National Bison Range - Charlo, Montana
The buffalo (American Bison) roam freely on the praries and hills of the National Bison Range in Charlo, Montana. So do deer, antelope, elk, coyote, other small mammals and in season, birds, flora and fauna. We saw all but the antelope, they’re apparently elusive. Good for them.
Bob has been itching to use some of his new camera gear and I am itching to get out of the house, so I decide to plan a road trip amidst the great outdoors. We've gone to Glacier National Park a few times (gotta post about it next time), but a change of scenery is called for. We're headed to the National Bison Range in either Charlo, MT. or Moiese, MT., depending on who you ask. It's probably in both, they're right next to each other. Time for a drive.
The National Bison Range was established in 1908 to provide a safe habitat for the American Bison, which was nearing extinction. I mean, really, really nearing extinction. There is some great historical information on their web site, as well as photos taken by both rangers and visitors alike. I am going to show you our photos. Bob deserves credit for the close-up shots. See why below.
Bob gets a chance to play with not one, but two cameras with (obviously) different lenses. His photos are mixed among my photos below, but it’s safe to assume he did all the close-up work. P.S., if it’s grainy, it’s mine.
The park advertises that at this time of year it is open from dawn to dusk, which to them means 7:00am (it's dark) to 6:00pm (also dark). We get in the car around noontime and make the trip south to the unassuming entrance in a little over an hour. The Visitor's Center is closed in the winter, but I understand it has a neat little museum with exhibits on bison conservation, plus local and indigenous history that we'll have to check out another time. Dirt roads slowly wind along Mission Creek (yes, you can fly fish here) and then up the side of the mountain for about 7 miles. In the summer, there is a loop available for travel with switchbacks and the like, so there's another reason to return. I would describe the overall landscape as prarie surrounded by majestic mountains and topped off with a never-ending sky. It's not long before we see bison. Please see below.
The purple mountains majesty about the fruited plain where the deer and the antelope play and the buffalo roam. I think that’s two songs mashed into one, but I totally get the inspiration for the lyrics.
Alright, now that I've established place, let's get to the wildlife! There are about 300 or so bison protected on the Range, who live peacefully aside deer, elk, coyote, and antelope - the only critters we did not see. There are smaller mammals as well, on which we witnessed two coyotes enjoying for lunch. Visitors are encouraged to stay in or near their car, and to avoid making loud noises so as not to disturb the animals. Here's another slideshow on the bison and others in their natural habitat.
The wildlife go about their business if you keep a respectful distance, or even just observe from your car. There is a small hike by the creek, but otherwise, it’s a driving thing. It was a little muddy when we went, a reliable vehicle with decent tires is advised.
I took the opportunity to take a few pictures of the dead wildflowers, because they are still beautiful in their own way, and they help me imagine what this place looks like when they are in bloom! See below. Oh, and I threw in a picture of bison poop because I almost stepped in it! The lengths I'll go to to get a decent photo.
I can only imagine what the fields look like in bloom! It’s easy to find the beauty in winter wildflowers. The bison poop is another story.
I'd be remiss not to mention that the National Bison Range sits squarely in the middle of the Flathead Indian Reservation. After over 100 years, the tribe will take over management of the Range, while still allowing for public access. More info here. All in all, we spent a good three hours at the park, taking photos and most of the time just looking for a herd of something! We did not leave disappointed. We'll be back, it will be interesting to see the landscape and animal habits change along with the seasons.