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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.

New_Mexico_Bighorn_Sheep

"Invasion Biology"

A Symbol of the Range Returns Home

Thanks to their hardiness, bighorn sheep have long been a symbolic species. Circle Ranch has a growing, healthy herd of desert bighorn.

Why Do Wolves Have an Extensive History of Being Misunderstood?

wolves in Europe

Why Do Wolves Have an Extensive History of Being Misunderstood?

This video below is from "The American West with Dan Flores - Episode 14 "By A Grizzly Bear"

Gulleys for Grassland Restoration #3

Gulleys for Grassland Restoration #3

Eroded galleys can be used to restore desertifying grasslands – alongside creosote bush – without chemicals.

Verify the Science - Federal Agencies Often Try to Make Policy Based on Flawed Science—Call Them On It

Verify the Science - Federal Agencies Often Try to Make Policy Based on Flawed Science—Call Them On It

For those of us fighting for private property rights against agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) over endangered species, the ability to provide and demand credible science has become a game-changer.

Why Are Buffalo Returning to Texas After 136 Years?

Why Are Buffalo Returning to Texas After 136 Years?

The near extinction of buffalo across North America had devastating consequences—especially for Indigenous communities, for whom buffalo were a source of food, shelter, spiritual connection, and governance.

Drought Busters 101

"Invasion Biology"

Drought Busters 101

“Drought Busters” is an inexpensive, quick, physiologically and economically sustainable method of habitat and wildlife restoration.

The Slaughter of Elk at Yellowstone National Park

The Slaughter of Elk at Yellowstone National Park

Today, visitors to Yellowstone regularly observe bison, elk, deer, bears, and perhaps wolves, but this was not foreordained.

The Long-Term Plan for American Ranchers

cattle ranchers

The Long-Term Plan for American Ranchers

"The President hears them, he has to address both of these problems—for the ranchers, but also for the American consumer. He promised to lower costs, and that's what he's committed to doing."

Why This Cattle Farmer Moves His Cows Every Day

Why This Cattle Farmer Moves His Cows Every Day

Methane emissions from cattle contribute to climate change – but Will Harris says he has a solution.

Special Report: New World Screwworm

Special Report: New World Screwworm

In light of the imminent threat of New World screwworm looming along the Texas-Mexico border, Borderlands Research Institute has pulled together the following information and resources to help guide ranchers and farmers.

They Put Beavers On Dead Land With No Trees — What Happened Next Is Unreal

They Put Beavers On Dead Land With No Trees — What Happened Next Is Unreal

The remarkable saga of beaver dam restoration, the fight against beaver dam extinction, and the hidden story behind beaver dam locations extinction that once threatened entire landscapes.

“Conserving” Wild Bison?

"Conserving" Wild Bison?

Decades of experience with wildlife and forestry management show that state agencies generally produce better results than federal agencies.

Five Iconic Animals of Yellowstone

Five Iconic Animals of Yellowstone

Learn about wolves, elk, grizzly bears, bison, and river otters that call Yellowstone home.

America’s Ambitious Plan to Restore the Wild West

America’s Ambitious Plan to Restore the Wild West

By reintroducing iconic species like bison and pronghorns, we’re helping them reclaim their rightful place on the plains.

They Released Hundreds of Bisons Into a Dying Forest and After 10 Years, Result Was Insane

They Released Hundreds of Bisons Into a Dying Forest and After 10 Years, Result Was Insane

Once nearly extinct, the European bison is making a powerful return to the wild.