4 Ways to Enjoy Fall at Miller Bison at Elkhead Ranch

Fall is almost upon us!  You may not notice it just yet, but leaves are beginning to turn colors and the air has a touch of chill to it. And maybe it's just me, but I think that the fall season has its own smell it brings with it too! Fall (or autumn, whichever you prefer) is my favorite time of year. Fall means sweaters and scarves and apple cider, gorgeous fall colors, pumpkins and great horseback riding weather! Fall is also the perfect time of year to come visit Miller Bison at Elkhead Ranch.

Fall on the ranch

You're probably wondering just what there is to do here during this red and gold tinted season. Well, you can...

Stay in the Cabin

The cabin at Miller Bison at Elkhead Ranch sits on top of the highest hill on the property - and you'll really appreciate the great view you'll have of the beautiful fall colors in the Ozarks! You can sit on the porch with a cup of hot coffee (or cider - personally I would choose cider!) and admire the amazing scenery. Our cozy cabin features a fully equipped kitchen, and our guests have the option of adding a bison meat package to their stay - so if it's too cold to venture outside, stay in and cook a hearty fall meal! Bison chili, anyone?
                                                         

The cabin kitchen

Take a Hike

Miller Bison at Elkhead Ranch features a beautiful hiking trail that cuts through the heart of the acreage we've dedicated to wildlife conservation. Autumn is a great time to hike since the weather is cooler. Plus, the animals on the trail tend to be a little more active! On your fall hike, you can see our hunting stands and food plots, an old homestead site, a historic cemetery, and of course, have an opportunity to see fall color at its best!

One of the headstones in the historic cemetery 

Go Fishing

Just because it's cooler doesn't mean the fish aren't biting – fall is a great time to sit on the dock at Elkhead Lake and cast a line! Our five acre, thirty foot deep lake is fully stocked with catfish, bass and more for your fishing pleasure. Miller Bison at Elkhead Ranch is full of panoramic autumn views, and the one off the fishing dock is spectacular!

A catch from Elkhead Lake

Tour the Bison Herd

The best part of our ranch is the bison that call it home - and fall is a great time to come see them! We offer bison herd tours where you, your family or your field trip group can get up close and personal with these great American icons.  Be sure to bring a camera with you – the stunning fall colors in the background make for some nice bison photo opportunities!

Get Your Camo On! 4 Popular Types of Camouflage for the Upcoming Hunting Season

If you are familiar with hunting at all, chances are you know that hunters wear camouflage. 'Camouflage,' by definition, means 1. "the disguising of military personnel, equipment, and installations by painting or covering them to make them blend in with their surroundings" and 2. "to hide or disguise the presence of (a person, animal, or object) by means of camouflage." While the military and the hunting industry have perfected camouflage as a useful tool, the patterns known as camo have become popular fashion statements as well. You see it everywhere - on clothing, on vehicles, backpacks, OtterBoxes; you name it, it probably comes in camo. I myself am guilty of the camo craze, and I have the sweatshirt, bedspread and seat covers to prove it! So with all this camo out there, what should you be wearing for the upcoming hunting season? Here are a few of the most popular choices.

Realtree Xtra: Realtree Xtra Camo is a 3D pattern that is designed to effectivley blend into forested surroundings in fall, winter, and early spring. With 12 natural colors integrated into the pattern, the deer won't be able to see you coming! Your hunting gear will be studded with large trees, small twigs and an assortment of leaves to help you blend in.

                                                                        

Realtree Xtra Camo Photo credit: RealTree.com

Realtree Hardwoods HD: Realtree Hardwoods HD Camo is a versatile season and region camo. This pattern is designed to effectively make the visible edges of the hunter disappear into the woods. You will be outfitted with perfectly colored timber to disguise your hunting spot even in the dead of winter!

                                                                            

Realtree Hardwoods HD Camo Photo Credit: RealTree.com

Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity: Using real images from the woods, Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity is a camo with true depth to really break up (hence the name) the outline of the hunter wearing it.  This pattern features realism and contrast, and you will certainly match the woods when you wear Mossy Oak's acorns, leaves and tree limbs!

                                                                             

Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity Camo Photo Credit: MossyOak.com

Mossy Oak Bottomland: Mossy Oak Bottomland is the company's first and original camo pattern - they call it 'The Foundation of Concealment.'  This subtle pattern, still featuring the original look but with newer technology, it helps a hunter blend into darker environments. Your outfit will have some nice tones of dirt and bark added to it with this pattern!

                                                                             

Mossy Oak Bottomland Camo Photo Credit: MossyOak.com

This is a very small glimpse at all of the different camo patterns out there - you won't have any trouble finding one that suits your hunting style - or your fashion flair!  Happy hiding!