Early last week temperatures were in the 90’s. By late Thursday evening we were in the 30’s and had received 2 inches of rain. We awoke Friday morning to sleet covered windows and a deck that was a treacherous sheet of ice. A good indication of what the black top roads might be like. Dan’s brother Scott was visiting, for their annual grouse hunt. Instead of hunting the two of them set out getting needed machinery in place, should we become snowed in. By noon the sleet had turned to snow and whirled in complete whiteness, with the help of the intolerable prairie winds. We lost power shortly thereafter.
Although we often wish to be snuggled up at home, unplugged from the world, we acted like rats in a cage, moving from windowed wall to windowed wall, looking for a possible way out. No power, meant no heat, so we gathered in the main room of the house, which consists of the the kitchen/dinning/living area. We kept comfortable with the help of the gas top range and finally settled in with books. The wind howled through every crack in the house. At night we trolled around in the candle lit house and took our meals around the stovetop.
The next day’s white morning brightness filled the kitchen with enough light to show that housekeeping was in order. Although we had quickly become familiar with faucets not working and toilets not flushing, we had not yet started hauling water. That changed quickly and by afternoon I had things cleaned up and an organized water hauling system in place: fill water buckets from the spring fed horse tank spigot, for drinking and cooking, dip water buckets in the horse tank for cleanup, sponge bathing and toilet. Out of habit, we continued to turn on light switches without effect.
Late Saturday afternoon when the snow and wind finally ceased, we stepped outside and viewed the immediate damage. We were seriously snowed in and broken trees lay scattered everywhere. In the distance we could see part of the buffalo herd on the bottom ground that had escaped the storms cruelty, but we needed to get up on top to check on the buffalo that we couldn’t see and to assess fence damage. Dan & Scott got busy putting chains on the skid steer to get tree’s removed to start the dig out. As an avid walk/jogger, I was ready to put some miles on, so volunteered to walk out and get a first report to bring info back to Dan. After a mile or so I could see where the buffalo went through, and as I moved closer to see what materials would be needed for fence repair, I saw black blotches in the snowdrifts. I was loosing light, so started back, before it got dark.
Dan was still in the skid steer moving heavy wet snow. The tiny machine looked like a Tonka Truck in comparison to the mountain of white he faced. I reported the news, and received a “NO, NO!” in reply. It was time to stop for the day – but Dan insisted on working into the night. I returned to my night water hauling chores, and the preparation of a light supper. We ate our Pheasant & Vegetable soup in almost darkness that night, and sipped Buffalo Trace bourbon neat, from our newly assigned cups.
Dan and Scott were back at it before first light the next day. After morning water chores were complete, I headed out to continue assessing animal and fence damage. On my way up the hill I noticed some sage sticking out of the snow and stopped to fill my pockets. I had been walking for a couple of hours, placing a sage sprig on each blotch of blackness or buffalo carcass I came upon. It wasn’t until I had reached the end of our property that I could see an animal down, but moving. Our neighbors were out checking their horses on an ATV and noticed me walking. I met them at the fence line and after our greeting I asked if they happened to bring a pistol. They had grabbed a riffle as an afterthought – just incase. We slowly approached the downed female buffalo, and other than her hind legs spread out behind her, she looked in perfect health. I turned as the gun fired.
By the time I returned the guys had made their way to the top of the hill. Although still two miles to dig out, we could travel through pastures in 4 wheel vehicles and start with repair and cleanup.
Although this snowstorm was predicted, it was under predicted. The heavy rain followed by sleet, snow and 70 mile an hour winds was just too much for the animals this early in the fall. Bison can withstand temperatures of -30° below zero, but the ice made walking very difficult. We are not alone in loss; this storm hurt many ranchers within a 200 mile radius. Our area was one of the worst hit, with many neighboring ranchers loosing more then 60% of their cattle herds, along with treasured horses. There is no whining. Folks are taking care of business, supporting and helping one another as they have for years.
Almost a week has past, and since then we have gathered the scattered buffalo back together. All are doing well including the newest member, a late calf of about two weeks and its mother! We have also become accustom to living off the grid and have made a vow to doing so at least one day a week.
Baby Buffalo after storm
And, life goes on…. hopefully that includes a day of hunting for Dan & Scott, as our pheasant and grouse supply is officially depleated. This month’s recipe is for the delicious Pheasant & Vegetable soup that kept us warm and satiated. With thanks! Jill
Pheasant and Vegetable Soup (serves 4 to 6)
Note: Any game fowl could be substituted for this soup or you could use chicken. Wild rice would also be a nice addition.
Ingredients:
- 1 – pheasant
- 2 – quarts organic vegetable broth +
- 1 – teaspoon salt
- 2 – teaspoons pepper
- 3 – carrots, peeled & chopped
- 3 – yams, peeled & chopped
- 1 – zucchini, chopped
- 1 – yellow squash, chopped
- 1 – teaspoon oregano leaves
- 1 – teaspoon cardamom
- 1 – teaspoon coriander
- 2 – teaspoons cumin
Preparation:
1) Bring vegetable broth to a boil in stockpot over medium high heat.
2) Add pheasant, salt and pepper. Allow too come to boil. Cover and reduce heat to simmer. Simmer for 2 hours or until meat easily falls away from bones.
3) Strain broth through colander into soup pot. Pull meat away from bones and add to broth. Return to stove top over medium high heat.
4) Add prepared vegetables and seasonings to stockpot, adding more broth if needed to cover vegetables. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer, cover and cook until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes.
Season to taste with additional salt and pepper. Serve with crusty bread.
Comments 18
How would you compare the losses for your bison with the losses suffered by cattle ranchers in the area?
Author
It doesn’t feel like a time to compare, with so much loss. But a I do understand the asking. We lost under 10% of our herd, very fortunate by comparison.
So sorry about the ten percent!
Thank you Beth. Sunny skies here today – a good day to get after the fallen cottonwoods. Physical activity seems to be a good remedy around here. Nothing like being bone tired at the end of the day! Thanks again.
When we started hearing about the severe storm in your part of the country and the huge losses of cattle and livestock, I thought of your buffalo herd and how they were able to cope. Although bison are better able to withstand a storm like that, particularly with rain, then freezing rain and two feet or more of snow, than any other livestock, it appears that even they have a limit. We are sorry for your losses but recognize that your resilience and ability to cope will carry you through this setback. I enjoy reading your news letters and articles every month. Keep them coming.
Hi Dr. Church. Thanks for reading them! I guess we all have our limits. Thank you for all of your support! Jill
Sorry for your losses Jill and the loss your neighbors had too. Thanks for your story report on the storm. I hope some of your more politically conservative neighbors are not suffering needlessly because of the goverent shut down. But I hope that it will help them see that our government can be a helpful friend as well.
Thank you David. We find it to be unbelievable that the storms devastating toll has not made national news. Appreciate your comment. We can only hope that assistance for folks losses will come to fruition. Very Best – Jill
Glad to hear you weathered the terrible storm relatively speaking. Wondered about y’all up there. Take good care and BTW, my order arrived yesterday as promised! Amazing on your part. Blessings to you and your herd and everyone there~ Gina
Thank you for your comment Gina and for your order! If you come up with a great Buffalo recipe – please share! Cheers! Jill
Cheerfulness in the face of adversity is a form of courage.
Jill, your writing is good! You put me in right in the heart of what was happening. Wish we could be of more help other than thinking of all of you and sending wishes your way for strength to bear yet another blow. Glad to hear Scott is there to help Dan.
Thank you Fee. We could feel all the support – thank you. When you visit next, you will see that we have a lot more of a view, with many of the trees no longer standing. It’s kinda neat. The clean up continues, but all are doing well. Thanks again. Jill
Dear Jill,
Left a comment on my order today not having read your wonderfully written and moving story. Did hear about the snow on local San Francisco TV just a few days ago and wondered if it had affected you and your herd. My deepest sympathy for your losses.
Sylvia
Thank you Sylvia for your words and for your order! All our best.
It is wonderful Jill that YOU wrote a piece for the October newsletter! So special to have it come from your perspective, and I marvel at how you were/are supportive of all the hands at the ranch during the recent snows.
Your story echoed those of my Women Writing the West friends who came to Kansas City just after the first SD storm, those who were able to make it and had stories of their ranches in the WYO and SD area. Our hearts go out to all of you! Just keep your writing coming. 🙂
Thank you Betty for your words of support. I’ll keep writing, if you keep reading! Very Best. Jill
I always enjoy reading your stories but am heartbroken this time reading abouth the losses of some of your herd. I am amazed at the work you do and the compassion you have. I would like to thank you for the inspirations of your work and for providing us with the amazing bounty we receive from you with each order.
Thank you Darcy. We are very fortunate to have such great customers. It validates that together we can and will make a difference. Our sincere thanks for all your support!