Black River Falls Native students attend field trip to Muscoda Prairie I

It was a crisp Tuesday morning: stars still shining high in the sky as it was only 6:00am. A rumbling of the big yellow transport was greeted by numerous glowing headlights pulling up the drive to rendezvous at the flagpoles.

The twenty-eight students half asleep, bundled in winter attire boarded the bus searching for their niche to nestle down for the long 2 hour ride. Our final destination: Muscoda Prairie I Bison Ranch for the Annual Ho-Chunk Nation Bison Roundup.

As the toasty yet frosty windowed bus neared the property, a majestic Bald-Eagle soared gracefully over the Wisconsin River- a sure sign based on Native beliefs-“that good things were about to happen”.

Numerous volunteers and ranch hands were already hard at work pushing Bison of all sizes through lanes, squeeze shoots and administering veterinarian procedures. This was obviously a well oiled team of experienced workers.

Spectators by the tens took turns observing the bison from various vantage points. Still others warmed their souls with hot chili, coffee or a social conversation with another by-stander.

By 11:00am, the warm sun hung high in the southern cloudless blue sky, only to turn the previously crisp air to brisk. Steamy air still blasted from the flared nostrils of the shaggy headed Bison as they came to a blunt sudden stop at the end of the squeeze shoot.

As 12:30 rolled around, red noses and huddling groups of shivering kids were ready to load for the journey home. The day’s event was a success of memories in Ho-Chunk ancient and modern tradition that will last a life time, leaving stories to share with friends, family and neighbors for years to come.

Thank You to the Ho-Chunk Nation Department of Heritage Preservation, Supportive Education Services, Volunteers, the Black river Falls School District, Arland (bus driver), and friends and family who supported the students who were able to attend. A special thank you goes to the Ho-Chunk students who made this trip exceptionally enjoyable with their cooperation, respect and laughter.

Ms. Boisen,