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The theme at Bama Bucks should be to expect the unexpected. After all, who would expect to find a kangaroo…and a ring-tailed lemur…and a camel all in one place in the middle of North Alabama? And would you believe it if I said that at that same destination, you can also dine on Creole-battered gator bites, New Zealand elk steak, and bison lasagna? At Bama Bucks, a family-owned and -operated exotic animal farm and wild game restaurant in Boaz, Alabama, all of the above—and more—is not only possible, but expected. 

How did it start?

Bama Bucks was the realization of a long-shot dream and lifelong love of animals for owner Terry Turk. What began as a deer breeding operation in 1998 slowly blossomed over two decades into the major attraction it is today. In 2006, Turk welcomed his first exotic animal, an elk. From that point on, he unknowingly began to grow the family of exotic creatures that would one day be the stars of his 25-acre animal park.

 In 2018, Bama Bucks completed the transition from passion project to roadside attraction with the grand opening of the exotic animal farm, wild game restaurant, antique barn, and general store. 

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What can you do there?

The main mission at Bama Bucks is to provide guests with new experiences and the opportunity to get up close and personal with rare animals. Currently guests can see the following animals at the park: black bears, ostriches, ring-tailed lemurs, kangaroos, camels, fallow deer, Rocky Mountain elk, bison, miniature Mediterranean donkeys, and Eastern turkeys. 

Staff are always on hand to answer questions and make introductions to any of the park’s animals. With education as another important pillar, private tours are available for groups on Mondays through Wednesdays. For those looking for an even wilder experience, camel and bull rides are offered depending on the animals’ temperaments. 

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What can you eat?

Of course, seeing exotic animals is just half of the adventure at Bama Bucks. The other half is a one-of-a-kind dining experience led by Chef John Salmon. Inside a cozy lodge, you can dine on a wide array of specialty dishes featuring wild game, from bison to boar. 

For a taste of the exotic in a familiar form, try the Wild Game Sausage Trio, featuring bison, boar, and elk sausage with pimento cheese, onion mustard marmalade, and a true Southern favorite, Wickles Pickles. Out-of-the-box entrees include Grilled New Zealand Red Deer Tenderloin with cranberry stew and Oven Roasted Pheasant Breast with raspberry pan sauce. For the less adventurous diners, an Angus steak cooked over an open-flame wood grill should do the trick. If red meat isn’t your preference, try the Bourbon Pecan Chicken or Shrimp and Grits. Be on the lookout for regular specials like grilled halibut and bison, potato, and mushroom soup. 

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Anything else?

Complete your trip by stopping into the General Store for a unique gift or souvenir. Peruse aisles of locally made jams and honeys, plus candles, accessories, art, and more. Don’t forget to also check out the Antique Barn where you’ll find farm relics, hunting decoys, vintage tins, and other antique pieces, as well as the adjoining Jack Daniel’s Barrel Room, featuring a large collection of barrels for purchase. Finally, in the Antler Room, you can find a variety of antlers, plus information about the many animals who call Bama Bucks home.

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