Any one have Bison?

My cousin in Texas had Bison for a while till he sold the farm and moved to CO.
They were very interesting to watch although I was a bit afraid of them all the time.
They just look like they're gonna charge at you at any moment (even when they're calmly sitting, chewing their cud).

 

Bison are something you really, really need to research before getting into. They are very much a wild animal, and do not behave like domesticated cattle. ALL of the facilities that will be used to house, contain, shelter and work the bison need to be built to a much higher and sturdier standard than general cattle facilities.

Bison meat does command a high price when sold commercially, and part of that reason is the expense in keeping and handling the animals. Also, most processors will not handle bison, so you have to research where you plan to take the live animals to be sold/processed.

I have not personally had my hands on bison, but I have accompanied and assisted vets who were attempting to treat them. They are NOT cattle, and they can absolutely destroy cattle facilitiies if they want to get out bad enough....

 

I have no experience with captive bison, but I do buy the meat occasionally when I see it in the store and there is a place near me that has a dozen or so. The meat is definitely leaner than beef. I usually need to add a little Crisco or olive oil when I cook it.

Back in 1995, we went on a trip out to the Black Hills of South Dakota and saw the bison herds in the Custer area and our guide said that they had a heckuva time keeping them contained by fencing. They were capable of JUMPING 6 ft. wire fencing in addition to plowing blithely through it. Also, keep in mind that most injuries and fatalities in Yellowstone Nat'l Park are NOT caused by bears or wolves or cougars; they're caused by tourists trying to pet the "tame" bison.

 

I care for a pair of them at work. So not "mine", but the bison would probably beg to differ.