Member's Spotlight: KC Bison Ranch - Where Passion Meets Purpose in the Heart of Georgia
The Eastern Bison Association is proud to shine a light on one of our dedicated members, Kim Chapman of KC Bison Ranch in Dahlonega, Georgia. Before joining the EBA in 2022, Kim wholeheartedly embraced the world of bison ranching, demonstrating an uncompromising commitment to the well-being of his herd and a deep appreciation for these wonderful animals. His journey, marked by a significant life change and driven by a discovered passion, is truly inspiring.
A Georgia native and University of Georgia graduate, Kim found great success in the business world. However, a desire for a different pace of life, a deeper connection to the land, and a lifelong fascination with bison led him to pursue a life on the ranch. Kim's driving force is clear: he's eager to share the abundance of his ranch and witness its positive impact on others.
How KC Bison Ranch Began
Kim's journey to bison ranching wasn't a straight path but one forged through personal trials and a resilient spirit. In the midst of his professional career, he experienced significant financial and personal challenges that tested his faith and resilience. During these trying times, Kim learned to embrace adversity and face it head-on, finding strength, meaning, and contentment in perseverance.
After weathering his storm for over 7 years, Kim started a business and quickly built it into a thriving enterprise. The success of his business spanned 13 years, and Kim decided to sell his ownership to embark on a new chapter. As Kim prepared to close on the sale, his path to KC Bison Ranch began to appear.
A simple purchase of Tecovas boots came with a subscription to their newsletter, "The Outpost." The first article Kim read was about an individual who, without any prior experience, moved from the busy city of Chicago to the fields of Montana to found a bison ranch and practice field harvesting. This story opened his eyes to the world of bison. While Kim had always wanted to own land and a farm, domestic farm animals never truly captivated him. Discovering bison (North America’s largest land mammal and the national mammal of the United States) ignited a new passion within him. He realized that these majestic creatures could be raised on smaller-sized ranches, even in the eastern U.S.
The question Kim hears most often is, "Why bison?" For him, the answer comes from his own life experience. A key characteristic of bison is their tendency to face storms directly rather than flee, symbolizing strength, endurance, and patience in the face of adversity. These are the same attributes Kim felt he was developing to navigate life's challenges. He sees these amazing animals as a constant reminder that he possesses everything needed to overcome adversity.
A Visionary Partnership for Unforgettable Events
Kim's vision for KC Bison Ranch extends beyond raising healthy bison. In partnership with Adam Lawrence, they have created a stunning venue that seamlessly blends rustic charm with modern elegance: Weddings at The Overlook. Kim describes it as "Napa meets Yellowstone," a place where guests can admire the breathtaking landscape, enjoy panoramic views, and appreciate the herd of iconic bison grazing nearby. The 5,400 sq ft venue hosts a variety of events from beautiful weddings and celebrations to corporate outings and educational school field trips.
Kim and Adam will further enhance the visitor experience with four modern, rustic cabins with a Western vibe currently under construction. These cabins promise to accommodate up to 37 guests. This unique combination of bison ranching and event hosting allows Kim to share his passion for these animals with a wider audience and educate them about their crucial role in American history.
KC Bison Ranch recently had the pleasure of hosting Georgia Grown's "Fork in the Road" TV show. A Georgia-run media company spent the day capturing the beauty of the ranch and the care Kim puts into his bison. This upcoming feature will undoubtedly showcase the amazing experience Kim offers and further highlight these incredible animals we all love.
A Commitment to Respectful Harvesting
Kim's dedication to his bison extends to their final moments. Kim was particularly inspired by Matt Skoglund of North Bridger Bison, specifically his approach to low-stress handling and field harvesting. Field harvesting bison offers a more humane and less stressful approach to obtaining meat, allowing these iconic animals to spend each moment of their life in the fields where they belong.
Kim recently shared a significant milestone:
"This week at KC Bison Ranch in Dahlonega GA, we performed a respectful and peaceful field harvest of a 1000 lb 2-year-old bull. As far as the USDA inspector and the state veterinarian were aware, this was the first USDA-inspected field harvest ever done in the state of Georgia.”
This achievement highlights KC Bison Ranch's pioneering role in ethical and humane harvesting practices within Georgia, setting a new standard for the industry.
The Enduring Spirit of KC Bison Ranch
Kim Chapman's journey with KC Bison Ranch is more than just a business venture; it's a testament to resilience, passion, and a profound respect for nature's majesty. From navigating personal storms to embracing the wisdom of the bison, Kim has built a unique enterprise that not only offers exceptional meat through respectful field harvesting but also provides a stunning venue for celebrations and education. As KC Bison Ranch continues to grow, with new cabins on the horizon and features on shows like "Fork in the Road," it stands as a shining example of how a deep connection to the land and its creatures can lead to both purpose and prosperity. Kim's dedication ensures that the spirit of the bison—strong, enduring, and always facing the storm—lives on in the heart of Georgia and will continue to thrive with his daughter, Kaci, and son, Kyle, leading his legacy.
All photos were provided by KC Bison Ranch. To learn more about the The Overlook at KC Bison Ranch, visit their website www.weddingsattheoverlook.com.
