Icy day at Elkhead Ranch

Hi everyone,

Like the majority of the country, we are getting hit with a winter storm today.  Unlike the snow storms north of us, we are getting sleet and freezing rain. It's the perfect day to get our followers caught up on what's been going on around the ranch.

This last weekend my family came to visit me. It was so nice to see my daughter, wife, and parents. My daughter Harlea is growing up so fast! She's recently started to smile, and I have realized that there is no greater feeling than being on the receiving end of that smile. My wife keeps me posted with pictures, but I can't wait to see her again in person.

We've been staying busy around here for the last few weeks bringing in bison calves, pregant bison cows, and big breeder bulls from Nebraska, South Dakota, Colorado, and Canada. The newest addition to the herd and the most exciting to me, is a Wood bull from Canada that Randy and Jane picked up at the Denver Stock Show. For those of you that don't know the difference between a Wood bison and a Plains bison, the Wood breed originates from Northern Canada, and grows to be much bigger both in height and weight.  In fact, the sire of our new bull was 2,500 pounds!. As a yearling, he already stands taller than the rest of the herd. I'm really excited to see the calves he produces next year.



Speaking of the Denver Stock Show, I'm proud to announce that the animals that Randy and Jane entered into the judging competition received first place in every class they were entered into. This honor can be attributed to proper management, good nutrition, and the watchful eyes and attention to detail of Randy and Jane, to ensure these animals are living good, healthy lives. 

Next week our friends from Campfire Stories will be coming in for a bison hunt. We are all very excited to show America what we have to offer with not only bison hunts, but deer hunts in the fall and turkey hunts in the spring.  We are also offering family retreats in the off season. We have a clear lake for fishing or swimming, three caves to explore, trails to walk or ride, and if you're interested, you can help us with the day to day operations working with the buffalo. And of course if all you want to do is relax in the peace and quiet while enjoying the view, our Missouri Cabin Rental is great for that too. 

It's almost time to hitch the drill to the tractor and start planting food plots for our deer. The soybeans we planted last year are still sustaining the herd with plenty of protein, but they are ready for some good, green spring forage I'm sure. The bucks are starting to drop their antlers and it won't be long until we start seeing fawns. Being teamed up with Docs Wildlife Blends for the first time, these deer will be eating the best forage available all year. I'm confident that the nutrition they will be consuming this spring and summer during the antler growing stage will make our big bucks reach their full potential, and enable the does with fawns to produce the best milk possible for their young. 

Stay tuned, it's going to be an exciting year!