.33Sockeye Salmon 10.97 216 87 0.55 5.80Bison, separable lean only, cooked, roasted. USDA NDB No. 17157Beef, composite of trimmed retail cuts, separable lean only, trimmed to 0 fat, choice, cooked USDA NDB 13365Beef, composite of trimmed retail cuts, separable lean only, trimmed to 0 fat, select, cooked USDA NDB 13366Pork, fresh, composite of trimmed retail cuts (leg, loin and shoulder), separabel lean only, cooked USDA NDB No. 10091Chicken, broilers or fryers, meat only, roasted USDA NDB No. 05013Firfish, salmon, sockeye, cooked, dry heat USDA NDB 15086

Dan’s Better Than Good Bison GoulashSubmitted by: Dan Humphries, Buffalo Dancer Bison Ranch

1 lb. lean ground Bison1 large sweet onion, chopped1 10 oz. can of Ro-Tel diced tomato’s & green chilies (no need to drain, your choice Hot or Original)1boxKraftMac&Cheese1 15-oz. can of whole kernel sweet corn (no need to drain, let simmer to remove juice from corn and Ro-Tel)2 pinches of red cayenne pepper1 pinch garlic salt2 pinches black pepper1 pinch paprika

In a skillet, slowly cook the ground bison over medium lowheat, until medium rare. Break up meat while cooking. Add the onions to skillet. In a separate saucepan, prepare the Mac & Cheese as normal and add it to bison and onions. Add Ro-Tel and sweet corn to the skillet. Add seasonings and let simmer on low heat for 25 to 30 minutes with no lid. Stir occasionally. Some like it hot and some like it the next day cold, but everybody loves it! Serves 6, under 100 calories each.

Apple Hatch Bison Meatballswith Smoky Corn GritsSubmitted by: Corey Harris and John Russell, High Country Bison. This recipe won Central Market’s Hatch Chile Contest.

1 1/2 lb. ground bison meat1 cup good quality pesto4 roasted Hatch chiles, seeded and chopped or 2 cans green chilies1 Granny Smith apple, finely chopped1 teaspoon cinnamon1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped1 tablespoon fresh mint, finely chopped1 cup pecans, toasted and groundSalt and pepper to tasteOil for sautéing

In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients thoroughly,except oil. Make desired size of meatballs. Cover and refrigerate. Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium high heat. Sauté meatballs, in batches until well browned on all sides. Do not overcook. Serve over Smoky Corn Grits (see recipe below).

Smoky Corn Grits1 quart water


1 1/2 cups cornmeal, medium grind1/2 cup smoked gouda, grated1/2 cup Jack cheese, grated1/2 cup cream3 tablespoons butterSalt and pepper to taste

In a heavy saucepan, bring water to a boil. While whisking, add cornmeal in a steady stream to boiling water. Lower heat so that mixture simmers slowly rather than boils. Using a wooden spoon, continue to stir. Cook until grits are thick and grains are tender approximately 20 minutes. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in cheeses, cream and butter. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Bison LasagnaSubmitted by Donnis Baggett & Beverly Brown, Lucky B Bison Ranch

1 1/2 pounds of ground bison1 large can tomato paste2 small cans tomato sauce (mushrooms optional)1 1/2 tbs sugar1 clove garlic, chopped1 teaspoon chili powderSalt and pepper to taste1/2 teaspoon oregano1/2 teaspoon sweet basil1 medium onion, chopped1 carton large-curd cottage cheese1 can mushroom soup1 box lasagna noodlesMozzarella cheese

Saute onions and garlic in a little oil. Add bison meat and brown. Add tomato paste and tomato sauce. Put a little sauce in the bottom of the casserole dish. Alternate layers of noodles, sauce, cottage cheese and soup. Top with a layer of mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil. Heat one hour at 350 degrees or until sauce bubbles through. Remove foil for the last 15 minutes of cooking time. Let sit 10-15 minutes before serving. Serve with salad, garlic bread and a light dessert such as sorbet and you’ve got a winning meal.

Granny Miller’s Bison MeatloafSubmitted by Lisa & Benjy Cox, Tai-Pan Station

1 1/2 to 2 pounds ground bison1 package onion soup mix3 eggs1/3 cup hot water1/2 cup Italian herb bread crumbs

High Country BisonBison Products & Meat Sales

Award Winning HerdHome of the 2012 NBA Grand Champion Female

John Russell512.750.4092


1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Optional:Small can diced chiles1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheeseSmall can sliced mushrooms or 1/2 cup sautéed mushroomsAny other vegetable of choice

Soak bread crumbs and onion soup in water for 15 minutes. Break up with a fork. Add eggs to mixture. Add remaining ingredients. Mix thoroughly. Spray the bottom and sides of a loaf pan. Add meatloaf mixture and pat down firmly in pan. If using optional ingredients, place 1/2 of the meatloaf mixture in the pan, add cheese and or vegetables, and top with remaining mixture. Bake at 350-375 degrees for 45 minutes.

Spinach Tortilla Bison LasagnaSubmitted by Lynn Mayer, Scrumptious Catering

4 lbs Cooked bison meat loaf or cooked ground bisonSpinach tortillas

32 ounces Pasta sauce32 ounces salsa12 oz. Ricotta cheese2 c. Parmesan cheese1 teaspoon Cinnamon1/2 teaspoon Sea salt2 packages spinach1 package mini peppers

Cook in separate pans 350° oven, 10 minutes each. Sprinkle spinach with 2-3 tablespoons olive oil, garlic, salt and basil. Cut mini-peppers in strips, sprinkle with 2-3 tablespoons olive oil, garlic, salt and parsley. Combined pasta sauce and salsa and spoon into a 13 x 13 inch pan, covering the bottom. Place tortillas on the sauce. Place strips of bison meatloaf or ground bison and mini-peppers on top of tortillas. Mix ricotta cheese, egg, parmesan, cinnamon in bowl, then spread over bison and pepper strips. Add cooked spinach over the top. Repeat the layers in same sequence until pan is full. Top with spinach torillas, cooked mini peppers, sauces and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Bake in 350° oven until meat thermoter reaches 155° or for about 45 minutes.

continued on page 34


Smoked Bison HamSubmitted by Keith Glowka, Buffalo Moon Flutes

For starters, ham is a cured meat; specifically a pork hindquarter. However, any meat can be cured, and bison is some of the best meat for it. This recipe gives basic curing instructions that are tailored for bison meat. The cut you use is up to you, and the better cuts make a better finished product. Curing meat is easy. The only difference between curing and more conventional cooking is one ingredient (curing salt) and time (about a week). The amounts in this recipe can easily be scaled up or down, depending on the size of the cut you are curing. 5 lbs. bison (Choose a cut that is as close to solid muscle as you can get, avoiding connecting tissue. A brisket or rump chunk is good, and a backstrap is sublime!)

5 quarts water1cupKosherorcoarseseasalt11/2 teaspoon InstaCure curing salt (other brands are fine, but see instructions for the amount to use per pound of meat)1/2 cup brown sugar1/2 cup molasses5 bay leaves1/4 cup whole peppercorns1 teaspoon garlic powderCrushed red pepper (optional)

To make the brine, place all ingredients, except meat andcuring salt, into a stockpot. Bring to boil, then reduce to simmer for 10 minutes. Cool mixture to about 40° F, then stir in curing salt. Trim meat of excess outer fat, and pierce all over with a small knife. Place meat in brine inside a large Zip-loc® bag or plastic container. Do not use metal! The goal is to keep the meat fully submerged in the brine. A heavy plate on top may be needed to do this. It’s easy! Keepmeatsubmergedinthebrineforoneweek,turninghalf-way through. Remove meat from brine. Soak in cold water for 1-2 hours to leach out excess salt (less time soaking for more saltiness). Remove and pat dry with paper towels. Set on a wire rack in refridgerator for a few hours to develop a sheen on the surface. (This sheen is called the pellicle, and helps create the wonderful smoked flavor!) Next, smoke the meat for added flavor. A low temperature smoking in a grill, smoker, or pit for about 3 hours will do. As a last resort, use some liquid smoke. Move to a pan and cook in oven at 240°F until it reaches 150°F internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer, because the temperature is important! Serve with your favorite ham glaze.

America’s Original Red Meatcontinued from page 33


Swiss AlpBuffalo Company

979.247.3405Proud Member of the TBA Since 1995


1. Texas State Senator Craig Estes was honored during the 2011 Texas Bison Conference for his legislative support for the Texas bison industry. From left, Donnis Baggett, Miko, Bree Worthington, Sen. Craig Estes and Tim Frasier; 2. TBA President Dan Humphries, at left, and Jack Pearson, owner of Pearson Equipment, attend the NBA Winter Meeting in Denver. 3. Long-time TBA members Ronny Wenzel, left, and Eric Batchelder man the TBA booth at the Texas Farm, Ranch & Wildlife Expo in Abilene; 4. Fred and Chris Klecka, right, at the CR Buffalo Valley Ranch; 5. TBA’s John Meng, left, visits with NBA’s Executive Director Dave Carter during the NBA Summer Conference in Big Sky, MT. 6. Kerr Mitchell of Marfa grows them big in West Texas; 7. A playful calf at the Bull Dancer Bison Ranch in Navasota, Texas

tba parting shots


1

3

6 7

2

4

5



Documents

| 1content.onlineagency.com/sites/95014/pdf/tbj2012proof.pdf · 2013-09-19 · visited the bison at Yellowstone Park with a presentation from their park bison manager. We also visited