BY EMILY BELK, THE ROARING EAGLE STAFF PHOTOS FROM THE TATANKA BISON RANCH FACEBOOK PAGE York, SC - Nestled on the outskirts of the historically rich York County, SC, the beautiful 215-acre Tatanka Ranch unfolds, exclusively dedicated to the majestic American Bison. Guided by the principles of "Preservation, Education & Agritourism," Fred Ilse and his lovely wife Dana, the passionate owners, devote their lives to ensuring that their visitors experience a memorable opportunity to observe and educate themselves about these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
With a rich background in South Africa, a profound passion for African Elephants and their symbolism, and approaching retirement, Fred Ilse decided it was time to fulfill his dream of farming and giving back to society. Retiring from what he humorously referred to as "the corporate world" in late 2014, he possessed limited knowledge of farming but abundant life skills. In May 2015, he discovered an abandoned yet beautiful 215-acre property in York County, SC, with overgrown pastures and no infrastructure. Despite the lack of roads, water, fencing, and electricity, the captivating beauty of the hills and surrounding views convinced Fred that this was the ideal place to spend his retirement. While traveling through North Carolina, Ilse saw a “herd of large and furry animals” alongside a highway. After he had conducted further research, he discovered that these animals were bison and that, over 200 years prior, they were native to the Carolinas. For the next 6 months and after a ton of research and hard work setting up the proper infrastructure to keep and care for bison, the first 18 arrived on the ranch. The next spring, in 2016, the first calves were born; now, the herd is over 40 bison. Four years into realizing his dream, Ilse combined his interest in farming with a commitment to America's national mammal. Ilse loves to share his remarkable dream with those interested in the history of America and the bison. Not only does his ranch offer a variety of 2-hour, safari-like tours on the ranch in vehicles that include a comfortable 6-seater, 4-wheel drive UTV that can seat either 4 adults or 3 adults with 2 kids, a 1994 Japanese fire truck that can seat 9 adults or 11 people including kids, that is also wheelchair accessible, and lastly a cushioned-seated wagon with easy step-up access that can fit 20 adults and children. Additionally, he has a wide selection of premium, 100% grass-fed, and grass-finished bison meat for sale, allowing visitors to take a piece of the ranch home with them. You can tour Tatanka Bison Ranch daily except Saturdays. Please schedule a tour in advance by calling (704) 860 2130 or emailing f[email protected]. You can purchase bison products at the Charlotte Regional Farmer's Market and at the ranch from 8am to 6pm on Sundays through Fridays. The Ilse's just ask that you call an hour ahead to ensure someone can let you in the gate. Tatanka Bison Ranch is at 8088 Kays Drive, York, SC 29745. You can learn more at their website, https://www.tatankabison.com/.
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