The MeatEater Podcast Ep. 874: How To Start A Bison Ranch
May 11, 2026
Matt Skoglund, founder of North Bridger Bison and former environmental policy worker, runs a field‑harvested bison operation near Bozeman. He explains leaving law for ranching, private herds’ role in conservation, Yellowstone bison management, and wildlife‑friendly fencing and grazing practices. The conversation covers starting a bison business, field harvest logistics, and reconnecting food with stewardship.
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Private Herds Are The Species' Backbone
- Most bison in North America are privately owned, so private ranches are critical to the species' presence on the landscape.
- Matt emphasizes that very few truly wild, free-roaming bison exist; conservation herds are often fenced or managed.
Use Wildlife Friendly High Tension Fencing
- Build wildlife-friendly perimeter fencing using high-tensile smooth wire and an electrified middle strand as a psychological barrier.
- Matt uses five-wire high-tensile fence, solar-powered hot middle wire, and design that lets pronghorn crawl under and deer/elk jump over.
Mimicry Of Natural Grazing Restores Habitat Mosaic
- Mimicking historic high-intensity short-duration grazing with long rest creates a habitat mosaic that benefits birds and biodiversity.
- Matt cross-fences pastures, moves one herd around, and rests others to recreate the pattern and support nesting waterfowl and grassland birds.
