The hunt truly starts when you stow your gear on the freight wagon the first day bound for "Buffalo Camp", and ends when you return the same way usually on the 5th day, but it can take as much as 7 days so you should allow for this. The bison travel quite a bit, many times several miles a day. Even though guides are able to keep track of them, every day is a new day and it can take time to get on them. Horses are used to get close but then its up to your feet. Because it is a true hunt there can't be much more said about the details. The details are in the unknowns. That is what make a hunt a true experience. You may shoot any one bison that you wish from yearlings to the Big Bulls. Packing it out by pack string or wagon when possible adds to the experience.

Hunt Conditions

Firearms

Traditional firearms is the requirement. Black Powder, either cartridge or muzzle loader. At least a 45-70 in cartridge and 50 caliber in muzzle loader or larger. No modern powders, pyrodex, waffers, pellets, etc. Just good old black powder only. Firearms must be representative of those that would have been available prior to 1890. Obviously no inline muzzloading stuff.

Though the firearms must be representative of those used during that era, they need not be expensive exact replicas. Also not required but highly recommended a cap and ball side arm. These too must be representative of the era.

Are you prepared?

As mentioned, this is a hunt. There are no guarantees of kills, but almost certain. The uncertainty lies mainly upon your abilities or lack there of. Your guides will without doubt find "bison" for you. Getting you close enough for a shot is another thing. Those "Big Shaggies" rather don't care for us humans, and like getting shot at even less. They just won't stand for it like any other true wild game on true hunts. If you have illusions of wild game being where they were yesterday just standing around vulnerable for several minutes while you discuss the critter with your guided, and have time to video taking your safety off, get rid of it. It doesn't happen that way. If you have learned your hunting savvy and techniques from watching TV or hunting videos, you may as well stay home and watch TV. The clips of this hunt happen in sequence and the screw ups can't be edited out. They really happen live.

Blunders may cost you opportunity. A few helpful considerations.

-Bring reasonably quiet clothing and gear. Velcro is not quiet. Hunter orange is not required, desired, or recommended.

-And yes, the obvious, you will need to be able to shoot well. 300 yard shots are common. Prepare and practice a lot. Helpful hints to consistency:

-Be a perfectionist.

-Zero in at 200 yards. 300 yard shots are common.

-Clean your bore after every shot while practicing.

-Make sure every charge and projectile is exactly measured and weighed.

-You must be consistent in compressing your loads. Most folks call it ramming and use their ramrod accordingly. In proper charging and loading techniques the charge is compressed not rammed or tamped. The rod should be called a compression rod.

Getting Around

All hunts are totally non-motorized from start to finish. Your journey into and out of "Buffalo Camp" is by mule drawn wagon or horseback. All hunting and pursuit is by horseback or afoot. If you can't walk five miles a day in moderate rocky terrain or feel you can't ride a horse, you may want to stay home.

Camp

"Buffalo Camp" is about as rustic as it was in the 1850's with few exceptions. Consisting of wooden shacks and canvas tents with traditional gear. When you arrive you forget the rest of the world exists. That's the idea!

All camp gear is provided including beds and bedding, no sleeping bags allowed. Many outfitters put four or five star ratings on their accommodations. We have millions on ours in the dark unpolluted night sky. I might mention there are no waiters, maids or other servants. You will be expected to help out a little with chores during your stay. If you are the kind of person we enjoy sharing our special place with we know you'll be eager to pitch in when needed. Freeloaders didn't make it in the 1800's and around our outfit they don't today. Overall camp conditions are very rustic and traditional, but yet very cozy and comfortable. If you require all the amenities to get by, again, home or a "plush" hunt is probably where you should be.

Meals

All meals are provided, and all said the food is hearty fare, camp cooking. We don't put any stars on the meals, it ruins that good ole' camp cooking flavor.

Gear-Up

You will need to bring all of your own personal gear from clothing through firearms. With the exception of your firearm, it is not required but we encourage the use of traditional gear as opposed to the modern high tech stuff. We despise electronic devices such as range finders, radios, GPS equipment and cell phones. If you can't leave the 21st century behind for at least a few days this experience probably isn't for you anyway.

A complete list of suggested items to bring will be provided upon booking to help jog your memory of the things not to forget as well as how to pack for your trip in and out.

THe Fruits

You may keep all parts of your Bison kill and this is included in the price. We will assist you in getting your meat, hide, and head to the appropriate processors and artists as you desire. Extra charges may be applied for this. Costs associated with meat processing, tanning, and taxidermy are not included in the hunt price.

The Experience is $ 7,500. Openings available each year December through February. Availability is limited. There are currently a few remaining opportunities for this winter. Call John for further information at 800-977-3995.