"As a boy I read books and articles about mountain men, hunters, trappers, and explorers of the early West. I often day dreamed about what it might have been like to live as they did, in the Wilds, out in the Big Lonesome. Experience what they experienced while hunting deer, elk, and bison, without the so called luxuries of modern man. I guess I never grew-up. "

Authentic Bison Hunt Expeditions

$235,000

Our Western Frontier intrigued many a man in the 18th and 19th centuries. Those that left the cities and civilization overcome with curiosity and the overwhelming desire to take on the challenges of the unknown became the Mountain Men, the Plainsmen, the Hunters, Trappers, and Explorers that were so admired and idolized by those they left behind and by us today. These were men and women who chose to walk away from the crowds, to subject themselves to the ultimate trials, drawn by the constant pull of adventure, and then the Bison and the "Big Lonesome" were gone, succumbing to the white man's advances.

In today's world of Theme Park "Wilderness Areas" and video edited "Perfect Hunts" people have forgotten what hunting is really about. All decked out, with the latest space age technology and equipment tomorrow men will drive out from their five star accommodations in a "Cadillac" to shoot and whack the horns off of the caged prey, their only true interest and satisfaction being in what the animal's score will be and how soon they will get back to the comfort of the lodge.

These "Plush Hunts" seemingly have become the norm in today's world. The more amenities the better the hunt. But in reality that's the way it has always been in the "White Mans" world. Few people have ever had the grit to go into the true Wilds under true conditions and take meat. Some people fantasize about being able to experience the Wilds of the West, and that is all it is, a fantasy. The reality is they wouldn't do it if presented the opportunity and couldn't cut it if they did attempt. The few that have the grit and could cut it, dream about it. But in today's world where are you going to find it? It is out there. Not all of the "Big Lonesome" has given way to modern man.

For those who now choose to walk away from the crowds in the broad expanse of High Desert Country in the American West known as the Great Basin, lies a unique opportunity. A unique place where wilderness is not a theme park. A place where millions of acres are virtually untrammeled by modern man and his modern ways. A place where the details are the unknowns. A place for those whose thirst for adventure is not quenched by fancy amenities. A place for those with the insatiable desire to experience the wilds of the 1800's and for those with the grit to carry it out.

Authentic Bison Hunt

For someone who has never been out in the wilds for extended periods of time without the modern conveniences to fall back on, it is not only a physical challenge, but a mental one too. But to do so, pays homage to these magnificent beasts and the wild country in which they are found. We know of nowhere else where you can live virtually the same experience as you would have experienced in the 1800's on such an expedition. It’s authentic down to the finest details.

Authentic

Some may think these hunts are a reenactment. They are not. A re-enactment would mean that it is practiced, planned, and staged. These Hunting Expeditions are not. Once you leave the “civilized” world and all modern conveniences and equipment behind, it is real. The conditions, the circumstances, and the consequences are real. It is a little short of being 100% authentic mainly because it is not really the 1800's and there are unfortunately in today’s world, even in the “Big Lonesome” such things as satellites in the sky.

Gearing Up

There is nothing on these Expeditions that would not have been on such an expedition any later than 1850. If it did not exist prior to that date or would not have been something that would have been taken on such an Expedition, it won’t be on these Expeditions. Everything down to the smallest items are authentic or authentic replications of items of the time.

Your Gear

Every last item of gear that you will need for the Expedition is custom made and supplied for you from your firearm to your pocket watch. Each piece is a custom made, one of a kind item made especially for you. You will not be allowed to bring anything of your own.

The Expedition

Most Expeditions go out from mid-January through Mid-March. Expeditions are out for about three weeks, give or take a few days either way. Expeditions generally consist of six to eight people, from guides, hunters, teamsters, and other personnel. There is no itinerary in the “Big Lonesome” other than depart, find, and kill Bison and get back. The details are to be discovered.

The Hunt

There is not much that can be said about the actual hunt other than it is almost certain that you will have an opportunity to shoot a bison. Again, the details are in the unknowns. The Bison are generally in small herds of 20 to 30, but occasionally in larger herds numbering in the hundreds. A real challenge under these true conditions to find them and make a kill.

For those who are cut-out for these incredible Expeditions, the greatest reward is the experience itself. You of course are able to take back with you your trophy Bison. The head will be mounted for you, robe tanned, and meat processed, all for your ongoing enjoyment. In addition, your custom made clothing, firearms and all other personal gear are also yours to keep and take back home with you to add to your trophy collection.

Our Profit and Goal

The objective of allowing folks along on these Expeditions beyond the thrill of providing this type of experience to those who truly yearn for it, is that it generates necessary revenue. All revenue generated by these hunts goes to outfitting and equipping you and the Expedition, but
most importantly to the preservation of this unique place, “The Remaining Big Lonesome”.

Reality Check

Up front, if you have a problem with the cost to go on the Expedition, don’t go. But you will get your moneys worth. Most importantly the proceeds beyond the costs to put on the Expedition go to a good cause. Frankly comparing the cost to join such an Expedition today to the cost of joining a comparable expedition in the 1800's is relative. It wasn’t cheap then either.

Now it’s time for me to be up front, blunt and possibly down right rude. But it is the reality that these Expeditions are not for everyone and the guides don’t want and won’t take just anyone. So for those of you who still think you might want to give it a try...think some more. Only one “Greenhorn” (that’s you) will be accepted on any one Expedition at a time. The guides will not take more than one. And trust me you will be a “Greenhorn” at least for the first several days. This is a once in a lifetime hunt. You will only be considered to go one time. If you are not accepted to go once, you will not be considered again, or if you are accepted and go you may never go again, once in a lifetime.

The conditions can be damn hard, not always, but can be. It will not be warm January through March in the “Big Lonesome”. Temperatures can range from the 60's to below zero. There is the possibility of frostbite, but if you take care of yourself properly it can be avoided. You will not have your favorite outdoor apparel store with you or next door. What the Expedition takes and supplies you with is what you have. Sufficient for sure but that’s it. Once an Expedition departs there is no turning back unless you are content to do it on your own. The Expedition will not turn back on your or anyone else’s account. In short once you are there you are there. The exception would be in the event of a real medical emergency. Someone would likely accompany you back out, but this may take a few days. If the injury is serious you may not make it. In regards to this, if you require special modern medications, you will not be able to take them. You must decide whether you can live without them or not, or substitute for what would have been available then. My advice, don’t go. You will not be pampered in anyway other than given the necessary advice to get along. You will be expected to pull your own weight in the group. If you fail no one is going to pick up your slack for you. So if you are normally a complainer or whiner, it’s going to fall on deaf ears. If you are physically impaired, either by injury or mental choice, or just plain out of shape, you best stay home and watch the hunting channel on TV.

It will be necessary for you to handle stock. So if you have an aversion to riding horses or mules, you will be doing a lot of walking. The Expedition will not be waiting. As mentioned you will have an opportunity to take a Bison. I said an opportunity and possibly only one. You screw it up and it might be all over. The guides take meat every time they are out, but that’s them not you. I’ve guided a lot of hunters over the years and I’ve seen and heard it all. Most people can’t hit the inside wall of an outhouse with a shotgun. You must be more than proficient at shooting 200 yard shots, off hand, at moving targets and making consistent shots to at least 500 yards, off hand or with minimal rest in under five seconds. Try it. Even with your modern rifle and if you can sometimes do it even after a lot of practice. You will probably sometimes do it out there. Stay home if making a kill is important to you.

Now if you think that you can just set your ass on that horse and stay there you are wrong again. There is likely a fair amount of walking involved too. What is a lot or a little for one person or another is undecidable. I’m willing to guess it to be a lot for most “Greenhorns”. You better leg up before you go.

The meals are what you would have gotten on any Bison Hunting Expedition of that time. I don’t know what they will be, but you’ll be fed well. They don’t have five star on them, they have a million over them in the night sky. It’s all a matter of opinion what a good meal is anyway.

Camps, where ever they may be, will likely be for the most part dry and warm. Again, kind of depends on how well you take care of yourself and your gear. You’ll likely freeze your ass off if you don’t take care. For you fellows that require a closet to hang your shirts up...there ain’t. Don’t take much to hang one shirt anyway, and if periodic bathing is important to you, it won’t be unless you happen upon a waterhole and feel like choppin’ through the ice, your welcome to it.

The Final Reflection

Take a good look at yourself and be honest. Is this really for you? If you are more excited about it now than you were, you probably have what it takes. If you have any doubt at all at this point, it’s probably an underlying yellow streak that will flair up once you are out there, best just stay home. It will whup your ass.

Availability

Expedition departing schedules are not definite as there are conditions which might sway departure dates one way or the other a few days. Those accepted to go must have somewhat of a loose schedule on either end of the Expeditions.

With only two to three Expeditions going out a year that will allow “Greenhorns” to go along, the obvious is that not everyone is able to get on one. That along with the 12 months minimum in lead time that it takes to get you properly equipped and on, getting in touch early increases your chances and actual ability to go.