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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.

A Sweeping New Report Shows U.S. Birds Declining Sharply Across a Range of Habitats

A Sweeping New Report Shows U.S. Birds Declining Sharply Across a Range of Habitats

Scientists checked in on species all over the country for the latest State of the Birds report. Nearly everywhere they looked, birds were struggling—including some that have been resilient in the past.

The Life and Legend of America's Most Famous Wild Horse

"Invasion Biology"

The Life and Legend of America's Most Famous Wild Horse

Picasso is a nearly 30-year-old pinto who still roams free in the Sand Wash Basin in northwestern Colorado. NOTE: this pots was originally published to this site on April 25, 2025

Restoring Biodiversity - 7/15/2025

Restoring Biodiversity - 7/15/2025

Thank you for subscribing to the Pitchstone Waters weekly newsletter. Here is what we’ve been reading, watching and writing about over the past week… Articles U.S. Halts Livestock Imports From Mexico Again. Here Is The Reason Why The U.S. has again halted livestock imports from Mexico after

U.S. Halts Livestock Imports From Mexico Again. Here Is The Reason Why

New World screwworm

U.S. Halts Livestock Imports From Mexico Again. Here Is The Reason Why

The U.S. has again halted livestock imports from Mexico after the parasitic New World screwworm fly closer to the border.

The Miracle Dogs of Chernobyl Have Evolved Into Something New, Studies Show

The Miracle Dogs of Chernobyl Have Evolved Into Something New, Studies Show

Despite dealing with extremely cold temperatures, food scarcity, and long-term radiation exposure, the Chernobyl dogs aren’t just surviving—they’re thriving.

These 'Crazy' Invasive Florida Pests Attack Mammals, Birds and Create Giant Supercolonies

Tawny Crazy Ant

These 'Crazy' Invasive Florida Pests Attack Mammals, Birds and Create Giant Supercolonies

According to Texas A&M University's Urban and Structural Entomology Program, after experiencing the tawny crazy ant, most residents prefer the fire ant.

elk_circle_corvallis

"Invasion Biology"

Elk Restoration

“There is perhaps no higher calling for a wildlife conservation organization than restoring extirpated wildlife species back to their historic ranges.”

Wolves Wreak Havoc on Cattle Herds in California

wolves and cattle

Wolves Wreak Havoc on Cattle Herds in California

Ranchers say their hands are tied as reintroduced wolves—listed as endangered—are feasting on cattle instead of hunting elk and deer.

A Deadly Parasite's Return Threatens US Ranchers

New World screwworm

A Deadly Parasite's Return Threatens US Ranchers

After being eradicated in the US in the 1980s, the screwworm could be back as soon as this summer.

mule_deer_jasper

Tribute to Mule Deer

A wonderful video from the Mule Deer Foundation. NOTE: this post was originally published to this site on June 11, 2018 and again on April 21, 2022.

Scientists Put Motion Cameras Along the US-Mexico Border To Spy on Wildlife. The Footage is Spectacular — And Telling.

Scientists Put Motion Cameras Along the US-Mexico Border To Spy on Wildlife. The Footage is Spectacular — And Telling.

Videos reveal the hidden lives of animals in the borderlands and how the wall affects them.

Allan Savory: Planned Cattle Grazing Where the Rubber Hits the Road

Animal Development

Allan Savory: Planned Cattle Grazing Where the Rubber Hits the Road

In this 45-minute video, the Dean of holistic range science – Allan Savory – discusses on-the-ground application of holistic planned grazing. West Texas and New Mexico ranchers will find many helpful insights, observations and suggestions in this wide-ranging discussion of range and wildlife practices. NOTE: this post was originally published to this

In Jackson, Snow’s the Deepest It’s Ever Been

In Jackson, Snow's the Deepest It's Ever Been

The previous record was set in 2008, when the town climate station recorded 18 inches of snow.

This National Park Is One of the Least Visited in the U.S.—but It's Home to the Tallest Mountain in Texas

This National Park Is One of the Least Visited in the U.S.—but It's Home to the Tallest Mountain in Texas

Guadalupe Mountains National Parks may be one of the most remote in the U.S., but it's also one of the most unique.

The Little Brown Bird

The Little Brown Bird

Once down to only 80 in the wild, the Florida Grasshopper Sparrow is at risk of extinction.

Migrating Elk at Pitchstone Waters Ranch

Migrating Elk at Pitchstone Waters Ranch

This video discusses the annual elk migration across Pitchstone Waters Ranch, on the upper Fall River, 5-miles southwest of Yellowstone Park, in Fremont County Idaho. NOTE: this video was originally published to this site on December 13, 2021

Like Seeing Polar Bears in Texas”: A Moose on the Loose Has Become an Internet Sensation

Like Seeing Polar Bears in Texas”: A Moose on the Loose Has Become an Internet Sensation

Nobody is sure how Rutt ended up hanging out in harvested cornfields, but it’s rare to see a moose in a prairie environment, said Todd Froberg, the coordinator of the big-game program at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Baby Penguins Brave a Deadly Storm

Baby Penguins Brave a Deadly Storm

A special look at the new series Secrets of the Penguins from National Geographic