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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.

The New Wild book

The New Wild book

A provocative exploration of the “new ecology” and why most of what we think we know about alien species is wrong

WILD About Mountain Goats

WILD About Mountain Goats

Idaho’s’ mountain goats are adapted to living in rugged, remote areas, so it is natural that the mountain goat would appear mysterious. But this harsh habitat is also their defense. NOTE: this post was originally published to this site on July 26, 2021. And again on Dec 28, 2021.

Teton Goats Rebound After Hunts, Gunning

Wildlife & Hunting

Teton Goats Rebound After Hunts, Gunning

At least 12 goats have been spotted; park doesn’t have plans to remove them — yet.

Rocky Mountain Goats thrive in some of the harshest environments on Earth

Rocky Mountain Goats: The Fearless High Altitude Experts

From the rugged peaks of the Rockies to the towering cliffs of the Canadian Rockies, Rocky Mountain Goats thrive in some of the harshest environments on Earth

cattle grazing on a desert grassland in West Texas

Holistic Management

An Introduction to Holistic Management

Occam's Grazer provides an introduction to Holistic Management and holistic grazing as well as many powerful insights, philosophies, and useful ideas from people who are using the framework and practices every day.

Solar Power Could Come at Expense of Wildlife

“In our transition to renewable energy, we cannot sacrifice biodiversity and habitat. There is tension here, and we need to be mindful of it and plan better for it."

Why Beavers Were Parachuted Into the Idaho Wilderness 73 Years Ago

Why Beavers Were Parachuted Into the Idaho Wilderness 73 Years Ago

The traditional way of relocating “nuisance” beavers in the 1940s wasn’t working. To increase the survival rate, one conservation officer turned to—yes—parachutes.

Wolves on the Doorstep Test Sheep Ranchers in Small Town Oregon

The 200 residents of Lostine, Oregon, never expected their small town to become a hotspot for wolf conflict.

Wolverine - The Most Ferocious Animal in the World

Wolverine - The Most Ferocious Animal in the World

While wolverines do have sharp teeth and claws as well as strong muscles, what makes them tougher than other animals remains a bit of a mystery. They just seem ready for a fight. Even with wolves and bears!

BLM Releases Plan to Develop Solar on 31 Million Acres of Western Land

BLM Releases Plan to Develop Solar on 31 Million Acres of Western Land

The Bureau of Land Management announced its proposed roadmap for solar energy development on public lands, designed to expand solar projects on public lands

A 400-pound adult black bear known to Mammoth locals as “Victor”

A California Town’s Beloved 400-pound Bear Attacked a Woman. Now He’s Dead, and Locals Want Justice

The killing of a large bear known to raid campsites near the Sierra tourist town of Mammoth Lakes has sparked an outcry that many hope will change how state and federal officials manage California’s growing population of habituated black bears and also deal with people who encounter them.

Diversity of Life at a Beaver Pond

Diversity of Life at a Beaver Pond

Beavers are a keystone species, because they alter their natural environment in such a way that the overall ecoysytem builds upon that change.

Toxic Sludge Fertilizer

Toxic Sludge Fertilizer

The Times dug into the widespread use of sewage sludge as fertilizer, which is sometimes heavily contaminated by “forever chemicals.”

The Last Keeper - Special Interview with Tom Opre

Wildlife Management

The Last Keeper - Special Interview with Tom Opre

Tom discusses the Shepherds of Wildlife Society and their mission to educate the world about wildlife management.

Federal Government Loses Idaho Water Rights Case

Water Management

Federal Government Loses Idaho Water Rights Case

The U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho partially struck down several Idaho laws regulating water rights on federal lands. The court found some provisions unconstitutional but upheld a law concerning the forfeiture of water rights if they remain unused.

a small turkey nest pond

Grizzly Pond Wildlife, Summer 2021

‘Grizzly Pond’ has proven very popular with wildlife.