Crafting unforgettable jerky and sausage snacks since 1983 — rooted in tradition, fueled by innovation.
In St. Joseph, MI, Harry and Shirley Zick opened Zick’s Vineland Foods, a family grocery that became a local favorite.
Their son, Garry Zick, at just 12 years old, began learning sausage making from Max Wolf, a German immigrant and master craftsman who became part of the family.
This early mentorship planted the seed for a tradition of excellence in smoked meats and jerky.
Garry Zick launched his own specialty sausage kitchen in Berrien Springs, MI.
He created the now-famous Zick’s Sticks, pioneering the meat snack stick category.
Over the years, Zick’s Specialty Meats earned acclaim for smoked sausages, jerky, and snacks — all family-owned and operated.
The Zick family also expanded with Buffalo Bob’s, offering exotic and wild game jerky such as elk, alligator, and venison—unique flavors now sought after nationwide.
Today, Ranch Hand Provisions proudly shares this tradition by offering products that embody heritage, craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction.
We carry forward the Zick family legacy, bringing time-honored flavors to modern tastes. Our mission remains rooted in quality and family tradition delivering the unparalleled flavors of Zick’s and Buffalo Bob’s to families across the country.
Looking ahead, we continue to innovate with new products, new flavors, and new ways to connect jerky lovers with authentic, small-batch meats
From maple-flavored duck to hickory-smoked elk, every jerky stick is crafted with tradition, care, and a taste of adventure.
All of our products are USDA approved, ensuring that every sausage, jerky, and snack meets the highest standards of quality and safety for you and your family.
At Ranch Hand Provisions, we’re proud to share the time-honored craftsmanship of Zick’s Specialty Meats and Buffalo Bob’s exotic jerky with families across the country. Our story begins in St. Joseph, MI, where Harry and Shirley Zick founded Zick’s Vineland Foods, a community grocery that became a local favorite.
Inside the store, their son Garry discovered his passion for food. At just 12 years old, he began learning the art of sausage making from Max Wolf, a German immigrant and master craftsman who became part of the Zick family. This mentorship sparked Garry’s lifelong dedication to authentic smoked meats.
In 1983, Garry opened his own specialty sausage kitchen in Berrien Springs, MI. His curiosity about meat snacks inspired him to develop what became the now-famous Zick’s Sticks jerky snack sticks, a shelf-stable meat treat that pioneered the category.
Over the years, Zick’s Specialty Meats earned recognition for its flavorful smoked sausages, jerky, and meat snacks. Still family-owned and operated, the company has remained true to its roots, upholding the values of craftsmanship, quality, and tradition.
Expanding beyond traditional flavors, the family launched Buffalo Bob’s, a brand specializing in unique wild game jerky and meat sticks. From elk and venison to alligator and duck, these adventurous flavors have become highly sought after across the United States.
Today, Ranch Hand Provisions proudly continues the Zick family heritage. Our mission remains rooted in quality and authenticity, offering jerky sticks, smoked sausages, and exotic meat snacks crafted with care. We’re committed to honoring our past while bringing bold, new flavors to jerky lovers everywhere.
