Where is Cross Timbers Bison Located? An In-Depth Look at this Oklahoma Ranch

Bison ranching has seen a resurgence in recent years as more people seek out alternative meats that are not only delicious but also environmentally sustainable. One ranch leading this new wave of bison producers is Cross Timbers Bison, located in Sulphur, Oklahoma.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Cross Timbers Bison – from its history and location to its conservation efforts and unique offerings.

An Overview of Cross Timbers Bison

Cross Timbers Bison is a family-owned and operated bison ranch located in Sulphur, Oklahoma The ranch sits on rolling prairie land that provides the perfect environment for raising bison

Cross Timbers Bison was started in 2018 when owners Dusty and Sarah Baker acquired five bison yearlings from the herd of renowned bison producer Gerald Parsons. In just a few short years, the Bakers have grown the herd to over 50 head of bison today.

The ranch shares its journey of raising bison through its popular YouTube channel, which has amassed over 130,000 subscribers. Viewers get an inside look at daily life on a bison ranch.

Where Exactly is Cross Timbers Bison Located?

While the exact location of Cross Timbers Bison is kept private, we do know the ranch calls Sulphur Oklahoma home.

Sulphur is located about 90 miles south of Oklahoma City in Murray County. It sits nestled among the rolling Arbuckle Mountains, known for their lush greenery and plentiful springs.

The Cross Timbers region that gives the ranch its name stretches across central Oklahoma and into Texas. This area is characterized by prairie lands interspersed with forests of oak and hickory trees.

The ranch’s location provides both open grasslands for grazing and scattered tree groves for shade. The mild climate and natural springs dotted across the landscape create an ideal habitat for bison.

Why Sulphur, Oklahoma is Ideal for Bison Ranching

There are several key reasons why Sulphur, Oklahoma offers such excellent conditions for bison ranching:

• Abundant natural grasses – The native grasses of the Great Plains that bison evolved eating still grow abundantly across the ranch’s prairie landscape. This natural diet is perfect for bison nutrition and health.

• Mild climate – With warm summers and mild winters, bison can graze comfortably year-round in Sulphur’s climate. Extreme heat or cold is not a concern.

• Plentiful water sources – Natural springs across the ranch provide fresh clean water for the herd. Bison need daily access to water sources.

• Wide open spaces – With room to roam across hundreds of acres, the herd can exhibit their natural behaviors. Confined, crowded conditions can stress bison.

• Rich local history – As part of the historic Cross Timbers region, Sulphur has a long legacy of bison ranging across its grassy hills that the ranch is continuing today.

The Ranch’s Bison Conservation Efforts

In addition to producing delicious bison meat, Cross Timbers Bison is passionate about bison conservation. Some of their efforts include:

• Using sustainable rotational grazing practices to protect the prairie grasses. This prevents overgrazing and erosion.

• Allowing ample land for the herd to roam and exhibit wild behaviors like wallowing. This preserves their natural instincts.

• Managing a herd size in balance with the land’s carrying capacity. Overpopulation degrades the environment.

• Providing supplemental feed only during emergencies like droughts. Relying solely on natural grazing is ideal.

• Working with conservation groups like the National Bison Association to further restoration efforts. The NBA has a target of 500,000 bison by 2025.

• Educating the public on bison ecology through YouTube videos and social media. This raises awareness on how special these animals are.

With as few as 1,000 bison remaining in 1890, the species was nearly wiped out. Thanks to ranches like Cross Timbers helping expand herds, over 400,000 bison exist today.

Unique Offerings: Bison Tours, Meat, and More

In addition to its conservation initiatives, Cross Timbers Bison provides some unique offerings to customers:

• Ranch tours – Visitors can book custom tours of the ranch facilities and herd. This offers an immersive bison educational experience.

• Bison meat sales – The ranch sells cuts of lean, delicious bison meat both online and at local farmers markets. This provides a healthy red meat option.

• Bison jerky – Their specialty bison jerky comes in unique flavors like jalapeno and is made from grass-fed bison.

• Bison tallow – Rendered bison fat is sold as nourishing tallow. It offers benefits as a cooking oil, moisturizer, and more.

• Q&A sessions – Hosted online and at the ranch, these sessions allow the public to get their bison questions answered directly by experts.

• Merchandise – Apparel, stickers, and other gear lets fans show their Cross Timbers Bison pride.

By providing these interactive experiences and products, Cross Timbers Bison shares their passion for bison husbandry with customers.

Visiting Cross Timbers Bison

For anyone interested in an up-close bison encounter, Cross Timbers Bison welcomes visitors to its ranch in Sulphur, Oklahoma. Guests can book custom tours and experiences:

• Learn about the ranch’s history and conservation efforts from owner Dusty Baker.

• Observe the majestic bison herd grazing peacefully across the open prairie.

• See the ranch’s handling facilities where bison receive top-notch care.

• Ask Dusty and staff questions about all things bison during an engaging Q&A session.

• Enjoy a delicious meal featuring bison meat raised sustainably right on the ranch.

Cross Timbers Bison offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect with American bison, an iconic yet often misunderstood animal. By sharing their passion with visitors, the ranch continues to be an inspiring leader in the bison resurgence.