Remain Ungovernable!
Happy Saturday Friends!
Hope all is well in your part of the world, things are good here. If all is going according to plan, I am currently on my way home from the National Bison Association strategic planning meeting with the NBA board.. AND we have our fiber harvest en route to the scouring mill. It will get washed and then sent to the dehairing plant.. and then we can start making stuff again.
Our meeting was really pretty awesome, love being at the table with the Titans of the bison industry and workiing with them to help benifit the animals. It really is exciting to know what is coming... there are a lot of exciting things that are gonna happen soon enough.
Getting the harvest on the road was a huge step too, slightly less than our usual haul, but not bad at all, Clint did an exceptional job getting as much as we did, we will have plenty of work to get done, and it's time to get to it.
Close to 10,000 lbs of bison fiber heading to the scouring plant.
So, if all is good, will be fishing this morning with dad, gonna go christen the new boat.
Well, it got pretty windy, so still stuck in Denver for the moment, hope to get on the road shortly.
It's short today, but some good stuff.
Hope you have a wonderful day
Ron, T, Piggy Wrangler, and the crew here at the BWC
New restaurant here in town... there is no menu, they just bring you what you deserve.
Caprock Canyons State Park in Quitaque, Texas, just welcomed a pint-sized prairie celebrity!
This is one of our favorite places in Texas, and it's a wonderful place to camp among the bison. Highly Recommend.
A brand-new "red dog" bison calf burst onto the scene Tuesday night, rocking that signature reddish-brown baby coat and weighing in at a featherweight 30-60 pounds. (Hey, even bison gotta start somewhere!)This adorable arrival bumps the park's official State of Texas bison herd—already one of North America's biggest conservation success stories—to a mighty 301 head. Mom's on full protective mode (no predators allowed near this little legend), but don't worry: these fluffy speedsters are usually up and romping in no time during the peak baby boom season from March to May.Park resource specialist Jack Determan nailed it: “A newborn calf is not just merely a new life. It’s also a continuation of a legacy” of bison perseverance and conservation wins.If you're planning a visit to spot the herd roaming the canyons, keep a safe 50-yard distance—these wild wonders aren't exactly lap dogs. Maybe we need a road trip to meet Texas's newest fuzzy VIP?
Summer Regional Ranch Tours
Really looking forward to this one, The Gaws are wonderful people and it's gonna be a great time! Ron
The NBA is hitting the road this summer, cohosting four regional events across the U.S. Our first stop- Tennessee! Join us on a 280‑acre Middle Tennessee ranch where 150 bison, educational tours, networking and the Lazy G hospitality will create an unforgettable experience.
When: May 29 & 30, 2026 Where: Cookeville, Tennessee
In collaboration with the Eastern Bison Association and Lazy G Ranch, we are planning for a great opportunity to learn, network, and talk all things bison. All of our events have unique speaker lineups focusing regionally on bison herd health, bale grazing, low stress handling, marketing and nutrition.
Add a little bison to your summer plans. Register today by visiting
- Southern - Lazy G - May 29 - TN with the EBA
- Western - Antelop Island State Park - June 26 - UT with the WBA
- Northern - Deep Creek Ranch - July 17 - MT with MTBA
- Eastern - Coyote Run Ranch - Sept. TBD - OH with the EBA
Our dear long-time friend Elsa has poured her passion into this beautiful little wool wonderland, and it’s pure magic. She sources the finest 100% purebred Cormo wool from happy sheep in Colorado and Montana — that incredibly soft, bouncy, elastic fiber that feels like a cozy hug from nature itself. (Fun fact: it’s so warm, snow literally stays unmelted on the sheep’s backs!) From there, everything is lovingly processed right here in the USA at small, dedicated mills: scoured in Texas, spun into dreamy yarns (woolen-spun for that lofty softness or worsted for strength), then knitted into simple, comfortable, useful garments that you’ll want to live in. Natural colors in whites, grays, blacks, and warm browns — no dyes needed when the wool is this gorgeous!Elsa’s been delighting fiber lovers for decades and her guiding principle is pure gratitude — to the sheep, the mills, the hardworking folks along the way, and every customer who supports her dream.
On a personal note, we’re so grateful to Elsa for introducing us to Mike at the knitting mill — she’s always been that wonderful connector of good people and great fibers!If you’re craving quality, comfort, and a story with heart, hop over to www.Elsawool.com. Whether you’re a knitter, a wearer, or just someone who appreciates something made with love, you’re going to fall head-over-heels for these goodies.Thanks for letting us share one of our favorite “good things” in the world — Elsa and her wooly world deserve all the love!
Kim has just delivered our spring soap sents, and they are really excellent.
We have Fairy Tale Rose, Strawberries Cream, White Lily and Aloe.. and more of the waterproofing paste, and some of the lip balms.
The
From the Herdwear Store:
I have also found a good number of Zane Grey Books. Those include two volumes with multiple books in one. There was one book I wanted personally ... and started reading when it hit the desk. "Tales of Swordfish and Tuna" ... his first of many fishing relate books. So while I am just past middle of "Mark Twain and the Colonel"; 1/3 through "The John Graves Reader" ... another book is now on the reading table. They are still great ways to spend the last hour or so of the day.
I'll put all of the Zane Grey books into the Herd Wear book store/room as soon as I can. You can just search
... and see how far I have gotten with this collection of easy and classic reading.
Thank you Cecil
This post was published
the coolest guy ever.. Terry Burns. Click the pic, order the book.
Happy Saturday Friends! We made it!
Hope you are doing well... T has left me once again, it's spring break for the grands and she has gone to play fun Nana, and has left me alone here, and Stacy's daughter is having grandchild #7, so it's been Ron Solo here the last few days... life is good, just kinda busy and so many chores.
I haven't managed to cause too much trouble, other than contemplating acquiring a camel... but that is on her, she never specifically said "Don't get a camel"
I am also kind of mad at T right now... on her way out the door, she swiped my brand new copy of "Don't Follow Me" by our dear friend Terry Burns. I hadn't had a chance to read it yet, and knowing T, she will want to follow Terry on some adventure somewhere. He is just too cool a guy not to want to follow. True story, when we first met Terry, he had just finished his stint on the TV show "Alone" and he came and visited us in our booth at the AK fair, and told us he made it through 42 days with one pair of Trekker socks, so we offered him more.. and I will never forget his response. "Why would I need more than one pair of socks?" He is truly the nicest guy, and such an inspiration for adventure and exploration. Really looking forward to reading "Don't Follow Me: The Adventures and Misadventures of Terry Burns" when I finally get hold of it.
Crescent Textiles has managed to get some more bison yarns spun for us, we have Trekker and Pro-gear yarns heading towards the sock mill and the Knitting Mill. Just trying to get the warehouse filled back up...
Our fiber harvest for the year is finished (Thank you Clint Holmes!!!) , and Monday, I am heading to Colorado, to go help get it all on the way to the scouring plant, so we can start this whole crazy process over again, and then I have the National Bison Association's Strategic Planning sessions in Denver, and a few other fun chores to do up there. So, T gets to run the show here next week. Still trying to figure out if we have time to go to D.C. for the bison installation.. It would be fun. We shall see how this week goes first.
Just a couple quickies here today, I have to go pack the overnight orders.. we still have about 40 of the "Back 40 Calendars" and because we love them and y'all so much, I will be sticking one in each order today...
Hope you have a wonderful day!
Ron and the temporarily absent BWC Team, T, Stacy, Paula, Piggy Wrangler and the critter crew here.
If fruit comes from a fruit tree, what kind of tree does a chicken come from?
A poultree
I didn't get the camel (yet).. but did manage to pick up a bunch of little blonde chicks, she also never said, "Don't pick up chicks" so, again, this one is on her.
Our local community chicken project has grown, and it's a good thing. These birds will feed our friends and family this year...
Also recieved a really nice gift from Isiah Tuck, another Alone contestant and super cool guy. Ishah is the guy who was snuggling with our socks in his sleeping bag... totally my favorite scene in the series. We have the coolest friends.
The International Buffalo Relations Institute is proud to present the cover of our upcoming publication — Guardians of the Buffalo: The Essential Guide to Bison Care.
"It is now time to come together as a collective and become guardians for Buffalo and their return." —
Their new home on the mall..
The Bison herd has arrived in Washington, DC!!
As part of the United States' 10th anniversary of the National Bison Legacy Act this May, which made bison the official national mammal of the US, these incredible bison statues will "graze" on the National Mall as part of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History's new bison exhibit.
We are supposed to be there for the installation ceremony... still working on it. The BWC was part of the original coalition that got the Bison Legacy Act passed, I think we got over 100k signatures just from people who came through our booth that year... and it would be fun.
From the InterTribal Buffalo Council
As we welcome the spring equinox, we give thanks for new beginnings, for our communities, our lands, and for the buffalo. This season reminds us that renewal is always possible, and that what we nurture today will carry forward for generations.
This year, that spirit of renewal is reflected in important work happening at the national level. Congressman Jeff Hurd (CO 3) has introduced the Indian Buffalo Management Act (H.R. 7954 / S. 3478) in March 2026. This legislation is a meaningful step toward the long-term preservation and restoration of buffalo by establishing a commitment to Tribal Buffalo Management within the Department of the Interior to support tribal buffalo management, improve habitat, and reestablish herds on Indian lands.
On this spring equinox, we honor both new beginnings and the continued return of the buffalo to Tribal lands.
The work continues. The buffalo are coming home. Please support this legislation.
Bison Fiber Socks: Your Secret Weapon for Cool, Dry Feet All Summer
Summer heat can turn your feet into a sweaty, smelly mess—perfect breeding ground for bacteria, fungus, and that dreaded “foot funk.” But bison fiber socks, made from the ultra-fine, soft down of American bison. flip the script with natural superpowers that keep you cool, dry, and fresh no matter how hot it gets.The magic starts with the fiber’s unique crimpy core structure. These microscopic air pockets trap body heat when it’s cold but, more importantly in summer, allow rapid breathability and vapor release. Sweat doesn’t sit on your skin—it gets wicked away in vapor form and evaporates quickly, creating a drier microenvironment inside the sock. Independent testing shows bison wool socks run about 3 degrees cooler than cotton at 100°F while pulling moisture away far more effectively.
Unlike cotton (which soaks up sweat and stays damp) or most synthetics (which feel wet after absorbing just a tiny amount of moisture), bison fiber can absorb up to 35% of its weight before it even feels wet—and it moves that moisture away from your foot instantly. Your skin stays dry even if the sock itself gets soaked. Drier feet = fewer blisters, less irritation, and zero sticky discomfort on long hikes, commutes, or hot days at the office.That same dryness is the #1 reason bison socks stop bacteria, fungus, and foot funk dead in their tracks. Odor-causing microbes and athlete’s-foot fungi need a warm, moist environment to multiply. Bison fiber denies them that habitat through superior moisture management and natural breathability.
Many wearers report going days (even on sweaty adventures) without a whiff of odor—something cotton or polyester simply can’t match.
Bottom line: bison fiber socks aren’t just comfortable—they’re a summer game-changer. Lightweight, temperature-regulating, and naturally antimicrobial, they keep your feet cool, dry, and odor-free from sunrise to sunset. Ditch the soggy cotton and step into summer with confidence—your feet will thank you.
So, I mentioned the "Back 40 Calendar" at the top, and if you would like one, use coupon code "Back40" at checkout, so I only send it to the people who want one. It will also give you 10% off your order... *while supplies last, I think we have 40 available.
Sleep socks and Casual Crew 2.0, and OTC's have been restocked! We have also gotten in more of the Yellowstones in Med and XL.. they run large too, I wear a size 11 and can wear the mediums comfortable.
The No-Shows are almost sold out in Med/Small and based on feedback so far, I think we are going to have to make more of them soon...
Bison Leather Gloves are also moving out quickly... Opened the last case of Large and Med this week. Not sure yet what the plan is after these are gone.
This post was published
Hello and Good Morning Friends!
Hope all is well in your part of the world, life here is good. We got 2000 lbs of socks in Thursday morning on 4 pallets, and managed to get all the pre-orders out that day, so that was nice, and is weight off the shoulders. it's 4:30 on a Saturday morning, and trying to come up with something fun and enjoyable while you drink that first cup...
Clint is doing a great job at harvesting fiber for this years production, although there are less animals than prior years, which means a bit less production overall, but we are still in business! We have a lot of good new things on the board for this year, and it's time to get to work.
Trying to get stuff done, keep the wheels on the wagon, sneaking some time to follow along with the Iditarod as much as we can, and hopefully do a bit of good for the planet. Have also been recording the book "Lupus Rex" by John C. Cash, for the grandkids, it's a wonderful story about two quail and their struggle to be brave vs the crows, we really like being able to read long distance to them... It's fun, and they listen over and over again. Life is a full time job.
Today's stuff is all things we have been sent by friends, and we truly appreciate your taking the time to share these stories with us.
I hope you enjoy what we have today!
Ron, T, Piggy Wrangler, and the rest of the crew here at the BWC!
Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
SO, this is a thing that happened... we are honored.
Iditarod Rookie's Bison Encounter:
48-year-old rookie musher Jody Potts-Joseph—from Fairbanks and the first of Hän Gwich’in heritage to enter the race—is making her way along the trail with determination. She's just departed the Rohn checkpoint, focused on the path ahead, when suddenly, around the corner, she encounters a large bison.
This imposing animal begins approaching her team, lowering its head and advancing several times—three or four in total. It seems as though the bison mistook her dogs for something to investigate closely.Jody, quick on her feet, reaches for her pistol in an effort to deter it. But unexpectedly, the gun jams, producing only clicks instead of firing. In the moment, she takes cover behind some trees and tries throwing sticks to encourage the bison to move on—though, as one might expect, this doesn't have much effect.
Drawing on her heritage, Jody then recalls words from her grandmother, ancient Hän Gwich’in phrases meaning "Go away, have mercy on us, leave us alone," which she uses to help calm the situation. The bison seems to have heard her words, and fortunately, no dogs, people or bison were injured during the encounter, and it only delayed her by less than an hour.
Contact congress to support bison health!
It's that time of year when the United States Congress is asking for input on how to appropriate federal funding for the next fiscal year (FY). Looking for funding that can expand research into our industry's two primary health issues: Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) and Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF).
We need your help! Please contact your members of Congress to encourage them to fund these. There is an template below for you to customize and send to your members of Congress, both in the House and the Senate. You can find your members of Congress via the link below.
A quick message from you—one producer, one marketer, one advocate—can make the difference between fully funded research and another year of preventable losses.
View letter template HERE.
Friend sent an article on bison fiber online..
it didn't mention us at all, but it's pretty interesting...
Bison Fiber: The Fluffy, Fuzzy Superhero of Natural Textiles!Hey there, fiber fans! Let's dive into the wild world of bison fiber – that luxurious, eco-warrior undercoat from our shaggy North American icons. This stuff isn't just fluff; it's a comeback story wrapped in softness. According to this groovy overview, bison fiber (aka bison down or buffalo wool) has been rocking the scene for centuries. Native American tribes were the OG users, spinning it into cozy blankets, clothes, and even tipi linings back when bison roamed free.
But oh no – the 1800s brought overhunting and population crashes, putting this fiber on the endangered list. Fast-forward to the 21st century: bison herds are bouncing back, and so is the fiber game, thanks to ranchers and mills turning it into high-end goodies.What makes bison fiber so bison-tastic? Picture this: it's the fine, downy underlayer that bison shed naturally each spring (no haircuts needed!). At just 15-18 microns thick, it's as soft as cashmere with a silky vibe that screams "hug me." Superpowers include killer insulation – trapping air like a pro to keep you toasty without overheating – plus it's breathable, lightweight, and moisture-wicking (bye-bye, sweat!). It's tough as nails too, resisting pilling and breakage, and it's hypoallergenic, so no itchy woes like with some wools. Bonus: it fights odors, shines with a natural luster, and biodegrades like a champ. Under a microscope? Smooth scales with a gentle crimp for extra fluff factor.
Production? It's a hands-on adventure! Ranchers comb the fuzz right off the bison or scoop it up from the ground during shed season or shear the hides. Then it's sorted, de-haired (gotta ditch those coarse outer guards), and spun into yarn. Since bison aren't your typical farm animals – they're wild at heart – this keeps things low-impact and sustainable. No mega-farms or water-guzzling ops here; just nature doing its thing.Now, the fun part: what can you make with this beastly bounty?
High-fashion alert! It's perfect for winter warriors like coats, scarves, gloves, hats, and socks that feel like a warm bison hug. Blend it into fabrics for that cashmere-level luxury, or stuff it into pillows, comforters, and mattress pads for dreamland bliss. Home decor? Think plush upholstery, rugs, and throws that add rustic elegance. And for the adventurers: moisture-wicking activewear, outdoor gear, and sports duds that handle the elements.
Sustainability score? Off the charts! Bison roam free-range, munching on native grasses without needing extra feed or resources. Harvesting is humane (just collecting what they drop), and the fiber breaks down naturally – no plastic pollution nightmares like synthetics. Compared to cashmere (similar softness but often less eco-friendly due to goat overgrazing) or wool (coarser and more allergenic), bison fiber wins for being rarer, greener, and kinder to the planet. All in all, this article paints bison fiber as the ultimate sustainable luxury – warm, versatile, and ready to rumble in the textile world.
Read the original article here. https://smartloom.blogspot.com/2025/01/bison-fiber-comprehensive-overview.html
From AllAboutBison.com: Bison Smell really well.
Sense of smell, Bison have an amazing sense of smell, with approximately 300 million olfactory receptor cells – the same amount you would find in a bloodhound. A wolf, by comparison, has about 200 million, and humans a puny five million. Scent molecules that are undetectable to humans carry a myriad of messages to bison. This, coupled with their exceptional hearing, extends their perception of the world outwards for a mile or two at any given time. Even when they are face down in the tall grass, bison are acutely aware of their surroundings.
McHuge thought they could notice a smell at least one mile distant, Inman (1899: 246) stretched this distance to four miles. Two authors stated that buffalo scented water when it was “five miles or more” away (Garretson, 1938: 46) or “miles distant” (Inman, 1899:247). Vision was evidently not as acute nor relied upon as much as scent.
Image: Graeme McCrady
BACK IN STOCK! Casual Crew and Sleep Socks in all sizes are on the shelf and ready to ship! This will be the only batch of these two we make this year, so if you want some, get them while we have em. We did get a batch of the new bison/silk yarn in, and will be skeining it off and dying it this week... if you have color preferences, let me know.
Kim has delivered another round of bison tallow soaps, along with some new spring fresh fragrences. She really has gotten great at these.
From a friend: left a very nice review
Awesome sleep socks Most socks wind up making me feel a little claustrophobic while I sleep. I wind up waking up and kicking my socks off on the fairly rare occasions I sleep with socks on (mainly deep winter) - wool socks, athletic socks, doesn't matter. These, on the other hand, are breathable and airy enough where they don't trigger that in me, while keeping my feet warm but not sweaty warm - which is a super neat trick. Deep winter where you get the chills even with the heat turned up is where these shine for me - as well as just general wear around the house socks. I was skeptical like everyone else would be but after the 3rd night in deep winter with these on, I ordered a couple more pairs. I probably won't use them outside of winter, but for those nights...these things are priceless.
This post was published
hasn't happened yet... this was a prior shipment
Hello and Good Morning!
Gonna start off with a big apology, we were informed that this first run of socks from the new mill would have shipped out last week...however, when I went and asked for tracking on the stuff, I was informed they hadn't left the dock yet, and that trucking hadn't been secured.
So, we got a FedEx Priority freight truck sent out immediately and had them picked them up yesterday afternoon. They are supposed to be here tomorrow, however, I just got a delay notificiation, don't know what is up, but will get these on their way just as soon as we get them. Now they are scheduled to arrive at 4:30am this Friday... ????
Losing Fox River was a huge blow to us and the U.S, have worked with them almost 15 years, and I truly hate seeing any American company close it's doors. Jobs lost, factory sitting empty and things not being made. We have lost two spinning mills and a sock knitter in the last few years.
Nester Hosiery however has taken up the mantle, and is doing great things, we have just started our relationship and I do really like them. They are responsive and really seem to make excellent quality socks. I am very happy with what they have accomplished so far... Just can't wait to get this order in, so we can get them on their way to y'all.
On the bright side, we did just get in another batch of "Lord of the Plains" shirts from American Lictor.. these guys go above and beyond to make everything smooth and easy. If you ever need any custom made shirts for your team, business, or just for fun... I cannot recommend them enough, excellent quality, superior products and top notch service. 100% American Made Always! They also can do your artwork and design too.
That is all I have, just wanted to let you know we do apologize for the delay, and the second we get these things in hand, will get them on their way, and I will drive them into Ft. Worth and try and save a day in transit.
Truly sorry about this, Ron and T, and the crew here at the BWC.
Ryan Redington and Team looking good and making good time.
Photo by Dave Porter.
This post was published
Hello and Happy Sunday Friends!
Hope all is well in your part of the world.. we are back home, and I actually had this prewritten and setup to send out yesterday morning, since we were at at a friends wedding down in the Hill Country this weekend. Well, something broke, and it didn't go out, yesterday morning, but It was a great trip, and we got a few good things accomplished.
1. Met up with Ms. @texasbreakfast1 dropped off some eggs for her baking, and was gifted some of the most delicious cookies..."Mess Mix" Chocolate, butterscotch, peanut butter chips, 5 types of roasted salted nut. Flipping amazing. Most of them didn't survive the trip.
2. Made it to our best friend's son's wedding. Truly blessed event. Such a good guy and a wonderful woman. Had a lot of fun there. Very excited for their future...
3. Met up with a Lakota elder who is tanning some fun things for us. Had a wonderful visit and he gifted us some bacon wrapped venison burgers we just ate. Such a cool guy, does beautiful works. And the burgers were amazing.
4. Met up with Mike at the Knitting mill in Liberty Hill, got a plan to double up on our production this year and have a few other good things in the works. More on this coming soon.
5. Made it home dodging the storms. The Hill country is beautiful, and seeing it get some much needed rain was great.. just made things a bit slippery.
NGL, the jet lag got us good, took a couple days to recover, and things are going well. The Iditarod restarts today, and we are gonna miss it this year, but will be there in spirit, and in socks... check out the Insider Subscription here, best way to follow your favorite musher, and support the last great race!
The big news here is that our first shipment from Nester/Fox River is in transit, and we will be restocked on a few things by Monday/Tuesday this week. We have had a little design change in our Casual Crew socks, and have gone from a "True Rib" to a "Mock Rib" design... they got me a couple pairs of these back in January, and I have been wearing the same pair for the last 45 days, and I am seriously impressed. These things have held up amazingly well, fit perfectly, stay up and are pretty close to bulletproof. Went the first 30 days without washing, and they performed flawlessly... no stink, no stiffness, and felt just as good on day 30 as day 1. I am really happy with them.
We are also getting restocked on the Sleep Socks in Med and Large, have been out pretty much since November... these things blew up this past season and we are happy to have them back. Been getting 3-10 emails a day asking when!
Have a fair bit going on here, quilted vest project is moving forward finally, can't wait to share that with you. Have a friend who is making some medicine pouches from bison scrotums (yes, we are dedicated to using every part, can't waste anything) and trying to figure out if I can make it to the dedication ceremony in D.C. the end of this month.. would be fun, but still have a trip to Denver for our NBA Directors Strategic Planning meeting coming up right before it, and I am required to be at that one.
So, after all that stuff, we have a couple fun stories, hope you enjoy it and have a wonderful remainder of your weekend!
Ron, T, Cecil, Paula, Piggy Wrangler, and Stacy.. your BWC crew.
Upcoming U.S. postage stamp to feature the bison
An upcoming U.S. postage stamp will pay homage to the bison -- the United States' national mammal and one of the most iconic wildlife species at Yellowstone National Park.
The new stamp features an image of a modern Yellowstone bison taken by wildlife photographer Tom Murphy, superimposed by a historic image of a bison featured in a stamp created in 1923. The stamp was designed by Greg Breeding, who has served as the art director of postage stamp design since 2012, according to the U.S. Postal Service.
Meet the Scientist Analyzing Historic Bison DNA to Understand How the Species Rebounded from the Edge of Extinction
Dr. Sarah Johnson, a postdoctoral research fellow at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, is leading groundbreaking work on historic bison DNA to uncover how the American bison species recovered from near-extinction in the late 19th century. With a background in computational biology and ancient human microbiomes from her PhD at the University of Oklahoma, Johnson shifted her focus to bison genomics after connecting with the museum's collections. Historically, bison populations dwindled from an estimated 35-45 million to just about 1,000 due to westward expansion, overhunting for hides, railroad disruptions, and habitat conversion to farmland.
Her research draws from the Smithsonian's vast collection, including specimens gathered by taxidermist William Temple Hornaday in 1886, who foresaw the species' peril and aimed to preserve them for future generations.Johnson's methods involve extracting DNA primarily from jawbone samples of over 200 historic specimens, many predating the population crash, using techniques like grinding bones into powder and leveraging the museum's supercomputer for analysis. This represents the most comprehensive geographic and temporal study of whole bison genomes to date.
Key findings reveal a significant loss in genetic diversity post-decline, with certain genotypes entirely vanished, underscoring that while conservation efforts have boosted numbers and diversity, some lineages are irrecoverable. The implications extend to modern conservation strategies, helping prevent future declines by informing efforts to maintain genetic health, and highlighting collaborative roles among scientists, ranchers, hunters, and the public in restoring bison as America's national mammal.
The wild saga of Charles Goodnight, the trailblazing icon who forever shaped the rugged heart of Texas ranching. As the "Father of the Texas Panhandle," Goodnight didn't just ride the range; he revolutionized the cattle industry, turning dusty trails into booming lifelines for the American West. Imagine the thrill: in 1866, he teamed up with Oliver Loving for a daring cattle drive, herding thousands of longhorns to feed the U.S. Army. Their legendary path? The Goodnight-Loving Trail, a lifeline that became the Southwest's ultimate cattle superhighway, dodging dangers from bandits to blistering deserts.
Goodnight's story gallops far beyond the saddle. After tying the knot with his sweetheart, Mary "Molly" Ann Dyer in 1870, he struck gold by partnering with English aristocrat John G. Adair to launch the JA Ranch in 1877—a colossal empire sprawling over nearly 1,000,000 acres and thundering with 100,000 head of cattle. As bison teetered on the brink of oblivion across the Southern Plains, Goodnight and Mary Ann stepped up as unlikely heroes, kickstarting a bison herd on the ranch in 1878 that helped snatch the species from extinction's jaws. Ever the shrewd negotiator, he brokered a groundbreaking pact with Quanah Parker, the fierce last chief of the Quahada Comanches, trading two beeves every other day for peace and respect on the land. By 1887, Goodnight cashed out of the JA and carved out his own paradise on 102,400 acres in Armstrong County, building a grand two-story home for his family, cattle, and beloved bison, on what would be Goodnight's 190th birthday today, dive deeper into his epic legacy at the Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight Ranch State Historic Site—plan your adventure at visitgoodnightranch.com!
: Charles Goodnight (left) and W.D. Reynolds (right) / The Portal to Texas History
From the Herd Bull, (Dad)
It is hard not to talk about all the experiences we had together over the past almost two weeks in Japan. Some may sneak in from time to time. One of the best was simply the uninterrupted time together. Perhaps "uninterrupted" isn't accurate, as both Ron and Theresa (and myself as well) never let pleasure interfere with business. Customers come first... but that is just normal. It is a bit freaky that I could receive and make direct calls just as if I was still in the office. Just had to answer and go. What will they think of next!
Ron and I got to share, in detail, projects he has in the works. Some of them have been started and waiting too long. A couple of those got pulled up and are going to happen. One is the
bison lined outdoor vests. He's had prototypes; fabric samples; cut-and-sew rooms .... but I think we actually made some final decisions. It will be a great product! Ron has already made a couple of those calls since getting back. The prototypes were solid ... and the final tweaks .... keep watching.
Another is a tall "stay up" outdoor sock similar to the "Mil-Top" that I had done ... and would still be selling them if we could have duplicated that bison blend yarn in the foot. Well, Ron has a perfect substitute yarn. Not sure what we'll call it ... but it's coming.
BACK IN STOCK!
Got stuff en route here, Sleep Socks, Casual Crew and a few other odds and ends. Will ship out Tuesday or Wed, depending on when they arrive!
Kim has restocked us with Holmestyle Soaps... they seem to go really quickly every time she does.
We are down to TWO ponchos left, and about a dozen or so Camp throws.
Will also have our "Lord of the Plains" Shirts restocked here this week.
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Godzilla over Tokyo
Happy Saturday Friends!
Hope all is well in your part of the world.. Dad, T, Megs and I are having fun here in Japan. We stayed in the most amazing paper house in Kyoto.. It's been awesome having the daughter do all the travel planning, she really is excellent at it, shared a couple pages from her Japan guide in the stories below.. and if you are interested here is some of her earlier stuff.
We got to play with some very cool animals, saw amazing history and beautiful shrines, ate seriously delicious stuff, and met some really great people. Been a complete win all around.
We spent a week in Kyoto, was a truly magical experience, and now we are in Tokyo getting ready for the race tomorrow morning.
Megs found her name on the entrants list...
Will share some of the highlights here and as time permits, will try and write a blog post with more pics and stories. There are quite a few things worth writing about. This is our first time over here, and we have been keeping busy just having fun. There have been sacred bowing deer, warm and fuzzy snow monkeys, a couple of otters, and absolutely zero live Pokemon in the wild. Not gonna catch even one...However Dad and I did go with a guide fishing on Lake Biwa, and didn't manage to catch anything there either, but had a great time.
Will put the vacation stories "below the fold" so you might have to click the "See more" if you want to read all of it. I do hope you do, it has been a wonderful experience for us.
We did recieve 100 of the new red striped Camp Throw in from Faribault this week, and here is a good video about Faribault Mills, and how they were saved from closing and moving to Pakistan, and Nester Hosiery is really close on our next batch of socks, we should get them shipped as soon as we make it home. Excited to start refilling the warehouse... y'all did a heck of a job of emptying it out this past season. Clint has done a very impressive job of harvesting bison fiber, but there are less animals available this year, so it will most likely be a light harvest, and now it's time to get to work and make more stuff.
Other than that, have a couple stories we thought we should share...
Hope you enjoy the travelog today, just wanted to share some fun stuff.
Ron, T, Cecil, Meghan and the rest of the BWC Crew.
Meme of the Week
Recent Wildfires in Oklahoma and Texas (February 2026)
In mid-February 2026, severe wildfires erupted across northwestern Oklahoma and the Texas Panhandle, exacerbated by high winds and dry conditions. The largest, the Ranger Fire in Oklahoma's Beaver and Harper counties, scorched over 280,000 acres, with additional blazes affecting Texas, Woodward, and neighboring Kansas areas.
Ranchers have been hit hardest, facing massive losses including thousands of cattle deaths, destroyed fences, barns, and infrastructure. With pastures decimated, many are scrambling for emergency feed, as herds risk starvation without immediate hay donations. The fires have compounded ongoing drought issues, threatening multi-generational family operations and leading to calls for mental health support amid financial distress. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt issued an emergency order easing transport rules to speed up hay and water deliveries.How to Donate and Help with Relief Efforts. Communities nationwide are mobilizing aid, with a focus on hay, fencing materials, and cash for flexible recovery. Key organizations include:
- Oklahoma Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture: Donations matched up to $30,000; give via PayPal or mail checks to support farm families.
- State of Texas Agriculture Relief (STAR) Fund: For Texas producers; contribute via the Texas Dept. of Agriculture.
- Texas Farm Bureau Panhandle Wildfire Relief Fund: 100% to impacted farmers; donate online.
- Hay Donations: Contact the Texas Hay Hotline or local spots like Woodward Livestock Auction for supplies like hay, water, and snacks.
For more, visit state resources like Oklahoma's Wildfire Relief page or the National Cattlemen's Beef Association Disaster Center.
The Texas Tribal Buffalo Project
Really Excited about this personally... Ms. Lucille is a wonderful person, and more bison are always a good thing. This is a project we definitely support
A groundbreaking Lipan Apache-led nonprofit dedicated to restoring sacred connections between Indigenous peoples and buffalo (Iyane’e) in South Texas. As the first Native woman-led initiative of its kind in the state, it emphasizes Indigenous stewardship, regenerative agriculture, cultural revitalization, and food sovereignty to heal generational trauma, revive ancestral lifeways, through buffalo herd restoration. The site details programs like land healing via rotational grazing, community events for cultural resilience, educational resources, and active campaigns for volunteering, partnerships, and donations.
It also highlights achievements such as grants for Indigenous food justice and media features on reviving buffalo to foster sovereignty and balance.At the heart of this inspiring work is Lucille Contreras, the CEO and Founder—a Lipan Apache descendant whose visionary leadership drives the project’s mission, making her a profound source of inspiration for Indigenous empowerment and environmental harmony.
We should have Med and Large Sleep Socks, Casual Crew and Yellowstones (hopefully a few Trekkers too) restocked in the upcoming week or so. Have been wearing a pair of the new Casual Crew 3.0's from Nester Hosiery over 30 days now, and they are a big improvement over the prior ones... just flipping awesome. Can't wait till we can get them out there. I believe you are gonna love em.
Got the new Red Stripe Throws up on the slte last night, and the 3rd Run of the Ponchos... already down to 11 ponchos as of this morning, when I restocked them, people ordered like crazy, They won't last through the day... as fast as these are moving, and I would bet the blankets will probably be gone soon today as well. Both rounds of Grey ones went really fast. Completely out of those now. If you want either, I recommend grabbing them quickly. And just in case you missed the video about Faribault at the top, here it is again Click here to watch really love working with these wonderful people.
Paula and Piggy Wrangler have also bagged up more soil amendment, it's pretty much time to get it in the ground. We also now have 10lb bags...
The Bowing Deer of Nara
Our adventure in Nara, Japan, was so much fun. It was just me, T, Dad, and Megs, wandering through the lush expanses of Nara Park on a crisp afternoon. The ancient temples loomed in the background, but the real stars were the hundreds of free-roaming sika deer—considered sacred messengers of the gods in Shinto belief.
As we bought packs of shika senbei (special deer crackers) from a vendor, the deer approached us curiously, their soft eyes gleaming with anticipation. What amazed us most was their polite "bowing" ritual: when you hold out a cracker, many deer will dip their heads in a gentle bow, as if asking nicely for the treat. This behavior, we've learned, is a learned trick passed down through generations in the park. The deer associate the bowing motion—originally perhaps a natural head-lowering gesture—with getting rewarded by visitors, turning it into an endearing form of communication. T and Megs giggled as they bowed back, handing over crackers, while Dad captured the moment on his phone. It felt like a magical blend of nature, culture, and whimsy— a memory we'll cherish forever.
"Hey, hey, we're the Monkees And people say we monkey around, But we're too busy singing To put anybody down."
Ron's note, there was more howling than actual singing.. but it was fun.
The trek up the hill to see the snow monkeys in Japan's Jigokudani Yaen-koen was an unforgettable escapade. This has been high on T's bucket list for a long time. We set off from the trailhead at the base, embarking on a moderate climb up the forested hill that leads to the park. The path wound about 3/4 of a mile through lush evergreens, with a steady and fairly steep incline that got our hearts pumping—wasn't too strenuous, but enough to build anticipation as we crossed a river bridge and ascended steps carved into the hillside. It took us around 45 minutes, with Megs leading the way and Dad spotting wildlife along the route. At the top, we were greeted by the iconic Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys.
The fun part is that for feeding them, they had cut apples available, and instead of the monkeys being in the cage... they put the people in there, and let the monkeys come get food when they wanted it.
They played all around us, not scared of us and really enjoyed showing off. These resilient primates are native to Japan and famous for their clever behavior: they soak in natural hot springs (onsen) to relax, a habit unique to this troop in the volcanic Jigokudani valley.
With their expressive pink faces and thick fur, they lounged in the steaming pools like spa-goers, occasionally grooming each other or playfully splashing in the pools. We watched in awe as a few approached curiously, their social dynamics on full display— and there might just be a little tiny one with a big stuffed animal in our hotel room now. Someone had to free him.
some random stuff... just for fun.
Buddhist Temple at Nara.
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Hello and Happy Saturday Friends!
Hope all is well in your part of the world. T, Dad and I are in Japan currently, daughter is running the marathon in Toyko, and since dad had put together a really nice email before we left, and I don't know when or where we are, I thought I would just share it here today.
If you like it, please consider subscribing to his notes, he does them every Thursday typically... and you never know what you are gonna get.
Did get notice from Nester that Sleep socks are almost finished, should get them by the time we get back... also, the new RedStripe Blankets are finished at Faribault, should have them shortly!
Hope you enjoy it. Ron, T, Cecil and the crew here
It's going to be a LONG email .... so get another "cuppa" something and hang on.
Two Solid Bison Auctions Last week
Hello Buffalo Wool Co and Herd Wear Friends!
The Oklahoma Bison Association on Saturday, Feburary 14th and the Texas Bison Association on Monday, February 16th both pulled the triggers on their annual Association auctions. Both were exceptional, with prices continuing the upward march mostly due to the increased demand for lean, delicious, healthy bison products.
There are (pretty much) 3 ways you can become a bison rancher .... with or without land, fencing, pasture or veterinary experience.
1. Go meet some folks that are already experienced. Join a local or regional bison association. Visit ranches and bison auctions. Read all you can. Plan your facility or work out an "absent owner" agreement with a bison producer. Read up on bison disease, nutrition, handling, fencing, volunteer to help bison ranchers with round-ups, vaccinations, loading, fencing and feeding. This is not an exaustive list ... but it sounds exhausting, right?
2. A much quicker way. Raise your hand at a bison auction!
3. One other way is to buy some land next to a a bison ranch ..... and just wait a bit!
Yep. To my point. This is a pretty long ago - like maybe 2008 - "Back 40" Calendar This authentic humor is part of why we keep offering those wonderful, quirky and oh too true views into rural life from the wit and pen of Lex Graham. We still have some 2026 (and maybe 2 of the 2025)
2026 Back 40 We suspect Winter is over here in North Texas. Still want to get the few left of my Buffalo Gold hand knit samples -cheap - to new homes
But Winter may not be over in your neck of the woods. So I have the last of the Wild Person fur collection (yes, you, Wild Person) ... with slashed pricing.
Here are the 7 issues of Field and Stream from '46 as you all said you wanted up. We are still working on the possibility of a "motherlode" of older issues. Stay tuned!
Son Ron, as NBA Regional Rep is getting the NBA photo and article archives digitized. In the process, we will do the same with my well over 300 part historic bison pieces . You can still buy the originals but delivery will be after digitizing.
The "new" old boat, which may or may not eventually get a name, has now found enclosed parking in the garage. I'm seriously into the ongoing process of adding all them necessary pieces - motor brace, seat stands, anchor set up, rod holders, additional transponder for the trolling motor and on and on ... almost without end. Oh yea, there is that old definition of a fishing (or ski or pleasure) boat being a hole in the water into which you constantly and without reward throw money. I'm smiling. First major excursion, if all holds, will be to Lake Fork in late April and Caddo Lake shortly after. Probably Meredith up here as quickly as I can get pieces in place (after Tokyo).
There will be a reckoning as to which rods; how many rods; which kind of rods make it onto the boat for the first couple go-rounds. If only these were all. Guest bathtub is still not for guests!
Our pieces hauled out to Wickenberg AZ to the Western Trading Post for their just finished Feb, 11 Cowboy auction were a blowout. Everything we brought sold ... and sold well. You do remember I gave you all a chance first, right?
Still a lot of very fine art works here, too. Many unframed; quite a few framed. We can connect on FaceTime or Google Meets so you can see them in real time. Just let me know when it is convenient.
As to the Art Collection here, plan is come spring ... unless fishing interferes, to take the Big ReD MobilE Art van around to a few select shows; bring art to the masses as it were. We got this almost ready last fall; can be up & out quickly... so watch for it!
Likewise, Ronson Page has a slightly smaller trailer that will become the mobile old book mobile. We are discussing coordinating schedules ... but so far we don't have one. Have an event you would like one or both of us to make? Let us know and we will see
I find wishing to be much overrated. However, I do wish that it was easy and cheap to ship bison meat around the country ... but there is not. Tender Tails, Strip Steaks, Bison Deli Dogs, Gehl's bison brats, It is always good eats!
Actually, if I really had a wish it would be for you to come join me here in Goodnight, on the long covered porch, early evening ... approaching dinner time, so we could fix bison right here and share both a meal and a sunset; each in it's own way being worth the time.
If you need any help sourcing bison for yourselves, let Ron or I help. Just need to know where you are and what you might be looking to bring in.
So our Meghan ... aka MeghanNatasha, - her Etsy Store Name - now has 13 tour guide packages up for sale on ETSY. She is good; They are good ... and she has actually sold .... at least one for sure. Berlin Marathon, La Paz, Portugal, Scandinavia, NY City Marathon
Ultimate Christmas Market Guide, Christmas Market Part 1, Part 2, Costa Rica. She's got enough personally experienced material .... and a bizzalian flight miles ... to back it all up. She's got our Tokyo trip lined out in stellar style ... and it will be up here once we get it done.
MeghanNatasha on Etsy
OK, I've got to wrap this thing up before we all slumber off. Theresa (a/k/a "T") has so many magnificent wildlife photos .... this is one Ron brought out that I had not seen ... and she had forgotten. I love it, hope you do too.
Yes, I am still retired! Yes, things do physically go slower. But keep it moving. You just have to live life as fully as possible; sharing laughter, events, highs and lows, injuries and surgeries with those that have made .... and continue to make my life a great trip through the unknown. And always smile; you will fool a bunch of folk and you will feel better, as well! 楽しむ Tanoshimu
It's my attempt at AI Japanese ... like A I A I OH.
You folks are all my "support" group, both literally and figuratively. Best wishes always. Cecil (and Theresa, Ron, Stacy, Big Red, Piggy Wrangler, Bob and the rest). It takes a village ... and we have a great one!
And just FYI ... if you have made it down here, Bob had a little procedure yesterday that may have him down for a bit. If immediate shipping is an issue ... best not order yet. He'll get to things as he always does .... but just wanted you to know.
Herd Wear Distribution center10565 Juliet John Road, CLARENDON TX 79226-5125, United States
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Hope all is well in your part of the world... T and I are in OKC right now at the Oklahoma Bison Association Show and Sale. Hanging out with some of the best people we know. I love coming up here and getting to do things like this, and unsurprisingly T was ok with this for our Valentine's Day fun. Life is good, we are blessed.
We had a wonderful time last night with the meeting and some speakers talking about the industry.. Dave Carter, former National Bison Association Executive Director gave a great talk on the Flower Hill Institute.. truly awesome organization. Helping small producers and processors get quality food to the table. He has been such a great source of inspiration and information for so many years, He is also featured in Native heavily... because he knows exactly what he is talking about when it comes to bison.
I managed to give a short talk and shared some about the Native: Keystone film, and it went well. Had fun telling where and how this is going to play out... starting with the fact that bison heal the planet, and it takes ranchers raising them, and consumers buying it to make the circle work. It was really nice to have some great video to back it up.
T, Dad and I are heading to Japan to go watch our youngest run the Tokyo marathon next week, so maybe will skip next weeks note. I am sure you will find some other good use of this 6 minutes on a Saturday morning. Today is basic bison info we thought you might enjoy.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Ron, T, and the crew here at the BWC
Most of the soil amendment we put up this week has already sold out, will be working on restocking that as soon as we have some time... And we have restocked the bison tallow creams. Mike has also delivered another 100 pairs of the Pure Prairie socks. I think those might be the fastest selling product we have ever had... this is now the third run of them. Have already asked him to knit more.
I didn't get the best pics, but we had an amazing time. Got to spend the evening talking with old friends, made some new ones, and as always, it was a truly special evening.
This association has so much energy, and is growing rapidly... So many good producers up here. Dusty Baker, Cross Timbers bison and OKBA President gave out the show awards, unsuprisingly Doc Parson, Canadian River bison took home Grand Champion. Guy raises beautiful animals.
After the talks, and the general business meeting, we had a Social Hour and an excellent bison bbq dinner (provided by Benjamin Lee Bison) Jessi is our new NBA president, and I really enjoy serving with her. She is gonna be awesome in her new position.
The Auction starts at 11 this morning, there are 88 animals available.. if you want to follow it here is the link
These are the new casual crews from Nester hosiery... They are a "mock rib" instead of our usual true 2x2 rib. I was skeptical, but they feel great, stay up perfectly. Fit and finish is excellent. Toe seam is quite nice too, visible but you can't feel it
I have worn them 30 days straight now, they have held up perfectly. Did wonderful in the ice storm as well. Tossing them in the wash this morning.
Hopefully we will see some here soon
And this coming Monday! Texas Bison Auction.
Project Gutenberg: A Treasure Trove of Free Literature, Including Works on Bison
friend sent this, great information, and huge resource library on everything.
- Project Gutenberg, founded in 1971 by Michael Hart, is the world's oldest digital library, offering over 70,000 free eBooks in various formats. It focuses on public domain works, making classic literature accessible to anyone with an internet connection. This volunteer-driven initiative digitizes and archives books that are no longer under copyright, promoting education and cultural preservation worldwide.Among its vast collection, Project Gutenberg features several fascinating titles related to the American bison (often called buffalo), a symbol of the North American plains. These works span natural history, hunting adventures, and conservation efforts. Notable examples include:The Extermination of the American Bison by William T. Hornaday, a poignant account of the near-extinction of these majestic animals in the 19th century.
- Delineations of the Ox Tribe: The Natural History of Bulls, Bisons, and Buffaloes by George Vasey, providing detailed scientific descriptions and illustrations of bison and related species.
- Musk-Ox, Bison, Sheep and Goat by Owen Wister, George Bird Grinnell, and Caspar Whitney, exploring big game animals with a focus on bison hunting and habitats.
- The Border and the Buffalo: An Untold Story of the Southwest Plains by John R. Cook, a memoir blending frontier life with buffalo hunting tales.
These books offer insights into the bison's ecological role, historical decline, and cultural significance. Readers can download them freely from gutenberg.org to learn more about our National Mammal
Bison 101 By Dr. Jeff Martin
New lecture about #bison as ecosystem engineers available on #livestock101. The crew included @nationalbison and @usda_nrcs.
Website information: https://conservationwebinars.net/webi.../livestock-101-bison
YouTube recording: https://youtu.be/FCrKLgNMUgQ?si=OMX6kn0eXjIluxWv
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Just a quickie today...
Had a very productive day here yesterday. After the last few months just emptying out the warehouse, it is time to start filling it back up. Clint is doing a stellar job of harvesting bison fiber, and we are excited about what we are gonna make this year... some fun stuff coming.
Mike at the Knitting Mill delivered a boatload of tthe gloves we have been OOS on, and a bunch more of the Pure Prairie socks. We have been getting them tagged and labeled... nice to be able to put them back in stock.
Paula got a bunch of soil amendment bagged up and stuffed 30 more dog beds. Spring is around the corner, and this stuff does really help with garden yield.
Nester Hosiery delivered the first samples of our new socks right before the conference, and I have been wearing a pair of the new Casual Crew 3.0 for the last 20+ days.... they are flipping awesome, Much tougher than our old ones. Can't wait to see the first load show up.
Nice to get a few things accomplished, been out of so much stuff lately.
T and I are getting excited about the OKC Auction this weekend, and then the TX Bison auction right afterwards, get to hang out with some good friends, and somehow, I have ended up with a speaking slot.. so, trying to get my head together and figure out how to fill 45 minutes with something interesting, educational, and hopefully useful.. Probably gonna talk about Native: some exciting things happening with the film. Charlie and Shauna are in D.C. this week, getting stuff done.
Hope you have a wonderful day
Ron & T and the rest of the crew here at the BWC
Pet Beds are Restocked!!!
Why Adding Bison Fiber to Your Garden Will Boost Yield and Productivity
In the quest for sustainable gardening practices, unconventional amendments like bison fiber are gaining attention for their natural benefits. Derived from the undercoat and guard hair of American bison, this byproduct serves as an eco-friendly soil enhancer that can significantly improve garden health. Unlike synthetic fertilizers, bison fiber offers a slow-release source of nitrogen and essential minerals, nourishing plants over time without the risk of nutrient burn or runoff.One key advantage is its ability to enhance soil structure.
When mixed into the garden bed or potting soil, bison fiber improves drainage and aeration, preventing waterlogging in clay-heavy soils and promoting robust root development. This leads to healthier plants that are better equipped to absorb water and nutrients, resulting in higher yields. For instance, vegetables and flowers can grow more vigorously, with increased resistance to drought and disease, ultimately boosting overall productivity.
Additionally, as the fiber decomposes slowly, it adds organic matter to the soil, fostering a thriving microbial ecosystem. This natural process "supercharges" the garden by creating a fertile environment that supports sustained growth cycles. To incorporate it, spread about 0.5 pounds per square yard when tilling, or 1 ounce per gallon pot—adjusting upward for denser soils. By repurposing this renewable resource, gardeners not only improve their harvests but also contribute to zero-waste practices, making bison fiber a smart choice for productive, planet-friendly plots.
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Welcome to the Weekend!!
Hello and Happy Saturday friends! We made it... was touch and go there for a bit, but got most of the list accomplished, (the short list.. long list will take a couple years to get done) Gonna take the W, and keep on keeping on. Have some fun stuff in the works right now. Hopefully can share soon.
Nothing super exciting happened here this week, just working and having fun, had some good friends spend last weekend here at RATHranch, played games, ate good food, and saw a play in town, oh, and Mike at the Knitting Mill shipping us the second round of Pure Prairie Socks (only about half of the expected ones, we should get the rest this coming week), and a bunch more Advantage gloves. That was good, gonna fill as many of the pre-orders today as we can, probably won't go out til Monday with all the chores I am behind on.
We do have a small favor to ask, won't take you more than a minute or two. Our friend Xander, who is making the film on the native Florida bison is in a photo contest, and a win would be a huge thing for him, and he will be donating the prize money to a couple of worthy causes, feeding the hungry, wildlife conservation and reasearch, ... with all you friends tossing a vote his way, I know we can do this. Vote Here
In the meantime, I think we have some fun stuff today. Do have a few odds and ends we are cleaning up, and two really nice bison leather tote bags, had one made for T with some of the nicer leather we had here, and Art had enough to make a couple extra. Also clearing out the XL leather lined gloves with the vellux lining.
Really looking forward to the Oklahoma Bison Assn auction next weekend, maybe will see some of you there!
Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Ron, T, Cecil, Piggy Wrangler, and the rest of the crew here at the BWC
Some of our friends have a running joke, that we all got where we are through a series of "Poor Life Choices"
This is all self-inflicted, and I am perfectly ok with it.
American Bison Return to the National Mall
In 2026, the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History is going full bison bonanza to toast America's 250th birthday—because nothing says "independence and freedom" like our shaggy national mammal!
On March 11, three ginormous bronze bison will "stampede" cross-country from a Colorado foundry, pit-stopping at museums before plunking down permanently at the museum's entrance on March 18 (public gawking starts March 19). This gift from Naoma Tate and Hal Tate's family is a hilarious homecoming—back in the 1880s, the Smithsonian penned up real bison behind their Castle to save the species from becoming extinct burgers.
Kicking off the fun: "Bison: Standing Strong," a May 7 exhibit dishing the dirt on these beasts' wild ride from prehistoric fossils to modern comebacks, via Smithsonian treasures.As museum boss Kirk Johnson quips, "Bison's epic saga—from ancient stomps to near wipeout and triumphant return—is peak American drama. We're the heroes who yanked them from the brink, and we're still buffalo-ing ahead on conservation!"
From The Herd Bull
I continue to be fascinated by these Germanic (and a few US version) "Schutzen" single shot rifles. They are always very small (4-6 mm or newer ones .22 cal) calibers. Designed for indoor target or varmint shooting. I think there are currently 4 or 5 around here; three for sure. I will probably drop one a week in just so you can see them.
The intricacy of the carving; the quality of the walnut stocks; the wonderment of the Germanic engineering ... and always the fascination of who was it that held this; where, what did he.she shoot.
From some Friends: Michael and Kathleen Gear
This has been great so far, im not quite halfway yet, haven't found a lot of down time to read, still have a stack of stuff I had hoped to finish this winter.
Here is a little summary from their site: Buffalo Justice by W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O'Neal Gear is a gripping contemporary Western mystery thriller set against the backdrop of Yellowstone's controversial bison herd. When prominent conservation lawyer Ryman Banks is assassinated, Montana Department of Justice Agent Jillian Masterson is tasked with the investigation, uncovering a tangled web of corruption, greed, and deadly agendas among politicians, conservationists, and assassins. Buffalo rancher John Cody, framed for the murder, fights to prove his innocence while grappling with an attraction to Jillian, as she races to expose the truth before becoming the next victim.
From All About Bison: The best source on Bison info online
www.allaboutbison.com
When the new bison stamps were announced, I was told after January, but now looking they say spring- summer for the new bison stamps. Some came out already, but it looks like the bison may be a lil longer.
I searched by computer for the last image I had of this stamp and this came up. HA
“ Buffalo stamps, ” are tracts of hard blue soil , supposed to be due, originally , to the presence of alkali and saline properties in the ground, causing numbers of buffalo to crowd together, licking and stamping the life out of the soil . It is a curious fact that our domestic cattle, imported to Kansas, no matter how well supplied with salt, soon acquire the same habit, not licking the soil, but crowding and stamping upon the same spots. In such places the grass is very short, wiry and thick, looking like green hair, if such a comparison be at all allowable. Some people here say that it is really the best of land and that after being broken up and sown in wheat a few years, it will become extremely fertile; but I will wait awhile and see results before endorsing that opinion. J.H. Beadle 1860
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