Introduction

Herd Development

Tourist Information

Natural
Bison

Bison's
Diet

A look back...

"The Indian was frugal in the midst of plenty. When the buffalo roamed the plains in multitudes, he slaughtered only what he could eat and these he used to the hair and bones." -Luther Standing Bear, Lakota

Countless numbers of the great bison once inhabited North America. The herds consisted of millions, easily covering entire states. Those who lived with the bison were grateful to their Creator and the spirits of the great animals for all that was provided to them.   In his policy of subjugation of the native tribes, the white man slaughtered the bison in great numbers. Over time, where once millions of bison had roamed free, there were but a few hundred left.

...Today...

Welcome to Bison Prairie I, working farm/ranch of the Ho-Chunk Nation dedicated to the reintroduction of the bison.

Here on the ranch we practice organic farming, and have started prairie and native grass restoration. The bison in our herd are grass fed and we are developing a rotational system that will encompass approximately 400 acres when complete.

At this time we do not have meat to sell but anticipate that this may happen some time in the future.

Many people have asked why we are raising bison on the ranch. There are several health problems which are common among the Elders of the Ho-Chunk Nation. One of these is diabetes, a major health problem for which there is no cure and little relief. Research has shown that bison meat is lower in fat and richer in iron than beef, and is therefore more healthful for everyone. This is especially true of persons with diabetes. It is imperative that we keep our fat intake to a minimum to control sugar and insulin levels. For this reason we are providing bison meat for our Elderly Nutrition Sites through the Tribal Aging Unit. The meat is tasty and healthful, a good combination for any age group.

Kunu, the lead bull of the herd.

The Ho-Chunk Nation's continued ownership of the property on which the bison roam helps to insure the long-term protection of the property from development that might otherwise threaten the effigy mounds.

The Ho-Chunk Nation has worked with the U.S. Social Conservation Service and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to establish a watershed management plan and address erosion control issues.  This was especially important given the property's frontage on the lower Wisconsin River.

With the assistance of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, organic agricultural practices are used at the property, including the establishment of natural prairie grasses.  As a result, the Bison Ranch is quickly becoming known as a unique model for its melding of organic agriculture, approach to animal husbandry, and culturally appropriate land-use practices.

One of the primary goals for the use of the Richland County property is to promote greater environmental protection and education.  The use of the site is very compatible with the natural environment.  Special measures have been taken to maintain wildlife habitats including leaving certain fields fallow for protection and nest, as well as eliminating fencing along the river banks to allow for the free movement of wildlife.  In fact, the facility has been investigating potential licensing by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for wildlife rehabilitation to assist with overflow from a regional wildlife care center.

The Bison Ranch is operated as an "open farm".  Tour groups enjoy the scenery, bison, and resident prairie dogs, while being informed of the agricultural practices used at the site in the context of Ho-Chunk history and culture.  

Ho-Chunk Benefits

The Bison Project is a vital part of the Nation's strategy to combat diabetes.  Bison meat provides a highly nutritious, low-fat alternative to commercially processed, chemically altered meats.  The Nation uses bison meat at its Elder meal sites, special events, pow-wows, and distribution to diabetic households.   Indian corn is also grown at the site for traditional use and recipies.

Leadership Camps and Cultural Instruction Camps for Tribal youth have been held at the site.  The location on the river and the proximity of the effigy mounds makes such uses very appropriate.

In the long term, the Bison Ranch does offer economic diversification potential for the Ho-Chunk Nation.  The meat and by-products can be grouped with other Ho-Chunk goods, and goods from other Native peoples, as part of an intertribal and international marketing effort. 

The Bison Ranch are active members in the Muscoda Chamber of Commerce, the InterTribal Bison Cooperative, the National Bison Association, and the Wisconsin Bison Producers Association, who has expressed an interest to hold a semi-annual meeting at the ranch in the near future.