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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.

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

'Landscape of Fear' Not Impacting Yellowstone's Elk

'Landscape of Fear' Not Impacting Yellowstone's Elk

Predation by animals and humans, not behavioral change, was what lightened the impact of elk on young trees.

Costs of Coyote Eradication in California and Texas

Costs of Coyote Eradication in California and Texas

Man descibes the cost of eradicating coyotes in California, versus Texas —

A New Wolf Pack, Irate Ranchers, and the Astonishing Comeback of California’s Most Celebrated Predator

A New Wolf Pack, Irate Ranchers, and the Astonishing Comeback of California’s Most Celebrated Predator

Gray wolves, wiped out in California by hunters and trappers a century ago, have been trickling back in over the past decade

What Happens to the World if Forests Stop Absorbing Carbon? Ask Finland

What Happens to the World if Forests Stop Absorbing Carbon? Ask Finland

Natural sinks of forests and peat were key to Finland’s ambitious target to be carbon neutral by 2035. But now, the land has started emitting more greenhouse gases than it stores

Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West

Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West

WINTERSTONE is currently in production on Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West, a new documentary featuring the plight of wild horses in the American West. Directed by Winterstone’s Ashley Avis, the film comes on the heels of Disney’s Black Beauty, which Avis also wrote, directed, and edited.

Mountain Goats Are Not Avalanche-Proof

Mountain Goats Are Not Avalanche-Proof

While scientists have long suspected that this life on the edge was risky, they have not really understood the extent to which avalanches affect mountain goats, and whether they instinctively shun, or can learn to avoid, avalanche-prone conditions.

Chinook Salmon Have Returned to Spawn in Oregon's Klamath Bason

Chinook Salmon Have Returned to Spawn in Oregon's Klamath Bason

For the first time in 114 years, biologists from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife have observed a fall-run Chinook salmon returning to spawn in the Klamath Basin in Oregon, after dam removal.

Mountain Thunder - Merriam’s Wild Turkey (Web Film)

The documentary delves into the ongoing debate about hunting and its role in conservation. It showcases the Merriam's wild turkey, a subspecies known for its distinctive appearance and habitat preferences.

Couple is Latest Victim of the US Forest Service

US Forest Service

Couple is Latest Victim of the US Forest Service

U.S. Forest Service Special Agent Travis Lunders appeared unannounced, armed and in full tactical gear at the home of Charles and Heather Maude of Caputa, S.D

savory_institute_holistic_circle_2021

Multi Species Grazing for Sustainable Farming

Multi Species Grazing for Sustainable Farming

View the webinar to learn about the interaction between livestock, vegetation, and soil, and management needs to extend the grazing season and improve animal performance when managing multi-species grazing systems.

Butterflies Know: These Native Plants Aren’t Weeds

Butterflies Know: These Native Plants Aren’t Weeds

Pollinators recognize a good thing when they see it — and so do gardeners in search of organic pest control. As one put it, “My prairie is my pesticide.”

White Tail Deer in a meadow

Chronic Wasting Disease

Texas’ Battle Against Deer Disease Threatens Breeding Industry

Texas Parks and Wildlife has detected CWD in 31 of Texas' 254 counties and 34 captive breeding facilities.