Antler and Fin Podcast: Great Plains Bison Meatloaf and the Story of the American Bison
The confluence of the foothills of the Rockies and the western edge of the Great Plains is a magical place where two ecosystems literally collide, that I look forward to hunting every year.
Whenever I’m there, I can’t help but imagine the millions of bison that once roamed freely across the plains. The antelope that reign king there today are a captivating and unique animal in their own right, but they are missing their plains brethren, the bison.
I decided to reunite them, with a take on a hearty, satisfying meatloaf. With hints of sage to complement the two types of meat, it’s perfect on a crisp winter day after returning home from a late-season hunt. Enjoy!
Read the written version of this recipe as prepared by A.J. Fick
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About the American Bison:
Through conservation efforts, relocation, new responsible farming techniques, and help from a large number of organizations, the American bison (commonly referred to as the buffalo) are slowly being restored to the Great Plains.
Prior to European settlement in North America, the plains bison roamed the prairies in the tens of millions.
Within 100 years of the Lewis and Clarke expedition, the bison had nearly disappeared from their historic range.
Conservationists have since brought the American bison from near extinction to a population of about 20,000.
Limited bison hunting does exist in Canada and the US today, with tag sales going towards conservation efforts. Many private lodges and ranges also offer hunting opportunities, and over 500,000 bison are raised commercially on farms for meat, so the average consumer can easily obtain some if they’d like to cook with it.
About Adam Berkelmans:
Adam Berkelmans, also known as The Intrepid Eater, is the Managing Editor of Harvesting Nature, a passionate ambassador for real food, and a proponent of nose-to-tail eating. He spends his time between Ottawa and a cozy lake house north of Kingston, Ontario. When not cooking, he can be found hunting, fishing, foraging, gardening, reading, traveling, and discovering new ways to find and eat food.
