Whole & Half Bison For Sale
In addition to our retail cuts, Pierce Land Bison also offers whole and half bison for customers who want the best value and the ability to customize every cut. Please review the information below and fill out the form to reserve yours.
Pricing & Availability
We process a limited number of whole and half bison each year. Reach out using the form below to reserve yours.
Whole Bison
$12.50 / lb based on hanging weight
Meat and processing bundled. Final price varies with animal weight.
$1500 deposit required to reserve
For a whole bison, you will receive between 290 – 380 lbs of finished meat.
Half Bison
$13.50 / lb based on hanging weight
Meat and processing bundled. Final price varies with animal weight.
$750 deposit required to reserve
For a half bison, you will receive between 140 – 190 lbs of finished meat.
Price and weight of a whole or half bison will vary depending on the actual weight of the animal and how you would like the meat cut. We will provide customers with a cutting instructions form to specify what cuts of meat they would like and how they would like it packaged.
Pricing Examples
Average Cost of a Whole Bison
500 lb hanging weight
Bison cost (500 × $12.50) = $6250
The Kill and processing fee are already included in the above price
Estimated Total: $6250
Average Cost of a Half Bison
250 lb hanging weight (half)
Bison cost (250 × $13.50) = $3375
The Kill and processing fee are already included in the above price
Estimated Total: $3375
Understanding Bison Meat Yield
Many customers wonder why a bison that can weigh over 2,000 pounds yields only 250 to 350 pounds of meat. The animals we process are 24 to 36 months old with live weights between 780 and 1,000 pounds. Because our bison are 100% grass-fed and never grain finished, they grow at a natural pace and reach a leaner mature size than commercial grain-fed animals. The result is meat with a cleaner, more pronounced flavor and the firm texture that grass-fed bison is known for.
The difference between live weight and finished meat comes from bone, hide, and non-edible parts. The hanging weight refers to the carcass after initial processing, and the final yield is approximately 60% of that. Your specific yield will also depend on your cutting choices — bone-in cuts retain more weight than boneless, and trim that would be discarded from a steak becomes ground meat or stew meat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much meat will I receive?
A whole bison typically yields 290 to 380 pounds of finished meat. A half yields 166 to 200 pounds. The actual amount varies based on the size of the animal and your selected cuts.
Do I get to choose my cuts?
Yes. Once we receive your deposit, you will receive a custom cutting instructions sheet. You can specify your preferences for steaks, roasts, ground bison, stew meat, and organ meats. We will walk you through the options to make sure your order fits your cooking style.
How long until my order is ready?
Generally 3 to 4 weeks from the time the animal is processed until the meat is ready for pickup.
Is a deposit required?
Yes. We require a non-refundable deposit to reserve your whole or half bison. The remaining balance is due prior to pickup. Deposits help us ensure proper inventory and coordinate with the processor for your custom cuts.
How is the meat packaged?
Every cut is individually vacuum-sealed for maximum freshness, then frozen and packed into stackable cardboard trays for easy transport and freezer storage. A half bison typically fills about 5 trays. A whole bison fills 8 to 10 trays.
How much freezer space will I need?
A good rule of thumb is 30 to 35 lbs of meat per cubic foot of freezer space. A half bison needs 4 to 6 cubic feet. A whole bison needs 10 to 12 cubic feet. Both chest and upright freezers work well.
How long will the meat last in my freezer?
Vacuum-sealed bison meat can last up to two years in a chest or upright freezer kept at 0°F or below. Ground bison is best used within 12 months for the highest quality.
Can I split a whole bison with someone else?
Yes. Many of our customers team up with family or friends to split a whole bison. It is a great way to stock your freezer and share the savings.
Do you ship whole or half bison orders?
Whole and half bison orders are pickup only from our packing facility. The packing facility can arrange shipping if pickup is not possible, but it is very expensive due to the volume of meat. Shipping is coordinated directly between you and the packer. PierceLand&Bison is not involved in shipping arrangements for whole or half orders.
Reserve Your Bison
Fill out the form below and we will personally get in touch to walk you through availability, pricing, and the cutting instructions process.