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Frequently Asked Questions!

Here are the answers to the common questions people ask us!  If you have any more send us an email or message on Facebook!

01

You raise buffalo in Wisconsin?

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Yes, bison were native to Wisconsin many years ago before the settlers came across the country by railroad.  Today, Wisconsin is about the 10th largest bison producing state with over 100 farms and ranches raising this magnificent animal.

02

What does buffalo taste like?



As with all meat, bison has its own unique flavor.  It can be most closely compared to beef in flavor.  It has a very rich, robust flavor with little, if any, gaminess.  Some even say it has a slight sweetness to it.  Bison is very lean so you don’t have all of the grease that you might have in beef, yet if cooked correctly, bison meat will be just as moist and succulent.

03

How do you cook bison?



Knowing how to cook bison meat is extremely important when looking to enjoy bison at home.  Because bison is so lean, it is easy to overcook.  The key is LOWER temperature and SLOWER cook time than beef.  Do not overcook bison!  For a perfectly cooked meal featuring Lakeview Buffalo, follow these simple rules:

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  • Grills and stoves should not be set any higher than medium heat.  If using a charcoal grill, don’t place the meat directly over red-hot coal, move it off to the side. 
  • Don’t flip your bison steak or burger more than once.
  • Your bison is ready to be flipped when the juices start to pool on the top surface.  The meat should be taken off the heat when the juices pool on the other side.  With a small cut in the middle, check for desired doneness.  Use a meat thermometer whenever possible (140 degrees Fahrenheit is rare, 145=medium-rare, 150=medium). 
  • We do not suggest cooking it more than medium doneness.  If you like it more well done, remove the meat from the grill at medium doneness, and place in aluminum foil and let stand for 10 minutes.
  • Letting the meat stand for about 10 minutes (only cover if you want it to cook further) before eating will help keep the juices in the meat.
  • Marinating works really well, and can be done similar to beef.  If you are not marinating, only season the meat after you take it off the heat, as salt tends to draw out moisture during cooking. 


For a healthy and delicious alternative, substitute bison for any recipe that calls for beef. 

*Note – We did not give specific cooking times because there are simply too many variables (meat thickness, grill temp, covered/uncovered).  There is no magic number of minutes we can tell you.  Just keep a close eye on your meat and follow these rules, and you will not be disappointed.

04

What is the difference between buffalo and bison?​

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There is no difference between buffalo and bison.  The terms are used interchangeably (as you may have noticed on this website).  Bison is technically the proper term as it distinguishes our buffalo from Water and Cape buffalo found in other parts of the world.  We thought buffalo rolled off the tongue better, so we chose to use it in our name.

05

Do you go into the pens with them?​



When you are raising livestock, it is inevitable that you have to be in close quarters with them.  We do go in the pens almost on a daily basis to feed them and to check their health.  For the most part, our animals know us, and could care less if we are in their pasture.  The two times of the year where we need to be careful are during the calving season and the breeding season.  This is when they are most aggressive and can be dangerous.  Bison cows will protect their calves from anything they feel is a threat.  During the breeding season, bulls become very protective of a cow in estrus and will fight to protect her.

*Note – for strangers, bison are always a bit dangerous

06

Do you ride them?



It amazes us how many times we have been asked this.  No.  We don’t ride them.  This is, however, a valid question because in some parades you may have seen some crazy person riding a bison.  This is only possible when an orphan calf is  bottle-feed.  This is the only time you can tame one enough to ride it.

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*Note – for strangers, bison are always a bit dangerous

07

What do you do with the by-products?



Like the Native Americans who respected the bison by using all parts, we try to utilize every piece of the bison.  For example, the bones are smoked into tasty dog treats.  The hides are turned into the warmest natural blankets you can imagine.  Some of the hair is turned into natural fishing lures by our friends at the Random Lure Company.  We have even spun some of the bison wool into yarn and knit it into a beautiful winter cap.

08

Do you use hormones or antibiotics?



Absolutely NOT.  We never use antibiotics or hormones on our bison.  We feed them only plants grown on our farm.  The following is an excerpt from the National Bison Association's website:


"That is why we are dedicated to “doing it right” as we build herds of bison across the country. For example, we are proud that regulations prohibit the use of artificial growth hormones in bison, and our industry protocols limit antibiotic use to only the amounts needed to treat illnesses in the animals. We also know that, because bison are a natural part of the North American ecosystem, bison ranching can be a beneficial to the natural environment."



 

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