Thunder Heart Bison
For the Native American people the Bison is the symbol of abundance; a powerful reminder from the natural world that through respect for our earth and the creatures who inhabit it, we are provided for. It is in this spirit that Shape Ranch and Thunder Heart Bison offer its customers the purest protein on the planet, a source of both physical and spiritual nutrition that has sustained millions of people on this continent for thousands of years. Over time, these animals evolved to have a powerful natural immune system that allowed them to proliferate into a population of over 60 million.
Unlike most Bison and domestic cattle, our animals have eaten only grass, never grain--ranging freely and fattening themselves as nature intended. Our premium products are the result of our meticulous attention to the three most important criteria for the quality and tenderness of a cut of meat:
1. Superior genetics
2. A grass fed, free range diet
The result is a pure source of protein that is derived from an inherently healthy animal.
* An explanation of the benefits of a healthy diet that includes Bison protein
* More on the history of the Shape Ranch
By adhering to the path of the natural world in raising our animals, we are creating a model for long term sustainability and biodiversity. This concept of sustainability and restorative practices is also exemplified by the cultural rebirth of those who have lived on this land for thousands of years. The Coahuiltecan Nation was a native culture who lived in extended clans along the Rio Grande. They thrived on the animal they called Wa-ka-te, brother Bison.
With respect for our past we preserve our future.
By feeding our Bison only grass, we are able to significantly minimize stress thereby producing a higher quality product. Our philosophy is one of minimal interference with our herd.
Allowing them to roam freely over 13,000 acres of South Texas grassland, they graze freely, fattening themselves on native grasses and mesquite beans, just as they have for thousands of years.
The History of Thunder Heart Bison and the Shape Ranch
The Bison is Back!
The purely natural Bison that once roamed this land and provided such a perfect source of protein for the peoples of North America have returned. The Bison's strength and health, coupled with a superior immune system (the only known animal to have never developed a case of cancer) is the result of two factors: a nutrient rich diet of grass and a life on our ranch that is as stress free as possible. And when a Bison is healthy those properties of health are passed on to whatever consumes it.
For thousands of years the Coahuitecan people have lived as indigenous hunter-gatherers in extended family groups or tribes from just north of present day San Antonio south to the Rio Grande and the Northern Mexico state of Coahuila. They were a Bison culture whose lifeways, religion, and culture revolved around their relationship with the sacred animal that sustained them.
A map of South Texas from 1703 with the French inscription,"Pays rempli de troupeaux de boeufs sauvages" (Country filled with wild Oxen)
Click on image to see enlarged map in popup.
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By the mid 18th century, the Spanish incursions onto these lands had all but eliminated both the vast herds and the native peoples which they sustained. In 1806, the ranch was granted by the King of Spain to Juan Fransisco Lombrano, a loyal subject of the crown who stocked the ranch with cattle, sheep, and goats. In 1933 my grandfather, H. A. Fitzsimons, bought the ranch. Here he raised registered Hereford cattle along with steers that he grew out on the strong native grasses.
The foundation herds that were developed by my Grandfather and Father inspired me to expand on the idea of reintroducing the original and indigenous livestock to South Texas. For me the obvious choice was the Bison, an animal that has both the capability and endurance to not
only survive, but even thrive in a climate that can be as harsh as it
is beautiful. By choosing animals from such
legendary sources as the Mary Ann and Charles Goodnight herd, we are
insuring both strong and diversified genetics. These Bison reflect the
desirable traits that have made them the ultimate in both stamina and
strength. They make the most of what nature gives them.
At the core of our husbandry practices is the concept of "family groupings." This allows each member of the herd to be raised as nature intended and not experience the stress of weaning. Because Bison are a matriarchal society this is an important concept. It allows the natural groupings among family members to take place and evolve, which in turn gives them a core sense of security. The result is a relatively stress free existence and a life that is lived in balance with the herd. |
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