Pitchstone Waters

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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.

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

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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.

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"Invasion Biology"

Far-West Texas Mountain Wildlife 1

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

How a Controversial Poison Saved Utah Lake

How a Controversial Poison Saved Utah Lake

Fifteen years ago,Utah Lake it was dying. But the controversial herbicide glyphosate saved it.

Killing the Shepherd: The Last Keeper (Trailer)

Killing the Shepherd: The Last Keeper (Trailer)

Scotland’s history is romanticised for centuries of bloody feuds, warfare and forced displacement. In the glens today there is unfinished business, fuelled by modern agendas; well-meaning rewilders, urban land reformers and distant corporates plundering carbon markets. Reminiscent of the Highland Clearances of the past, indigenous communities are increasingly an

Research Investigates Impact Of Border Barrier On Mt. Lions

Already researchers have documentation via GPS fixes of one collared lion moving along the border barrier system until it found a break in the barrier and ultimately crossed the river.

Livestock Pond Attracts Wildlife in Idaho Forests Near Yellowstone Park

Livestock Pond Attracts Wildlife in Idaho Forests Near Yellowstone Park

At Pitchstone Waters in the Idaho forests near Yellowstone Park, we built a small stock pond to keep our cattle drinkers filled. This pond and other water additions are heavily used by a wide variety of wild animals. Pitchstone Waters Wildlife at Grouse Pond from Christopher Gill on Vimeo. NOTE:

New Conservation Agreement in Southern Alberta Preserves Endangered Prairie Grasslands

New Conservation Agreement in Southern Alberta Preserves Endangered Prairie Grasslands

This latest agreement expands on the NCC’s efforts to conserve land in the area, forming a block of almost 2,900 hectares of conserved lands that provides a large corridor for wildlife.

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.