I’d heard the legends before. I knew the stories passed down through Native cultures. But I wondered — how real is this? How rare could something like that actually be?
What I found out blew me away.
White buffalo are not just uncommon — they’re almost unheard of. Born roughly once in millions, their appearance has been seen for centuries as a symbol of renewal, hope, and profound change. For many, seeing one is considered a once-in-a-lifetime moment… if it happens at all.
And then, standing in the Texas Hill Country, it happened to us.
The day had already been meaningful. We were with children who had faced more hardship than most people ever should, having just completed a Wild Wishes® experience that none of us would forget. We stopped briefly to photograph a herd of longhorns moving through a bluebonnet-covered meadow — the kind of moment you don’t rush.
That’s when we noticed movement in the trees.
First, a massive bison emerged from the shade — powerful, imposing, unforgettable. And then, from behind another oak, something else stood up.
White.
Not light-colored. Not dusty. White.
When it turned and locked eyes with us, everything else faded. The research, the legends, the questions — they all collided in that moment. This wasn’t a story anymore. It was real.
I’ve had incredible wildlife encounters in my life, but learning what this animal represented — and just how rare it truly is — changed the way I saw that moment entirely.
None of it would have happened if I’d stayed indoors that day.
This video isn’t just about a white buffalo. It’s about curiosity — about wanting to understand the world a little better, and discovering that sometimes the truth is far more powerful than the myth.
If you’ve ever felt drawn to a question you couldn’t ignore… If you’ve ever needed a reminder that the wild still holds wonder…
Come with me.
Chester Moore
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In the latest episode of Higher Calling Wildlife®, we embark on a life-changing journey into the heart of Yellowstone National Park inspired by a white buffalo.
Burned out and seeking renewal, I revisited the lessons of resilience and hope found in nature—lessons that bison, elk, and pronghorn embody so profoundly. Joined by kids from the Yellowstone area, we explored the Lamar Valley, photographed incredible wildlife, and shared stories of survival and recovery.
Watch our latest documentary “Finding Hope In Yellowstone” via the player below.
From witnessing bison during their mating season to spotting pronghorn and elusive grizzlies, the trip became a powerful reminder of nature’s ability to inspire, heal, and transform lives.
This episode highlights:
*The conservation success story of Yellowstone bison *The beauty of pronghorn, elk, and grizzly bears
*Mentorship through photography and wildlife conservation *A deeper connection with nature and God’s creation
*Through unforgettable wildlife encounters and the lens of young photographers, this adventure captures the power of hope and purpose in Yellowstone.
Join us as we celebrate the spirit of resilience—both in nature and in ourselves.
The Higher Calling Wildlife® “Hope Is Alive Expedition” kicked off this week in the breathtaking Yellowstone region.
This initiative, led by founder Chester Moore, seeks to uplift children facing extraordinary challenges such as critical illnesses, the loss of parents or siblings, and marginalization. These young participants will be mentored in wildlife conservation and how to use photography as a means of making people aware of wildlife and their habitat.
A symbol of this mission’s spirit is the expedition’s official logo, a white bison. This emblem was inspired by the recent birth of a rare white bison in Yellowstone, symbolizing hope, renewal, and the extraordinary possibilities that nature offers.
An early Higher Calling Wildlife expedition led to kids finding this white bison in Texas. (Photo by Chester Moore)
Moore received the National Bighorn Sheep Center in Dubois, WY “Bighorn Educator of the Year Award” in 2024. Now, the Center is helping connect kids to Higher Calling Wildlife’s outreach.
“Their support has been instrumental in helping us reach out to these incredible kids in the region. The Center’s dedication to wildlife conservation aligns perfectly with our mission, and together, we’re making a difference in these children’s lives.”
Aptitude Outdoors is on hand to document this transformative journey, aiming to create an inspiring documentary. This film will highlight the expedition and encourage children to engage in wildlife photography, a powerful tool for raising awareness about conservation.
Reflecting on his own childhood, Moore shared, “Growing up, I devoured magazines like Sports Afield, Field & Stream, and Outdoor Life. I dreamed of traveling west to see bighorn sheep, bison, bears, and to fish the pristine trout streams. Now, not only do I get to live that dream, but I also get to share it with kids who need hope the most. Empowering them to experience the beauty of wildlife and nature is truly a dream come true.”
The “Hope Is Alive Expedition” aims to install a sense of hope and possibility in every child they work with, proving that, like the white bison, remarkable and unexpected things can happen.
Deer massacres tied to poaching rings are happening in multiple states, yet they have had very little media attention.
The most concerning part is these massacres have been linked to teenagers. In a very special episode of Dark Outdoors, I dig into what I have been calling the teen poaching crisis.
I would love to hear your feedback on this poaching issue once you listen to the episode.
*What are your thoughts on the teen poaching issues I have identified?
*Is there an uptick in poaching where you live?
*Have you heard of these poaching incidents, in particular the deer massacres?
I have hunted my whole life. Hunting is conservation when done within legal standards but poaching is terrible. We need to do our best to address it especially as it pertains to our youth.
Designer Cats In The Wild
We get lots of reports of unusual cat spotted throughout the wilds of North America.
As I have written here before, I have discovered many of these are hybrid or designer cats. I go in-depth on this in the latest episode of Higher Calling Wildlife-the podcast.
The American bison, often referred to as buffalo, is an iconic symbol of the American West.
However, its history in the eastern United States is a lesser-known tale of perseverance, decline, and occasional surprises. While the western plains are more commonly associated with these majestic creatures, bison once roamed freely across much of the eastern United States, including the southern regions.
Native American Connection
Long before European settlers arrived in North America, bison were an integral part of the lives and cultures of indigenous peoples across the eastern United States. Native American tribes, such as the Cherokee, Shawnee, and Creek, relied on bison for food, clothing, tools, and spiritual significance. Bison hunting was a communal activity that played a vital role in the survival and sustenance of these tribes.
Eastern Bison Range
Historically, bison had a vast range that extended far beyond the Great Plains. In the eastern United States, bison populations could be found as far north as New York and as far south as Florida. Their habitats included grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands.
European Colonization and Bison Decline
The arrival of European settlers in the eastern United States marked the beginning of the decline of bison populations in the region. As settlers expanded westward, bison were hunted for their hides, meat, and bones. The construction of railways and the proliferation of firearms made it easier to hunt bison, resulting in a significant population decline. By the early 1800s, bison in the eastern United States had become increasingly rare.
Bison in the South
While bison populations in the southern regions of the eastern United States faced pressures from hunting and habitat loss like their northern counterparts, some areas managed to sustain small populations of these magnificent creatures. The southern range of bison included parts of Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia. Here, the bison found refuge in remote and less populated areas, often in rugged terrain that discouraged human settlement.Bison in Florida
Bison in Florida
One of the most surprising aspects of bison history in the eastern United States is their presence in the state of Florida. Bison sightings in Florida have been documented, and historical records confirm their existence in the state. These records often describe encounters between explorers, settlers, and indigenous people with bison herds in Florida’s wilderness.
One of the most well-documented accounts of bison in Florida comes from explorer William Bartram, who traveled through the southeastern United States in the late 18th century. In his book “Bartram’s Travels,” he mentions encountering bison in the vicinity of Paynes Prairie, near present-day Gainesville, Florida. He described the bison as “wild cattle” and recounted their impressive size and appearance.
Other historical records and diaries of early settlers in Florida also mention bison sightings, suggesting that these animals were not only present but at times relatively common in certain areas of the state. However, by the mid-19th century, these records became increasingly scarce as bison populations continued to dwindle.
Conservation Efforts
As bison populations across the United States neared the brink of extinction in the late 19th century, concerted conservation efforts were undertaken to save these iconic animals. The American Bison Society, founded in 1905, played a pivotal role in breeding and protecting bison herds. Bison from the western plains were used to bolster existing populations, and many of these efforts focused on western states.
While the conservation focus was primarily on the western plains, some efforts were also made to reintroduce bison to parts of the eastern United States, including the southern regions. Private landowners and conservation organizations worked together to establish small bison herds in states like Kentucky and Tennessee.
Present-Day Eastern Bison Populations
Today, bison have made a remarkable comeback in parts of the eastern United States, although their numbers remain relatively small compared to their western counterparts. Bison ranches and conservation areas in states like Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi now provide opportunities for people to observe and learn about these incredible creatures in a natural setting.
The history of bison in the eastern United States, with a special emphasis on their presence in the southern regions and Florida, is a fascinating and often overlooked chapter in American natural history. These majestic animals, once roaming freely across the eastern landscapes, played a significant role in the lives of indigenous peoples and early settlers. Despite the pressures of European colonization, hunting, and habitat loss, some bison populations persisted in remote corners of the South.
While bison in the eastern United States are no longer as numerous as they once were, they have not been forgotten. Conservation efforts have led to their gradual return, allowing people to reconnect with this iconic symbol of America’s past and appreciate the resilience of nature.
The presence of bison in Florida, as documented in historical records, serves as a reminder of the extraordinary stories that can be uncovered when we explore the rich natural history of our nation.
Chester Moore
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A beautiful herd of longhorn cattle made their way across a bluebonnet covered meadow.
Walking down a trail from an oak thicket, one particularly massive bull stopped and glared at us so I felt obliged to jump out of the truck and shoot photos.
“Wild Wishes” is our program that grants exotic animal encounters to kids who have a terminal illness, have lost a parent or sibling or are dealing with other serious issues.
We were at YO Ranch Headquarters near Mountain Home in Kerr County and had just completed granting a “Wild Wish” for a little boy named Amos who got to encounter a giraffe and many other exotic animals at the legendary ranch.
This thing was easily in the 2,000 pound range and gave us a real thrill as buffalos were the topic of conversation riding down the road. “Wild Wishes” grants exotic animal encounters for children who have lost a parent or sibling or who have a terminal illness and to think that the Lord granted us this chance to see such an amazing animal together was humbling to say the least.
Amos and two other wish kids who accompanied us followed me and another chaperone out to photograph the massive bull when we noticed something in the bushes. Hiding under the shade of a live oak was a massive bison. The longhorns were cool but this was awesome!
Then it got better.
From behind another tree stood up something big and white. At first it looked like a bull but when it turned around chills ran up and down my spine. This was no bull. It was a white buffalo.
The Great White Buffalo!
This is the photo I took when the white buffalo appeared before me and the kids.
As I snapped photos, the majestic bison looked us square in the eye and then retreated into the oaks as we stood blown away.
All three of the kids knew about the legend of the white buffalo and its importance to Native American culture and so did I of course.
And I could not help but sing a chorus of my friend Ted Nugent’s “The Great White Buffalo”.
We had no idea such a creature existed on the huge ranch and would not have seen it if we had not decided to pull over and photograph the longhorns.
I have no question the Lord had His hand on this encounter and so did the kids who were excited beyond measure. They had seen something that until then only seemed like a legend.
The author returned later to film a mini-documentary about the white buffalo and got a closer encounter than he ever expected. (Photo by Nolan Haney)
I have had many incredible wildlife encounters and this one ranks right up there with seeing great whites in the Pacific. This was a lifelong dream come true and I got to share it with three very special kids and a friend who is as big a buffalo fan as I am.
Part of my love of bison comes from knowing their tragic history and the great conservation efforts that saved them.
According to the Texas Bison Association, Bison were hunted in various ways.
“Before the Indians rode horseback, they would encircle the herd with tribe members on foot. By getting the animals to mill within the ring they formed, Indians were able to fire large volleys of arrows into the herd until they downed an adequate number of animals.”
“In the 16th Century, when horses were acquired by the Plains Indians, bison hunting became easier. The Indians used other methods to harvest the mighty buffalo: stampeding herds over a cliff, driving the animals into a large natural trap, or into bogs or blind canyons.”
“The most famous hunting technique was the “horse surround.” Several hundred riders would form semicircles on two sides of the herd, then move in until they created a circle around its entirety. As pressure was applied by the oncoming riders, the bison would begin to get confused, start milling and eventually stampeded into a frenzied milling mass. At this point, riders would move in and begin the slaughter with showers of arrows or plunging lances.”
Then came wholesale slaughter of bison by European settlers that was as much to wipe out the Plains tribes that relied on them as it was to sell bison parts. What was once a herd of millions was reduced to less than 1,000 by the late 1800s.
According to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, legendary rancher Charles Goodnight started the remnants of the herd on his JA Ranch in the Texas Panhandle in 1878, in attempts to save the animals that had meant so much to him.
“It was actually his wife that influenced the cattle and business tycoon to preserve them, before they disappeared, so that future generations might be able to see and appreciate these special creatures.”
“Somehow, against the odds, a herd of genetic-related Southern bison have managed to survive the decades since, and now, we all benefit from the Goodnights’ vision. When the bison were initially donated to TPWD and moved to Caprock Canyons State Park in 1997, it was discovered that their DNA was different, and feature genetics that are not shared by any other bison in North America. In fact, the Official Texas State Bison Herd at Caprock represents the last remaining examples of the Southern Plains variety.”
Now many ranches proudly raise bison and they are growing in numbers right in Texas on private land and at Caprock Canyons State Park.
Herds in places like Yellowstone are flourishing.
As we walked back to the trucks, the moms, grandmas and dads were excited for the kids (and this big kid) who just encountered something special.. They got to see all of this go down but one thing they did not see were its eyes.
We stared into the eyes of the white buffalo.
None of us may ever be the same.
We locked eyes with a legend.
(If you know of an animal-loving child ages 4-18 that has a critical illness, lost a parent or sibling or is struggling with depression and other issues email lisa@kingdomzoo.com. We would love to do one of our Wild Wishes for them.)
