This Summer, Visit Hulett Master Craftsmen Jim “Badger Horse” Traversie & Ty Bischoff

Powder River Energy Corporation (PRECorp) is proud to be northeastern Wyoming’s largest electric cooperative, being a trusted energy partner to more than 12,000 members throughout the region with great rates and A+ service. In 2026, we’re running a series of features on some of our tremendous members, highlighting their dedication to fostering the fantastic quality of life we’ve become accustomed to and the economic impact needed to keep it! This feature highlights local businesses that contribute to the local economy in their unique way. PRECorp welcomes your suggestions of locally run businesses and their owners. Please send suggestions to communications@precorp.coop.

Jim Traversie feels a deep connection to northeast Wyoming. Traversie, who also goes by his Lakota name, Badger Horse, can easily picture his forefathers navigating the region centuries ago.

Ty Bischoff has lived his entire life in the area and can relate, having spent countless miles on horseback from childhood to the present day alongside his wife.

In part to pay homage to their roots, Traversie, who operates Badger Horse Gallery & Woodworks, and Bischoff, proprietor of T.E. Bischoff Custom Saddlery, serve the extended region with their exquisite craftsmanship. 

This summer, the storefronts of Traversie and Bischoff are among the must-visit spots in Hulett, WY.

The Finest Woodworking & Much More

Traversie is a lifelong craftsman, musician, and photographer whose work reflects a deep connection to heritage, place, and artistry. At Badger Horse Gallery and Woodworks, he strives to weave together decades of experience across multiple creative disciplines into a single, evolving body of work.

“I’ve been drawn to this area since I started doing work over here, maybe 10 years ago,” Traversie said. “Being close to Devils Tower is especially a comfort. I send my prayers from there, so I’ve always felt a deep spiritual feeling while traveling in this area. When I build things, I try to include something from my Lakota side of my heritage. Maybe my Norwegian blood gives me some of my woodworking skills, too!”

The projects Traversie undertakes vary in size and scope. Smaller pieces he designs may be custom frames for photographs, personalized signs, cutting boards, and Lakota jewelry. Over time, he built a reputation for intricate custom flooring inlays in the Black Hills region, which earned him mention in Wood Floor Magazine, as well as for custom furniture pieces. 

Visitors can find Traversie at 142 Main Street in Hulett, where he showcases his custom creations, takes on new commissions, and has plans to expand his storefront to a full gallery by this summer, with more items for sale. 

Superb Saddles, Unparalleled Quality

Long gone are the days when every town had a resident saddlemaker. But a select few have learned and perfected the trade, passed down from generations. 

Bischoff, who always had a knack for “messing around” with leather and leatherwork, was mentored by world-renowned saddler Terry Rekow, a lifelong cowboy and 50-year veteran of his craft. Under Rekow’s tutelage, Bischoff cut his teeth. Nowadays, he channels that mentorship into preserving an honored tradition and producing custom products of impeccable quality and craftsmanship.

“I like being the one who is carrying on this tradition and lifestyle,” Bischoff said. “Everything I do was taught to me by someone who learned it from someone before them, all of which carried on this tradition. So, keeping the tradition alive is very important to me. Everything I make, and how I do it, is unique.” 

When it comes to saddles, Bischoff invites anyone to rate his quality and craftsmanship against that of saddles coming off an assembly line.

At T.E. Bischoff Custom Saddlery, located at 116 WY-24 in Hulett, top-quality leather and a no-machines-involved approach serve as the proof in the pudding.

“I don't think people realize how much better or different a custom handmade saddle is compared to a factory-made saddle,” Bischoff said. “Not only in the quality of the saddle, but also in how it fits a horse and how much longer it lasts. Each saddle takes from three weeks to three months, depending on how simple or detailed it is. I won’t make anything I wouldn’t want to ride or own myself.”

Custom saddles are just the tip of the spear in terms of Bischoff’s quality creations, which also include handmade tack and leather items, headstalls, breast collars, spur straps, and chaps, three-ring binder covers, belts, knife sheaths, and more.

Whether a neighbor reaches out in need of a custom saddle or repair job, or a tourist pops into his store seeking a smaller handcrafted item, Bischoff is ready to show off the tricks of his trade.

Hulett is a great place to visit on the way to Devils Tower, the Black Hills, or other destinations. Along with a tasty array of local establishments to get a great meal or beverage (click here for full details), Hulett stands out with the presence of local craftsmen. This summer, consider stopping by Badger Horse Gallery & Woodworks and T.E. Bischoff Custom Saddlery. Contact PRECorp for more information.