A trip to Fredericksburg’s Roam Ranch offers lessons in these stunning creatures and their Hill Country environment.
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Story and photographs by Denise L. Moore
Earlier this year, my husband surprised me with a day trip to Roam Ranch [Instagram]. Knowing I’m drawn to majestic animals—but not telling me where we were headed or what we might see, he told me to grab my camera, a bottle of water and to get in the car.
As surprises go, he scored more than a few points. The ranch visit was worth the time and drive to Fredericksburg. The owners, staff, land, and resident animals were educational, majestic, fun, and more.
It was also a fantastic opportunity to photograph and learn about the resident bison.
Roam Ranch: What’s in a name?
It’s worth noting that bison and buffalo belong to the same family, but they are not the same species. Since there’s a lot of slippage around their names in popular culture, it’s important to be clarify.
Buffalo are found in Asia and Africa. Bison are found in North America and Europe. Bison grow shorter cow-like horns while buffalo have larger sweeping horns. Bison have a beard and a thick coat of bear like “looping” hair around their rib cage. Bison have a large shoulder hump and a huge head. Bison are faster than buffalo.
Seems bison may be superior, no? I won’t judge.
Currently Taylor Collins and his wife, Katie Forrest, have a herd of 73 (and growing) at Roam Ranch. The property lives up to its name, too. The grass-fed, free-range bison live near cattle, pigs, chickens, and turkey year around on almost 1,000 acres.
An EPIC origin story
Collins and Forrest are co-founders of the Austin-based company, EPIC Provisions. They started Roam Ranch after EPIC Provisions sold to General Mills. Following a vision to positively impact agriculture through producing nourishing food, they improve the lives of animals and enrich consumer health—all the while regenerating the land it all depends upon and starting the cycle again.
Initially, the ranch land couldn’t produce food. Over-farmed and over-grazed, it needed careful, thoughtful regeneration. With Collins and Forrest at the helm, the property is well on its way in this revitalization process. Their livestock they selected replicate patterns of native species and the biodiversity found in healthy land. Through efforts to return the property to its natural state, there is a growing symbiosis between the animals and the environment. A wonderful byproduct? Delicious food that is healthier for humans than similar items produced through more recent agricultural methods.
Learning from nature
Our ranch tour started with a brief talk and explanation of land regeneration efforts, followed by a ride through the fields and our introduction to a roaming bison herd. “Amazing” weakly describes my feelings upon seeing these statuesque animals. Revered and respected, bison are typically not nearly as domesticated as cattle.
Cecil (pictured above) brazenly approached us looking for a hand out of choice hay. Kept at a safe distance, we were reminded of the power in the bison’s immense body.
After the bison encounter, we walked through a field of casually roaming geese, chickens and their mobile coops—carefully guarded by a couple of goofy young Newfoundland dogs. We discovered the canines sneaking an egg (or two) from nesting boxes. (Hey, who doesn’t like a job perk or two, right?) We then met some roaming pigs who, living up to their names, begged for scraps.
Lastly, we had the opportunity to purchase various meats and eggs. Let’s just say that if you decide to take home a bison steak with a dozen eggs, you won’t be disappointed. Organic and grass-fed bison meat is widely respected as being healthier, leaner than traditional red meat.
Explore More
Roam Ranch hosts various tours and workshops throughout the year. Drive out to see the bison or learn how to dress your own turkey or chicken. And, most importantly, see the important work being done by Taylor Collins and Katie Forrest to nurture their corner of the Texas Hill Country back to robust, vibrant health.
