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Q How do you hunt a bison?
When you hunt a bison, you hunt the herd, for their instincts
are not like a deer or an elk. They are a grouping animal, and
when they run, the entire herd runs. You won't, however, be walking
up to a herd of bison--thankfully for your sake, that won't happen!
However, stalking the herd is a real challenge. Bowhunters must
get within 30 yards to 40 yards, and gun shooters must get within
at least 100 yards to get the shot that is required. No bison
is going to simply allow you to get within those distances without
some grand strategy. You will be waiting for the bison to come
to you, and this requires patience, planning and timing. When
you bring that all together, however, the occasion is momentous
and rewarding--and the reason so many of our hunters return year
after year!
Q: What kind of weapon shall I use
to hunt bison?
We recommend guns with calibers
of at least .270. We welcome bow hunters, muzzle loaders, black
powder, and sharps, and have had experience guiding hunters using
each of these weapons.
Q: How long have you been in business?
We have been conducting hunts on our ranch since 1997.
Q: Where are you located?
We are located on the prettiest part of the Coteau Ridge, which
runs all the way through South Dakota and North Dakota. The land
is rolling and there is abundant wildlife on it. There are four
wildlife refuges in the area, along with numerous Wildlife Management
areas. The area has the highest density of wetlands per square
mile than anywhere else in the nation! The area here was noted
in "50 Places to Go Birding Before You Die--Birding Experts
Take You to the World's Greatest Destinations." The book
contains exotic places like Costa Rica, Hungary and Venezuela--along
with THIS area. There are many species of birds--the Arrowwood
National Wildlife Refuge near here is world-known for breeding
ducks--and other wildlife here.
Q: What kind of hunting takes place
on the ranch?
We have some of the best waterfowl hunting in the world here.
And in recent years, our upland game population (especially ringneck
pheasants and sharptail grouse) have proliferated. In fact, our
upland game hunting is a well-kept secret and most are astounded
at the opportunity. Whitetail deer are abundant on our property
and there have been many trophies harvested here. North Dakota
offers great whitetail opportunity for bowhunting,. We have a
bigger population of wild turkey than ever. The coyotes have
never been more numerous here, and there is even a great chance
you'll even see them in the daytime. We have a beautiful herd
of bison in a unique setting. We offer bison hunting Sept. 1
through March.
Q: Are your bison hunts fair chase
hunts?
You have asked a question that we are asked all the time, and
it is a reasonable one, as nobody wants to come shoot an animal
out of a corral! We offer hunts in a unique setting--and they
are as close to the hunts of the 1800s as you are going to find.
The setting here at Coteau Ridge is on a 4000-acre ranch set
in rolling prairie. The bison roam in a fenced in pasture that
feels much like boundless open country. You won't feel like you
are hemmed in and you won't even notice the perimeter, for there
are thousands of acres of nothing but sky and coteau here. No,
this is NOT one of those corral shoots. It is as close to hunting
bison the way it was done in the 1800s as you will come!
Q: I have never tasted bison. Will I
like it?
If you are like the thousands of others that have harvested an
animal here, you are in for a surprise. You will be taking home
meat you harvested yourself right out on the open range. Our
guides will ensure you work hard to get the shot that ensures
your harvest is as peaceful as it can be. This is important,
for meat from an animal harvested in its natural setting can't
be matched. When the animal isn't riled before harvest (as in
being corned into a pen, run through a chute, and hauled in a
trailer to a processing plant), the meat is saved from acquiring
a strong taste that is associated with other game meat. The result
is fresh, wonderful meat from a natural animal that has been
fed no antibiotics or steroids--just grass from the prairies
of North Dakota.
Q: Is the meat mine? What do I do with
it?
Yes. Every square inch of the animal is yours once you have harvested
it. Included in your hunting package is arrangements to have
your animals processed, where you have the choice to 1) Have
the animal skinned and quartered and ready for transport, which
will cost you around $75 or 2) Have it skinned, quartered, and
vacuum packaged, which costs approximately $300 to $350 for a
meat bull, depending on how many pounds of meat you have ground
into burger, how many steaks you have cut, etc.
Q: I've heard bison meat is healthier
than most other meats. Is that true?
Yes, here's the facts, according to a USDA study:
Species Fat (gm) Calories (kcal) Cholesterol (mg)
Bison 2.42 143 82
Beef 9.28 211 86
Pork 9.66 212 86
Chicken
(skinless) 7.41 190 89
Q: Do you allow children to hunt?
We welcome children of all ages
to come hunt at The Bison Ranch as long as they are accompanied
by an adult. Oren has had much experience mentoring and teaching
children the sport of hunting and takes pride in teaching youth
love for the sport.
Q: How do I book a hunt?
The first step in booking a hunt with us: E-mail us at justask@thebisonranch.com
with a range of dates that will work for you. (Or call us at
701-252-6853 or Oren's cell at 701-269-9711 ). Upon your inquiry,
we will send out additional information via e-mail (or US mail
if you request it.) Or, we will call you if your e-mail indicates
you'd prefer a call.)
Once you've decided on a date, please fill out our Coteau Ridge
waiver form (available at http://www.thebisonranch.com/waiver.pdf
). This form is not only the traditional waiver of liability.
It is an important tool that helps us keep track of your contact
information and the dates you are scheduled to hunt with us.
Please have each hunter in your group fill out the waiver form,
and send it, along with your deposit of half down on your hunting
package to:
The Bison Ranch at Coteau
Ridge
7350 21st St SE
Pingree, ND 58476
You may submit payment via cashier's check, personal check or
credit card via Paypals. If you haven't used Paypals, it's easy
and safe! We ask balance on arrival and accept cancellations
up to 90 days prior to hunt. For more information regarding our
hunts and packages, please contact us. |
