Whole and Half Bison For Sale
In addition to our Premium American Bison retail sales, Black Mountain Bison also offers whole bison for sale and half bison for sale. Please review the information below.
Pricing and Availablity
We have a limited number of whole and half bison available at any given time. We are currently taking orders for animals that will be processed every other month in 2026. Please use the form to contact us about a purchase of a whole or half animal.
Whole Bison
Whole Bison – True Whole
Price: $6.25/lb + $1.05/lb processing*
based on the hanging weight**
($500 deposit required) Order Now
For a whole bison, you will receive between 290 – 380 lbs of meat — learn more about meat yield.
Half Bison
One-Half Bison – True Half
Price: $7.25/lb + $1.05/lb processing*
based on the hanging weight**
($500 deposit required) Order Now
For a 1/2 of bison, you will receive between 166 – 200 lbs of meat — learn more about meat yield.
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.
*processing costs are paid directly to the packing plant when you pick up your order. As of January 2026, this was $1.05 per pound, based on the hanging or split weight for half-bison orders. Additionally, there is a $100 slaughter charge for whole bison orders (that cost is split for half bison orders), plus a $20 single-pack fee per order.
**the hanging weight, a.k.a. carcass weight or hot weight, is NOT the actual amount of meat you will receive. You will receive approximately 60% +/- of the hanging weight. The average hanging weight is 632 lbs.
Whole/Half Bison Pricing Examples:
Avg. Cost on a Full Bison
- 632lb Hanging Weight
- Bison Cost (hanging weight x $6.25) = $3,950.00
- Processing (hanging weight x $1.05) = $663.60
- Kill and Single Pack Fee = $120
Avg. Total Cost for Full Bison = $4,733.60
Processing:
Black Mountain Bison’s promise of top-quality whole and half bison is fortified by our partnership with Double J Meat Packing. With their dedication to ethical practices and expert processing, you can trust that every bite will be a testament to quality and sustainability.
All products are packaged in a vacuum-sealed package.
Avg. Cost on a Half Bison
- 632lb Hanging Weight
- Bison Cost (hanging weight/2 x $7.25) = $2,291.00
- Processing (hanging weight/2 x $1.05) = $331.80
- Kill and Single Pack Fee = $70
Avg. Total Cost for Half Bison = $2,692.80
Shipping:
At this time, we are unable to provide shipping services for whole or half-bison orders.
Understanding Bison Meat Yield
Many customers wonder why a bison, which can easily weigh over 2,000 pounds, yields only 250 to 350 pounds of meat. Here’s why:
While a full-grown adult bison bull can indeed reach weights upwards of 2,000 pounds, the meat we provide does not come from these mature bulls. Instead, we source our meat from younger bison, specifically heifers 18 to 24 months old that average around 930 pounds in live weight. These younger bison are not only more manageable in size, but their meat is significantly more tender and flavorful, which is highly prized among connoisseurs and aficionados.
The weight difference between the live weight of an animal and its hanging weight primarily comes from the fact that a large portion of a mature bison’s weight is comprised of bone, hide, and non-edible organs/parts—up to 300 pounds! When we talk about yield—especially the 250 to 350 pounds range—we’re referring to the actual amount of usable meat that can be harvested from the animal. This includes the steaks, roasts, ground meat, and other products that our customers enjoy. Again, these weights will vary from animal to animal and how the customer wants the meat cut, e.g., a bone-in ribeye steak will weigh more than a boneless ribeye steak and a roast will typically contain more connective tissue and meat that would typically be trimmed off a steak.
Our choice to use meat from younger heifers aligns with our commitment to providing the highest quality and most delicious bison meat. This approach ensures that you, as our customer, receive the best product possible, characterized by tenderness and a rich, clean flavor that truly embodies the essence of the wild American West.
FAQs
How much meat will I get?
A whole bison typically yields around 290–380 pounds of finished meat. A half yields 166–200 pounds. This can vary slightly based on your chosen cuts and the size of the animal.
But, as an example, a recent whole bison produced the following cuts:
2 x Backribs
8 x Bavette Steaks
3-4 Packs of Cut Femur Bones
2 x Briskets (or 4 halves)
12 x Chuck Roasts
17 x Filets (Tenderloin)
2 x Flank Steaks
12 x Flat Iron Steaks
150 lbs of Ground Bison (1 lb packs)
1 x Bison Heart (halved)
2 x Inside Skirt Steaks
3-4 Packs of Knuckles (bones)
16 x Liver (1 lb packs)
2 x Outside Skirt Steaks
2 x Petite Tenders
20 x Ribeyes
8 x Short Ribs
1 x Tongue
2 x Tri-Tip Roasts
How long does it take for me to get my meat?
Generally, it will be 3-4 weeks from the time the animals are processed until the meat is ready for pick up. Sometimes, a little sooner, sometimes, a little later.
How will my meat be packaged?
Your meat will be frozen and each cut will be individually vacuum-sealed for maximum freshness and longevity. The meat is packed in stackable cardboard trays that measure approximately 28″ x 16″ x 5″ deep and have a slight trapezoid shape for efficient storage.
- A half bisontypically fills about 5 trays.
- A whole bison usually fills between 8–10 trays.
Do I need to bring any ice or dry ice to transport my meat home?
No. In most cases, you won’t need to bring ice or dry ice. Since the meat is frozen solid and well-packaged, it travels safely for several hours. We do recommend bringing a blanket or canvas to cover the trays—this helps reduce any condensation and keeps the product cold during transport.
Do I get to choose which cuts of meat I want?
Yes! Once we receive your deposit, you’ll receive a custom cutting instructions sheet. You’ll be able to specify preferences for steaks, roasts, ground bison, stew meat, and even organ meats. We’ll walk you through the options to make sure your order fits your cooking style and household needs.
How long will the meat last in my freezer?
Vacuum-sealed bison meat can last up to two years in a standard chest or upright freezer if kept at 0°F or below. Ground bison is best used within 12 months, but all cuts maintain quality for extended periods when properly stored.
What kind of freezer space will I need?
A good rule of thumb is 30-35 lbs of meat per cubic foot of freezer space.
A half bison typically requires 4-6 cubic feet of freezer space.
A whole bison may need 10-12 cubic feet, depending on how it’s cut and packaged. Chest freezers or upright freezers both work well; stackable trays help keep everything organized.
Can I split a whole bison with someone else?
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.