Coyote Run Ranch owners Kristin and Nick George, of Columbiana, pose for a quick photo at a recent Bison Association event. The couple won 2025 Rookie of the Year for not only introducing their surrounding area to the benefits of eating bison meat but also for promotion of regenerative ranching practices. (Submitted photo)

COLUMBIANA — Did you know that bison, also known as the American buffalo, is America’s national mammal?

Columbiana residents Nick and Kristin George began raising bison on their 130-acre Coyote Run Ranch in 2022 and selling the meat the following year, after finding a reputable Dalton-based butcher to handle processing their bison.

Nick George explained that they are dedicated to responsibly and ethically raising bison with a focus on maintaining quality genetics while committing to repopulating bison in North America.

Both have country roots. While Kristin has a show horse background, Nick was into rodeo and pondering getting into raising cattle. After he was introduced to bison in Texas, the couple became fascinated with them as a niche-option for the area.

All their meat is United States Department of Agricuture certified.

Female bison, which also are called cows, can breed and calf for up to 30 years if they have good bloodlines and proper care, Nick George explained. Currently their herd includes 65 bison and they are expecting 18 babies due in May.

Gestation is around 283 days.

Males can weigh as much as 2,200 lbs. and stand more than six feet in height. Females weigh around 1,000 lbs. and stand around five feet tall.

When born, the calves are reddish-tan in color, turning brown after two-and-a-half months.

Currently the Georges possess 65 bison and are expecting 18 babies.

Inventory items include their ground bison, bison patties –which is overwhelmingly the most popular item, brats, sausages, steaks, short ribs, roasts, kabobs, organs and dog bones.

They also carry produce from Hillcrest, which is located in New Waterford, at their storefront, including sauerkraut.

Did you also know that bison meat not only has 26 percent more iron than beef but is 32 percent more lean than chicken, according to the National Bison Association?

When asked to describe the taste of bison, Kristin George says it is extremely lean but tastes similar to beef with a slightly sweet undertone.

Despite popular assumptions, bison doesn’t taste gamey.

Bison meat also not only has 26 percent more iron than beef but is 32 percent more lean than chicken, according to the National Bison Association.

And it is an All-American meat, which is what may have earned the National Mammal moniker.

One hundred percent of bison in the United States marketplace comes from North American soil, where the majority (85 percent) of grass-fed beef is imported from outside North America, according to the National Bison Association.

The Georges raise their own hay for their animals; however, for a treat, Birdfish Brewing in Columbiana does dispose of their “spent grain” from the brewing process with operations like Coyote Run, where the bison enjoy ingesting it with no ill effects.

In addition to their storefront at 44779 state Route 14 in Columbiana, which is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Coyote Run also sets up to vend at the North Union and Geauga Fresh Farmers’ markets in Chagrin Falls as well as sell bison meat at retailers like Sunshine Golden Acres in Warren.

Recently, the couple’s efforts were honored at the Eastern Bison Association awards, where they won Rookie of the Year.

To preorder products online, visit www.coyoterunbison.com

The ranch also can be found under at coyoterunranch on Facebook and Instagram.