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.
If you love wildlife and you love teens this is a must listen. Click here to listen.
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.
A Look At Bison In The Eastern United States
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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