History

Onaqui Bison Ranch was established in 2014 by Clair Vernon and Dan Martin. Clearing the land and putting up 2 ½ miles of appropriate fencing fully occupied their first year. Since then, the ranch has been developed to include a well, barn, solar power, bison handling facility. Many valuable lessons have been learned as Clair and Dan brought the ranch into full operation. They are happy to answer questions and share their experiences.

American Bison

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The American Bison (Bison bison for those interested in genus and species; ta Tanka in Lakota Sioux for the bull bison) was a common site in North America in past centuries. Enormous herds on the move, shoulder to shoulder gave far-away onlookers the impression that the ground was in constant movement. Once numbering in the 10s of millions, the vast population was reduced to near extinction due to hide hunters, Native American usage, and, deplorably, recreational hunting and intentional slaughter. By the late 1800s, the great bison herds had been reduced to just one or two thousand by most accounts. Through the efforts of private herd owners and others however, the great American Bison has made a comeback and now number in the hundreds of thousands in the U.S.

Bison Decline

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The demise of the bison largely resulted in the demise of the American Plains Indians' way of life. They had relied upon the bison for virtually all physical aspects of their survival and for spiritual activities as well.

Bison Usefulness

The following list, taken from Bison Basics website, illustrates how the largest mammal in North America was utilized by the Native Americans.

  • Horns: Arrow Points, Utensils, (cups, ladles, spoons), Powder horns, Decorative headdresses, Medication
  • Bones: Knives, Pipes, Arrowheads, Splints, Shovels, War clubs
  • Fat: Candle Tallow, Lubricant, Soap
  • Tails: Ornamental Decoration, Fly brush, Whip
  • Hair: Decorative headdresses, Ropes, Pad and pillow filler, Moccasin lining
  • Muscles: Glue, Thread, Arrow ties
  • Stomach Liner: Water container
  • Gall and Blood: Decorative Paint
  • Skull: Rituals
  • Beard and Teeth: Ornamentation
  • Bladder: Medicine Bag
  • Hooves: Glue
  • Scrotum: Ceremonial rattle
  • Liver: Hide Tanning
  • Manure Chips: Fuel
  • Tendons: Sewing, Bowstrings
  • Hide: Moccasins, Buckets, Drums, Splints, Ropes, Saddles and Stirrups, Snow shoes