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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wonderful bison photos Alan! and what a wonderful way to spend the day with your dad and brother…
I wouldn’t dream of pestering those critters! They are beautiful and so is this place. I would love to visit one day.
I do love the buffalo! And what great captures — as always! Beautiful place! Hope your week goes well!
Sylvia
Are the cattle ranchers fighting this. There seems to be a disease that transfers from Bison to cattle.
It’s good to see some of the land there go back to a natural state.
It is so nice to see animals roam free in the wild. Wonder if cattle will ever be given the same luxury. Thanks for sharing these … the top photo of buffalo in the tall grasses is beautiful to see.
Lovely post; The first one looks like he has toothache.
Don’t tell these big guys, but I’m having Bison meatloaf for dinner. I really enjoyed your wide-open photos of the ranch lands and of the animals, Yogi.
Cool place to visit, it is neat to see the buffalo. Reminds me of Yellowstone. Great photos.
Interesting post, especially as I have, coincidentally, just come from a talk about the decline of birds in tallgrass prairie lands and how the return of bison would really help.
Bison in the wild, how exciting!
You got great shots.
Wonderful set of shots. The closeups shots are very nice.
Great to see at least a small piece of range set aside for them here and there.
I like the focus in the grass pic. Bison are cool animal, you are lucky to visit that place.