Inspired by Bison thread; have questions

[BTH]

Hey guys,
The wife and I have been talking about bison lately and I read the thread. Those of you who have taken bison...can you provide the details? Where did you go, how much did it cost, what bow and the experiences of it?
I looked at one place here in California that had different levels; young bulls, older bulls, cows and the price was anywhere from $3K to $8K. I've also heard the older bulls are not good eating vs the younger ones.
Thanks
Toby

[Walt Francis]

Toby,
Here in Montana a cow/small bull bison runs about $800-$1200 and a mature bull about $2,000+, depending where you get it from.  It costs almost as much to have the bison processed as it does for the animal, $700-$1,400.  If you have the hide processed it runs from $600-$900, depending on the size of the animal.  Head mounts will vary with the size, pose, and taxidermist, average is $650 and up.  I have had friends travel from California for the sole purpose of getting their bison meat.  I split one with my hunting partner each year (the wife and I can only eat half of one in a year.)  and we alternate who kills it every year.  Last year I used a 58# Osage selfbow, hex pine shaft, and 190 grain Grizzly broadhead.  Placement of the shot is a lot more important then an extremely heavy bow weight.

[killinstuff]

Check out Andrews Lake Outfitters in Alberta if you want a wild one.

[Terry Green]

What Walt said.....

And, I don't believe in the 'older bulls don't taste as good'.  Mine was over 2000#s and was DELICIOUS!!!!...the fillets you could cut with a spoon.

[beachbowhunter]

Toby,
I've been dreaming just like you. I've been half planning to go next winter. We should talk...

Norb

[Leland]

The big bulls do taste just as good as the young ones.Walt pretty much covered it,accept I've never paid over $300.00 to have one cut up & wrapped.A beautiful animal that will put alot of great meals on the table.

  Leland

[Frenchymanny]

Me too!
I dream I hunt a bison....
So many games to hunt, so little time!

F-Manny

[Bill Turner]

I'd love to do this but can't figure out how I would get it to the truck. Little big for my cart. And as for field dressing, bet that would be a job. Other then that a buff would get my heart beating about as much as anything out there. Go for it BTH.  

[pronghorn23]

Bill as far as getting it to the truck that's how you test who your true friends are.

Without letting them know what it is you make the blind phone call.."Hey I got a big one down, mind helping me drag it out to the truck?"  

Actually I think most places take care of all that for you...if your going the ranch way and not the free roaming.