Happy Bison Month!! Made it to Taco Tuesday again!
Hope your week is going well, just plugging away here as usual.. got a big truck of socks showing up, and almost ready for it.. Got some more organizing to do this morning, so gonna try not to waste too much of your or my time...
Got some good friends in here today (like everyday) and the best site on bison information anywhere... hope you enjoy what we have today.
Hope you have a truly great day!
Ron & T, and the crew here at the BWC
Flippy the Bison: From Michael Hodges
The recent encounter at Bridge Bay Campground in Yellowstone Park has left a lot of folks in the community wondering about the infamous bull behind the viral footage. On July 10, the frenetic bison, estimated at 2,000 pounds, turned a quiet walk into a survival situation. While the man is thankfully recovering from a broken femur, there’s been a lingering question about the animal himself, is he a "known" troublemaker in the herd?
As for a nickname or a specific history, the park has remained tight lipped, although rumors claim the bison is known as “Flippy”. There is no official wanted poster or moniker for him, to the rangers, he’s simply a wild animal that acted exactly how a bull bison does when the rut is in full swing. He wasn't tagged or tracked as a repeat offender, and in a park as big as Yellowstone, these bulls often move through miles of wilderness, making it nearly impossible to tell if he’s been spotted elsewhere or if he’s just a solo bull who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The most fascinating part of the mystery, if you ask the observers who were there, is how quickly the switch flipped. The bull was lying calmly in the dust before a passing pickup truck seemingly agitated him, setting off a chain reaction that turned him toward the first people he saw. Whether this particular bull is "recognizable" to other frequent park visitors remains a question, but for now, he’s back in the backcountry, living out his life as if nothing happened.
It’s a humbling reminder that in places like Yellowstone, we are merely guests in a world that doesn't follow human rules. But you never know when “Flippy” will emerge once more...
Rhonda and Tim Frasier: Passionate Stewards of the Bison and Curators of All About Bison
Rhonda and Tim Frasier of Gainesville, Texas, embody a deep, lifelong commitment to American bison. Through their hands-on ranching experience, consulting work, and Rhonda’s creation of the comprehensive website "All About Bison" (quite possibly the largest repository of bison information anywhere), they have become key figures in bison education, ethical management, and conservation awareness.
Tim and Tater
From Horses and Dogs to Bison: A Personal Journey Rhonda Frasier’s love for animals began early. She aspired to become a veterinarian and built expertise with dogs and horses. She competed in barrel racing and cutting events, earning the nickname “Ace” from Tim for her calming influence on spirited horses. She also raised and trained working stock dogs and became skilled in equine reproduction.
Bison entered her life through a rescue: a pet bison calf named “Boo-Boo” (after Yogi Bear’s sidekick) who needed a home. Tim bought the calf for her birthday. What started as fascination with one animal grew into a shared passion. The couple, who met in the Northwest (Tim working with cattle, Rhonda with performance horses), eventually built a life centered on bison.
Life on the Ranch and a New Generation:
On their small Gainesville ranch, the Frasiers care for retired horses, family dogs, barn cats (some of which ride bison), and a herd that includes rescued orphan bison. Rhonda has developed deep expertise in rearing orphans, always with the goal of successful reintegration into the herd. This tradition continues with their current pet bison, Wesley, born on June 8, 2023, to a beloved cow named Lucy, Wesley became an orphan around six weeks old when Lucy passed away after a sudden illness. Rhonda, who never planned to raise another bottle calf, took on the responsibility with patience and trust-based methods.Named after respected bison expert and author Wes Olson (Wesley shares his birthday), the calf quickly became the center of attention—“from the very first day it became ‘All About Wesley.’” Rhonda bottle-fed him, provided shade and misters during Texas heat, used enrichment like his favorite ball (“Wilson”), and spent hours sitting with him in the pasture to build a bond. Wesley proved calm, intelligent, curious, and playful—never panicking even in early challenges like getting stuck in mud as a newborn. By May 2024 he weighed 720 pounds. He has since integrated with heifers and matured into a young bull. At around age two he experienced his first rut, showing respectful boundaries while displaying the classic bison personality. Rhonda documents his adventures on All About Bison and social media, where he has earned the affectionate title “Most Famous Bison in Texas” from followers. His story educates people about bison intelligence, behavior, and the realities of orphan rearing. Wesley serves as both companion and teacher, continuing the legacy of Boo-Boo and showcasing Rhonda’s commitment to giving every bison the best possible start.
Most Famous Bison in Texas" Wesley!
Tim Frasier brings decades of practical expertise. With a degree in Applied Science Livestock Technology from Sheridan College and extensive “PhDs from the school of hard knocks,” he has worked as a bison operations manager, animal welfare coordinator, and consultant. His roles have included work with large-scale operations (such as Southwest Bison), tribal programs (Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes, Quapaw), and meat plant auditing (PAACO certified).
Tim specializes in humane handling, facility design, herd management, parasitology, procurement, and market facilitation. He has presented at state, regional, and National Bison Association events and helped shape laws and standards for bison. Their company, Frasier Bison LLC (tagline: “Helping Buffalo with People – since 1995”), operates with a strong code of ethics focused on benefiting the species through both commercial and conservation models. They assist buyers and sellers of all scales while prioritizing animal welfare.
All About Bison: The Ultimate Online Repository
Rhonda single-handedly manages All About Bison, which began as her personal research project and evolved into one of the most extensive free resources on the species. The site now spans more than 350 pages covering both North American bison (plains and wood subspecies) and European bison (wisent), along with historic context, contemporary news, research links, and practical information. It serves researchers, students, authors, and enthusiasts. Content includes bison history, ecology, cultural significance, current events, and resources for publishing or study. Guest bloggers are welcome (examples include contributors like “Just Plains Funny”), adding diverse voices. The site remains completely free, reflecting Rhonda’s view that the work itself is the reward.
Together, Rhonda and Tim bridge practical ranching experience with broad public education. Tim focuses on “helping bison with people problems” through humane practices and industry development, while Rhonda preserves and shares knowledge so others can appreciate and advocate for these iconic animals. Their work supports “commerce-based conservation” and ethical management, helping bison populations thrive in both wild and managed settings.
Their story reflects resilience, curiosity, and advocacy. From rescuing Boo-Boo decades ago to building a respected consulting business and a massive educational website, the Frasiers have dedicated their lives to ensuring bison remain part of our landscapes and consciousness.
Since T is deep in Crossfit, thought we would share one of their recipies today.
Nutrition Facts per 1 cup serving (make 5 6oz servings):
Calories — 392
Protein — 36g
Fat — 18g
Carbs — 28g
Ingredients & Instructions
Here's what you'll need:
2lbs ground bison
1 15oz can corn kernels, drain and rinsed
1 15oz can black beans, drained
2 packets taco seasoning
1/3-1/2 cup veggie or beef broth
2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
2 cups tomatoes, chopped
2 cups bell pepper, chopped
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
Cubed avocado, to taste
Juice from a lime, to taste
Here's what to do:
— Place a frypan over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and ground bison, breaking up any lumps with a wooden spoon. Let brown for 5-7 minutes. Drain as desired.
— Add broth and taco seasoning and cook for about 6-8 minutes or until fully cooked through and liquid cooks down. Turn off heat when finished.
— While taco meat is cooking, prep your veggies and place in separate containers to avoid soggy greens.
— When everything is done, assemble your bowl and enjoy!
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