About Bison

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While often affectionately called 'Buffalo,' these iconic animals are scientifically known as Bison bison. Across North America, there are two distinct subspecies: the Plains Bison (B. b. bison) and the Woods Bison (B. b. athabascae). While they share a common ancestry and have only minor genetic differences, they have evolved unique physical traits to thrive in their specific environments. 

The Woods Bison Typically found at higher latitudes in the boreal forests of Canada and Alaska, Wood Bison are built for the deep North. They are generally taller and heavier than Plains Bison, with a darker coat and a more pronounced hump located further forward on their shoulders.

The Plains Bison The Plains Bison is the heart of the JG Bison herd. Historically roaming the vast grasslands of the American West, they are slightly smaller and more compact than Wood Bison, with a lower-set hump and a lighter, more golden-brown coat. They are perfectly adapted to the open meadows and rolling hills of our Sheridan, Wyoming ranch, where they continue to play their vital role as the masters of the prairie.

The American Bison is the largest land mammal in North America, a true testament to the strength and resilience of the species. Built for survival, their anatomy is designed to navigate the harsh Wyoming winters and the rugged terrain of the Bighorn Mountains.

The Bulls (Males) Standing over six feet tall at the hump, a mature bull is a towering presence. They can weigh well over 2,000 pounds, with a massive skeletal structure and a forehead twice as wide as a cow’s. Their horns are notably thicker and larger, designed for the physical displays of dominance seen during the summer rut.

The Cows (Females) While slightly smaller than the bulls, cows are impressively built, averaging five feet in height and weighing approximately 1,000 pounds. They possess a leaner, more agile conformation that allows them to move quickly across the range while protecting and nursing their calves.

The Horns Unlike some other ungulates, both bulls and cows grow a single set of permanent, hollow horns. These horns never stop growing throughout the animal's life; if a horn is broken, it will not grow back, but the remaining base will continue to thicken and lengthen, telling the story of the animal's life on the range.

Bison reproduction follows the rhythmic cycles of the seasons, ensuring that new life begins when the Wyoming forage is at its peak.

The Rut (Breeding Season) Each year, from early July through late September, the herd enters the 'rut.' During this time, bulls become more active and vocal as they compete for dominance. While bison are naturally fertile and can produce a calf every year well into their twenties, we manage our herd genetics carefully, typically maintaining a ratio of one mature bull for every 10–12 cows to ensure a healthy, diverse lineage.

Gestation & Maturity A bison’s gestation period is approximately nine months—strikingly similar to humans. Both bulls and cows reach sexual maturity at age two, meaning most cows will welcome their first calf as they turn three years old.

The Calving Season Our calving season typically runs from mid-April through the end of May. This timing is critical; it allows the 'red calves' to be born just as the spring grasses emerge.

Maternal Instincts Bison cows are famously protective and attentive mothers. Within the herd, mothers often form 'nursery groups' or social bonds with other cows, working collectively to shield the young from predators. This natural, low-stress social structure is a hallmark of a healthy, thriving bison population.

Bison calves are born as small but sturdy bundles of energy, typically weighing between 35 and 50 pounds. Known affectionately in the industry as 'Red Calves' due to their bright, cinnamon-colored coats, they stand out vividly against the green spring pastures of Sheridan.

Natural Resilience From the moment they hit the ground, bison calves are built for life on the move. They can stand and walk within minutes of birth and are soon capable of keeping pace with the entire herd. While they are born without the characteristic hump and only the tiniest of horn buds, their transformation is rapid. By the time they are a few months old, their red coats transition to a deep chocolate brown, and their rugged 'bison' profile begins to take shape.

Growth & Development

• Early Foraging: While they nurse for approximately seven months, calves are curious and precocious, often mimicking the adults and nibbling on native grasses within their first month of life.
• Social Play: Calves are highly social and are frequently seen in 'nursery groups,' running, jumping, and playing with one another. This play isn't just for fun; it’s a vital part of their development, building the strength and agility they will need as adults.

Witnessing the arrival of these 'little reds' each spring is a highlight of life at JG Bison, signaling the start of a new generation on the Wyoming range.

 Bison are far more than just inhabitants of the plains; they are 'ecosystem engineers.' As a keystone species, their presence triggers a ripple effect of biological health that benefits the entire landscape. At JG Bison, we manage our herd to maximize these natural processes:

Soil & Water Restoration The bison's physical presence on the land is transformative. Their heavy, split hooves act as natural aerators, breaking up compacted earth and pressing native seeds deep into the soil. As they move, they create small depressions—known as micro-catchments—that capture Wyoming’s precious rainfall. These miniature reservoirs increase water infiltration for plants and provide vital drinking sites for beneficial insects and small mammals.

Nutrient Cycling & Seed Dispersal Unlike modern livestock, bison are nomadic grazers. Their grazing patterns promote a 'patchy' landscape that encourages plant diversity. As they roam, they act as a natural delivery system for the range—spreading seeds and cycling nutrients back into the earth through their manure, which serves as a foundation for the entire soil food web.

Supporting the Food Chain The benefits of the herd extend even to the local bird and rodent populations. As bison shed their dense winter coats each spring, their soft, insulating wool is gathered by birds and small mammals as a high-quality nesting material.

By restoring bison to our 170-acre ranch in Sheridan, we aren't just raising animals; we are revitalizing a complex, native ecosystem where every animal—from the dung beetle to the elk—can thrive.

At first glance, bison may appear slow and methodical, but they are among the most athletic and intelligent animals on the American landscape. Respecting their natural instincts and behavior is the cornerstone of our management philosophy at JG Bison.

Surprising Athleticism Never mistake their relaxed demeanor for a lack of speed. A mature bison can reach speeds of 35 miles per hour, jump over six feet high from a standstill, and is a strong, capable swimmer. Their agility is a vital survival trait honed over millennia on the open range.

The Ruminant Lifestyle Bison are ruminants, meaning they have a specialized digestive system designed to extract maximum nutrition from fibrous native grasses. After grazing, the herd will settle down to 'chew their cud'—a process of re-digesting forage while resting. Unlike many other hooved animals, bison don't follow a human sleep schedule; they prefer short 'power naps' throughout the day. Every few days, they will enter a deep sleep, lying flat out on the ground in a state of total relaxation.

Social Structure & The Rut Bison are deeply social herd animals, though their structure changes with the seasons.

• The Matriarchy: Cows and calves stay together year-round, forming a protective unit.
• The Bulls: Mature bulls typically live in bachelor groups or roam solo, only rejoined the main herd during the summer rut. While bulls engage in powerful displays of dominance during the breeding season, these bouts are rarely fatal; they are tests of strength and resolve.
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Instinctive Intelligence We are constantly impressed by the strategic ways bison navigate the Wyoming climate:

• Weathering the Storm: During a snowstorm, bison will often lie down to keep a patch of grass clear. When the storm passes, they stand up to find a snow-free meal waiting for them.
• Facing the Wind: Unlike cattle that turn their backs to a storm, bison face directly into the wind, allowing their thick front coats and aerodynamic shape to shield them from the cold.
• The Wallow: You’ll often see our bison rolling in the dirt or mud. This 'wallowing' isn't just for fun; it helps them shed their winter coats, regulate their temperature, and provide a natural barrier against insects.