What is a Bird Friendly Certified Bison Ranch?
The National Audubon Society has partnered with Montana Audubon to award its bird-friendly habitat certification to Big Sky Bison Ranch. Founded, owned, and operated by Michael Botha, Big Sky Bison is one of the first bison ranches to earn the Audubon Certified bird-friendly designation. With this, Big Sky Bison can use the Audubon Certified bird-friendly seal, a product label that lets consumers know that these products come from bison that grazed on ranches managed for birds and biodiversity.
The certification is earned through Audubon Conservation Ranching, Audubon’s flagship grassland habitat initiative, which is a collaborative effort between ranchers and Audubon to address the decline of grassland bird populations. Over 100 ranches, encompassing nearly 3 million acres, have earned Audubon Certified status nationwide. This includes 17 ranches and about 142,000 acres in Montana. The land certification distinguishes wildlife-focused grassland management and recognizes rotational bison or cattle grazing that creates a mosaic of habitat for grassland birds.
In Big Sky country, Audubon partners with Montana Audubon on Conservation Ranching. The independent organization takes the lead in working with Montana ranchers on all aspects of the program, including enrollment, habitat projects, and bird and environmental monitoring.
About Big Sky Bison
Big Sky Bison, a regenerative ranch located 15 miles west of Great Falls, MT was started by Micheal Botha in 2020. Instituting intensive, rotational grazing with their growing bison herd, their number one goal is to increase the health of their soils and land each year. “The bison on our ranch do more than just graze—they help restore the land. Their natural movements improve soil health, increase how much water the ground can hold, and boost the growth and variety of native grasses, wildflowers, and other plants. This creates better habitat for birds and wildlife, supports our bison, and even helps fight potential climate change by storing more carbon in the soil”, said Michael Botha.
How Big Sky Bison Practices Support Local Wildlife
“Our regenerative ranching methods create a healthier, more natural landscape that benefits all kinds of wildlife—not just bison. By improving soil health and encouraging the growth of native grasses, wildflowers, and other plants, we provide better food and shelter for animals like deer, antelope, rabbits, and especially a wide variety of birds”.
“We avoid using pesticides and herbicides in our pastures and do not allow overgrazing, which helps pollinators like bees and butterflies thrive, and supports nesting and feeding areas for birds, including meadowlarks, pheasants, cranes, and waterfowl. Healthier grasslands also attract predators like foxes, coyotes and occasional bears, helping maintain a balanced ecosystem”.
‘In short, by working with nature—not against it—we help create a space where wildlife can flourish alongside our bison”, said Michael Botha.