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Circle Ranch in West Texas

Experience From the High Deserts of Texas to the Rocky Mountain West.

For 20 years, our family owned and managed Circle Ranch, 32,000 acres of high desert located in the Sierra Diablo Mountains of far-West Texas. Our goal? Leaving the land more diverse, and therefore healthier, than we found it.

Our Philosophy

Wildlife and habitat only prosper when their ecosystem is in balance.

A pronghorn herd in desert grasslands of West Texas

Our Resources

The objective of biodiversity conservation is to maintain viable native animal and plant populations of all kind.

a native Elk roaming the desert grasslands of West Texas

Elk Removals Featured

Are Elk Native to Texas--Historical and Archaeological Evidence for the Natural Occurence of Elk in Texas

This paper began as an effort to persuade Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to cease its efforts to eradicate elk on the state lands which it manages in far-West Texas. Our assumption was that TPWD was acting out of a sincere misunderstanding of science, which could be corrected.

Dangerous Predator Once Thought Extinct Spotted at National Park

Dangerous Predator Once Thought Extinct Spotted at National Park

Park authorities confirmed the presence of the rare species.

Grazing to Promote Riparian Health on a Private Ranch in Nevada

"Invasion Biology"

Grazing to Promote Riparian Health on a Private Ranch in Nevada

This video features Agee Smith, Co-Owner, Cottonwood Ranch, Wells, Nevada

Lake Powell Water Levels Lead to 'Ecological Rebirth'

Lake Powell Water Levels Lead to 'Ecological Rebirth'

This environmental crisis is revealing an unexpected ecological benefit—the return of native plant communities in areas exposed by the shrinking reservoir.

female (doe) mule deer in California

The Amazing Deer 255 is Still Migrating

In 2016, researchers in Wyoming discovered the world's longest migration of mule deer. A doe fitted with a GPS tracking collar migrated 242 miles one way.

What Ancient Invasive Species Can Tell Us About Modern Ones w/Dr. Alycia

What Ancient Invasive Species Can Tell Us About Modern Ones w/Dr. Alycia

Species invasions are pervasive in Earth history, yet the ecological and evolutionary consequences vary greatly. Ancient invasion events can be organized in a hierarchy of increasing invasion intensity from ephemeral invasions to globally pervasive invasive regimes.

during_the_drought_peter_bycuk

Regenerative Ranching

During the Drought

Michael Thompson, a young farmer in Kansas, is regenerating his soils with no-till, cover-crops practices coupled with Adaptive Multi-Paddock (AMP) grazing - giving his farm resilience during the severe 2011 and 2012 droughts.

Alpine Ibexes Captured Resting on Chimneys of French Cottages Amidst a Breathtaking Background

Alpine Ibexes Captured Resting on Chimneys of French Cottages Amidst a Breathtaking Background

Captured relaxing atop the roofs of French cottages on chimneys with Mont Blanc as the backdrop, these wild goats must surely enjoy the best views in town.

Are Goats and Sheep Compatible?

"Invasion Biology"

Are Goats and Sheep Compatible?

These ranchers move their sheep and goats to a new paddock surrounded by electric net fence. There are many things to consider. Sheep like to go under net fences while goats jump over.

Wild horse in Nevada

Wild Horse Problem

The Wild Horses of Nevada's Deserts

"We spend millions of dollars a year managing horses, but we still can’t agree on whether they belong."

Wild Horses in a grassy foothill of a mountain

Wild Horse Fire Brigade

Siskiyou News: Wildlife Conservationist Nominated for BLM Wild Horse & Burro Program

William E. Simpson II, a seasoned ethologist and conservationist, has been nominated for the position or Director of the Bureau of Land Management's Wild Horse & Burro Program, with the position set to open in January 2025.

"Invasion Biology"

Desert Bighorn, Mule Deer and Cougar in High Desert Mountains of Far-West Texas

The series contains many wildlife photos, and, discusses holistic wildlife management practices.

Interesting

"Yes, but that was then...

Deep in the Heart: Official Trailer

Deep in the Heart: Official Trailer

Narrated by Matthew McConaughey, Deep in the Heart is Texas' first wildlife movie

Are Drones an Answer to Wolf Attacks on Livestock?

Are Drones an Answer to Wolf Attacks on Livestock?

Hazing wolves with drones. NOTE: this article was originally published to Onland.WesternLandOwners.org on May 14, 2024. It was written by Ellie Gage. Over just 20 days in the summer of 2022, there were 11 confirmed depredations by the resident Rogue Pack wolves in Southern Oregon’s Klamath Basin.

Does Culling Wild Deer Populations Result in Improved Antler Genetics?

Antler Genetics

Does Culling Wild Deer Populations Result in Improved Antler Genetics?

See the only known high speed footage of aerial deer captures and understand the methodology and results of this first of its kind study.

Herd of Tauros to Be Released Into Highlands to Recreate Aurochs Effect

Herd of Tauros to Be Released Into Highlands to Recreate Aurochs Effect

Large, cattle-like tauros will shape landscape and strengthen wildlife as huge, extinct herbivore once did