The American Bison: A Legacy of Resilience and Restoration

Welcome to Aldershot Bison Ranch. Here, we don’t just raise livestock; we steward a national treasure. To understand why we do what we do, one must first understand the journey of the American Bison, a story of near-obliteration, miraculous survival, and the ongoing mission to restore balance to the American prairie.

A Brief History: From Millions to the Brink

For millennia, the American Bison (Bison bison) was the heartbeat of the North American continent. Estimates suggest that between 30 and 60 million bison once roamed in "rolling thunder" herds from the Appalachians to the Rockies. They were the foundation of the Great Plains ecosystem and the lifeblood of numerous Indigenous Nations, providing food, shelter, tools, and spiritual significance.

However, the 19th century brought a catastrophic decline. Driven by commercial hide hunting and a deliberate federal policy to subjugate Native American tribes by removing their primary food source, the bison was hunted to the edge of extinction. By 1889, the population had plummeted from tens of millions to a mere 541 animals.

The recovery began in the early 1900s through the efforts of early conservationists, Native leaders, and visionaries like the American Bison Society, who established the first protected herds in Yellowstone and the Bronx Zoo. Today, thanks to a century of stewardship, North America is home to roughly 500,000 bison, though the majority reside in private and commercial herds like ours.

Why Restoration and Conservation Matter

Restoring the bison is about more than just numbers; it is about restoring the health of our planet. The bison is a keystone species, meaning its presence fundamentally shapes the environment in ways no other animal can.

1. Ecological Engineers

Bison are natural "rototillers." Their heavy hooves aerate the soil, and their grazing patterns promote a "green wave" of nutritious new plant growth. Studies show that reintroducing bison can increase native plant biodiversity by up to 86%.

2. Climate Resilience & Carbon Sequestration

Bison-managed grasslands are superior carbon sinks. By stimulating deeper root growth through grazing, bison help the soil capture and store vast amounts of carbon that would otherwise contribute to global warming. Furthermore, they are incredibly hardy, thriving in extreme heat and blizzard conditions that often devastate domestic cattle.

3. Creating Life for Others

A behavior known as wallowing—where bison roll in the dust—creates shallow depressions that collect rainwater. These mini-wetlands become vital habitats for diverse insects, medicinal plants, and grassland birds like the killdeer and lark sparrow.

4. Cultural and Ethical Renewal

Conservation is also an act of justice. Modern restoration efforts frequently partner with Native Nations to restore food sovereignty and cultural heritage. At Aldershot Bison Ranch, we believe that understanding the true history of the bison—and correcting the "misinformation" of the past—is a critical step toward a more equitable and sustainable future.

Our Mission

At Aldershot Bison Ranch, we are proud to be part of this "Second Recovery". By raising bison with respect for their wild nature and the land they inhabit, we are helping to ensure that the legend of the American Bison continues for generations to come.