Bison families are no different from mine and yours
Bob Jackson to Discuss the Family Network of a Bison Herd
By Lucia Stewart, 1-22-08
Bob Jackson is a member of the bison family — that is if more viewed a bison herd as a family unit.
Many NewWest.Net readers may be familiar with Bob Jackson from the five part series Todd Wilkinson wrote late last year. (Read the series here.) From this series, a local Livingston organization, Bison Vision, found Jackson’s views and perspectives — as a former Yellowstone Park ranger turned bison rancher — to be viable source for developing alternatives and sustainable practices in bison ranching.
Bob Jackson is the only rancher in the world who raises bison and sells them as a family unit. “Yellowstone is why I started raising bison the way I do,” he said. “I have more feelings for what is happening here.”
He will be hosting a presentation tonight in Livingston on the structure of the bison herds in Yellowstone National Park, how they live as an extended family network and social order (similar to the social structure of indigenous people and elephants) and how ranchers or families can raise bison practicing this idea.
And of course, taking about bison is not complete without the discussion of viable solutions that are feasible in addressing the brucellosis issue and the management practices of Yellowstone National Park.
This event is in collaboration with Bison Vision, who will be placing a family unit of 30 bison on a ranch outside of Miles City later this year. This area had been identified as undisturbed land where the reintroduction of Big Horn Sheep has also taken place. Bison Vision hopes to host seminars, workshops and educational programs on bison herd raising and management with the placement of this herd.
The presentation takes place tonight in Livingston at the Best Western Inn at 7pm. For more information, call 406.539.2222.
We are 'stuck' here in West Yellowstone and won't make it to Livingston, (can't even get to town at this point) I do hope you cover the presentation and share it with us. I admire Bob Jackson's perspective, and his way with words.
Thank you!
Also I was wondering about the 'hoof-print' idea that the USDA has on isolating the exact species the brucella was transmitted from, as well as the idea that they could possibly 'control' it as per this site: http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2006/060120.htm Just some points that I would bring up if I were able to attend.
Oh how I wish I could be there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I wish you and a lot of other people could have been there too, Ann. I had misgivings myself, but the pass wasn't that bad, in fact the worst roads I hit are just out the driveway. Probably not like West, though.
It's a shame it was so nasty out, although we never complain about moisture in Montana, right? Nobody there did, even when the conference room furnace (but not fan) conked out. It's Livingston, you gotta expect some wind chill. Still, it's too bad a lot of people missed a fascinating presentation.
Very briefly, one of Bob's spinoff herds is going onto an eastern Montana ranch, thanks to a cooperative project organized by some primarily Livingston area folks. As usual, there's quite a bit more to it than that, but unfortunately the reporters were snowed in also. We'll be hearing more about Bison Vision though, I bet.
Wonderful!
The temperature yesterday started out at 40 below and warmed up to a nice 26 below. We have over twice the snow of last year, and a little over half of the year before. Not that I like to shovel but with any luck we'll continue on the incline of snow. Our 5 foot fence was buried two winters ago and we didn't see the bottom wire on it till the end of May.
I'm hoping the BFC was there with their cameras so I can see what all went on. Not only do they work for the Bison, but they sure help us out as well.
Thanks for the update.
Yes, i also enjoy reading Mr. Jackson's Bison views. It's also good to hear about all of the snow, Oregon is also having a "good snow year".
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