An Unofficial 'The MeatEater Podcast' Reading List

Ep. 874: How To Start A Bison Ranch

May 11, 2026

Description

Steven Rinella talks with Matt Skoglund of North Bridger Bison. Topics discussed: How you get from being a lawyer in Chicago to being a bison rancher in Montana; conservation herds vs. wild herds,...
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Books Referenced

Buffalo for the Broken Heart

Author: Dan O'Brien

Context:

Matt Skoglin described this book as the catalyst for starting his bison ranch, saying it was an 'amazing book' and that reading about Dan O'Brien's pioneering of modern-day field harvesting of bison was 'an instant light bulb moment' that sent them on their path.

Wild New World

Author: Dan Flores

Context:

Matt Skoglin mentioned being endlessly fascinated by the history of bison on the landscape and said Dan Flores's book 'just blew my mind' repeatedly.

Braiding Sweetgrass

Author: Unknown

Context:

Matt Skoglin mentioned he was 'a little late to the game' but was finally reading this book, and referenced a chapter about Pacific Northwest tribes lighting grass on fire to signal salmon to return.