World Montana hosted a group of four delegates from Kazakhstan who had come to experience Montana, and take their observations back to improve the Kazakhstani beef industry. During their stay, they met with state Livestock and Agriculture officials, visited the Helena Farmer’s Market and took a trip to a bison ranch just outside Townsend, Montana. They were captivated by this working bison ranch and were particularly impressed by the care and treatment of the herd of wild bison.
Wild Echo Bison Ranch is set in the Big Belt mountains of rural Montana, twenty miles outside of Townsend. Established in 2003, this ranch and wildlife preserve is owned and operated by Pam and Craig Knowles, both wildlife biologists and incredible people. Their passion is to share their knowledge through education of the public. The remote property boasts 480 acres, ecologically managed with multiple species of wildlife. The herd of some seventy bison live without intensive human interference, but many have names and some of the friendlier females will come when called!
Wild Echo Bison Ranch focuses on education and preservation of resources. The ranch offers small-scale overnight visitor opportunities with the chance to stay in cozy cabins or tipis, complete with home-cooked meals. Throughout their stay, guests will get the chance to interact with the wild animals and learn about a wide range of ecological topics from two incredibly well-educated and passionate individuals. Also available activities are wildlife hikes, biologist-led projects, stargazing, bird watching, and a guided three-day trip to Yellowstone National Park. It is suggested that guests stay a minimum of at least two nights as to get the full experience!
The visitors from Kazakhstan were able to interact with the bison herd, and asked many, many questions. They were amazed at how Pam and Craig treat their bison with such care. The Kazakhstani visitors were inspired by the natural approach to ranching, and the connection and passion that the two owners offered.
Throughout our visit, I was constantly impressed by how knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate this duo is. It’s rare to meet business owners with such a powerful vision. Their unique business model serves a valuable purpose: educating the public about wildlife restoration through an incredible experiential approach, and helping to preserve this ancient species.
As Craig Knowles puts it: “People have to know about wilderness to love it. And if they love it, they will fight to preserve it. Our mission is to introduce them to it.”
Katherine Anderson
World Montana Intern
Carroll College Freshman