You don’t move bison the way you move cattle. It’s a fact. A bison bull can stand six feet tall at the hump, weigh between 1,600 and 2,000 pounds, and effortlessly clear a cattle fence like it’s not even there. These animals are built differently—wild, powerful, and untamable.
Working bison isn’t like working cows. You just don’t approach it the same way. Moving cattle is already an awe-filled experience, a moment when you feel connected to something greater, a closeness to God. An experience that most of the world will never have. Now, take that feeling and magnify it. Everything about bison is bigger: the cows, the calves, the bulls. Even the equipment—braces, buckets, squeeze chutes—needs to be stronger and larger to match their sheer size and force.
Two years ago, I had my first experience at the Triple Cross Bison Ranch. I wasn’t sure I’d ever have the chance again. But here I am, blessed beyond measure to be part of something so grand. I can’t say I’ve done anything to deserve this privilege, yet somehow, I’m here—grateful, humbled, and in awe.
The bison at Triple Cross are left mostly alone, except for one annual “Bison Works”. They remain wild, primal, and awe-inspiring. As we watched them, I couldn’t help but blurt out to my friend Stephanie, “Look! It’s so beautiful!” or “Oh my gosh, do you see this?!” every few minutes. I kept forgetting this is her life. She sees this every day. For her, it’s more than just beauty—it’s her livelihood.
I’ll never forget that first visit. The herd spilled over the crest of the rolling hills, their massive, dark forms flowing like deep rivers into the golden creases of the plains. Seeing it for the second time was no less breathtaking. I don’t think I’ll ever stop being completely awestruck. There’s something about bison that leaves you gob-smacked, every single time.
Because moving bison isn’t fast or straightforward, I had time with Stephanie. We rode side by side in the ATV, talking about life, faith, and everything in between. We laughed, cussed a little, and shared stories. Bison are unpredictable, athletes that their size belies—they can turn on a dime, and when one cow breaks away, the rest will follow. Before you know it, you’re out there gathering them up again.
As we talked, I kept noticing how much the profile of a bison resembles a mountain range. There was something wonderful about that—something primal and monumental. Listening to Stephanie share her and Brett’s journey from Colorado to South Dakota, I realized how much their faith has shaped their lives. There’s a certain solitude out here—the kind that forces you to reflect and strengthens your soul. It’s overwhelming.
In that moment, I thought, “My friend is moving mountains.” Maybe not in a literal sense, but in the way that matters most—through faith, resilience, and the quiet, steady work of building a life in a wild, beautiful place. Thank you for sharing it with us Brett & Stephanie!
"And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you" Mathew 17:20 KJV
