Last week I took my father and brother out to the Nature Conservancy’s Tallgrass Prairie Preserve near Pawhuska, Oklahoma. We saw lots of bison and big sky.

This has got to be the closest place to bison heaven on earth. Lots of grass, water, and room to roam.

There were bison close and far, lots of them. I think the herd is about 2000 head or so.

The place is for the bison. There is a ranch headquarters but it is mainly a bunkhouse, offices, and a visitor center with irregular hours. Notice my dad checking to see if anybody was home.

Lots of grass to eat. The preserve staff uses controlled burns extensively to keep the grass healthy.

The bison coexist with oil and gas production operations with apparently no ill effects on the animals.

There are no gates or toll boxes on the Preserve. The allowed roads are all county roads and its all open range, no hours, no fees, no nothing. Just use your common sense is all they ask. Bison can be dangerous so keep your distance, stay on the roads, and don’t pester the critters. Oh, bring your camera.

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