Shape Ranch bison photo courtesy of Edible Austin

Shape Ranch, producer of Thunder Heart Bison, is owned and run by Hugh and Sarah Fitzsimons. The ranch was purchased by Hugh’s grandfather, H. A. Fitzsimons, in 1933 and it has been in the family ever since. Although originally stocked with Hereford cattle and steers, Hugh made the spontaneous decision to begin a herd of bison and now raises 350 head. Not only are bison indigenous to Texas, and therefore naturally adapted to live off the land, but they also produce a very healthy meat. Hugh appreciates this, noting, “Bison is probably the purest form of protein you can find.” Bison meat is low in cholesterol and fat, and high in omega 3.

The Fitzsimons’ appreciate their bison far beyond simple meat production, though. Paying careful attention to natural herd dynamics and social interactions, they allow calves to wean naturally from their mothers and mainly slaughter two to three year old bulls. These young bulls are fully grown, but have not yet been integrated into the herd. In fact, Hugh looks for any way to minimize stress to the herd. He processes them on his ranch because the handling and transport required for third-party slaughter is unnatural to the bison, which are not used to sustained human contact. A representative from the Texas Department of Health oversees the slaughter and processing of the meat.

Sarah, who runs farm development, had been aware of Animal Welfare Approved before applying for the label. When the standards for certifying bison were released, she jumped on the chance to have Shape Ranch approved and Hugh followed. Now their high welfare standards are certified and displayed prominently on Thunder Heart Bison. Look for their products at farmers markets and restaurants in the San Antonio and Austin areas.