Elk Removals

Elk were once common in West Texas, across the state, and from coast to coast. Today TPWD and ranchers eradicate native elk because managers believe they "compete" with Desert Bighhorn Sheep and Mule Deer. We've written extensively on the topic. See below.

Elk

Bull Elk in West Texas

Elk were once common in West Texas, across the state, and from coast to coast. Today TPWD and ranchers eradicate native elk because managers believe they "compete" with Desert Bighhorn Sheep and Mule Deer.

"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.

"Invasion Biology"

Drought Busters 101

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

Elk

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.

"Invasion Biology"

Life of Elk

Take an in depth journey along the complete life cycle of Elk

"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.”

"Invasion Biology"

The Sounds of Elk

Elk, bighorn and mule deer are found together throughout the West. These species are complimentary, not ‘competitive’.

"Invasion Biology"

Wildlife in the High-Desert Mountains of Far-West Texas

Desert Mountain Wildlife #3 – part of a series on wildlife pictures

"Invasion Biology"

Desert Bighorn, Mule Deer and Cougar in High Desert Mountains of Far-West Texas

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

"Invasion Biology"

Far-West Texas Mountain Wildlife 1

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

"Invasion Biology"

Can Sheep Save the Planet?

Desertification is a fancy word for land that is turning to desert,” states Allan Savory in his quiet but inspirational form.

"Invasion Biology"

Holistic Management at Work

Holistic management uses a long term planning process that assigns to environmental and social outcomes the same importance as profits.  In addition to being particularly suited to the deserts of far-West Texas, its grazing and wildlife practices will work anywhere in the West.      NOTE: this post was originally published to

Bio-Diversity

Elk in Paradise: Rancher, Ecologist, Hunter

The ancient pathways of elk are the heartbeat of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem—herds shifting with the seasons to sustain the wonder of this place.

"Invasion Biology"

Drought Busters 101 : A 21-Minute Video on Desert Grassland Restoration

“Drought Busters” is an inexpensive, quick, physiologically and economically sustainable method of habitat and wildlife restoration. We call it Drought Busters because it increases effective rainfall by rebuilding soil fertility and the soil’s ability to absorb and store water. This 21-minute video explains Drought Busters, and our experience on

"Invasion Biology"

Attacking Aoudad on Behalf of Bighorn

NOTE: this post was originally published to this site on February 6th, 2017   The Borderlands Research Institute (BRI) and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) say aoudad harm desert mule deer, pronghorn and desert bighorn, and habitat, because they (1) eat plants, (2) drink water and (3) do well. In

"Wolves"

Hunting With the Dark Wolf | Wild Yellowstone

A pack of hungry wolves hunts elk in the middle of Yellowstone’s cold winter.      National Geographic Wild (http://bit.ly/NatGeoWILD) is a place for all things animals and for animal-lovers alike.

"Invasion Biology"

Drought Busters: Restoring Desertified Desert Grasslands

We call the combination of wild animals, planned grazing, water harvesting, and Keyline subsoiling “Drought Busters”. Drought Busters is cheap, fast, poisons no plants, kills no animals, and increases the numbers and diversity of both. Drought Busters can’t make it rain, but it will make actual rain more and

"Wolves"

How Predators and Forest Management Affect Elk Numbers

Elk numbers around Yellowstone Park have declined over recent decades. This is usually blamed on wolves and bears. But according to this video, forest management probably plays a larger role.     NOTE: this post was originally posted to this site on November 2, 2020.

"Invasion Biology"

My Rancher Parents Hate Wolves. I Took Them on a Wolf-Watching Tour in Yellowstone to Change Their Minds

The wolf debate out West is driven in large part by ignorance – on both sides. A morning spent with Wolf Trackers would greatly help the parties to find common ground for compromise.    In order to preserve and restore wildlife and wildlife habitat, we must make these decisions based on giving

Elk

Elk Reduction Hunt in Grand Teton Begins Next Week

“Because predation alone will not control elk numbers, reducing the Teton Park elk herd through hunting is essential to the health of elk populations.   Removing hunting led to overpopulation. This harmed habitat. Huge feeding stations were intended to over-winter surplus elk, but an unintended consequence was that they spread elk

"Invasion Biology"

It Began as a Tool to Save Wild Elk. A Century Later, Feeding Threatens Iconic Herds

Here is a Washington Post article on the CWD threat from elk feeding. The paper says CWD was “identified” 50-years ago. The ‘rest of the story’ is that the  “identification” occurred in a Colorado state experimental station in Ft. Collins: It’s like saying that the corona virus was “identified”

Bio-Diversity

Giving Greater Yellowstone’s Elk More Room to Roam

Quoting the article below, “The more elk that live on private land, the more their populations grow.”   NOTE: this article was originally published to PERC.org on December 6, 2021. It was written by Shawn Regan.   This special edition of PERC Reports uses the hit television show “Yellowstone’s” portrayals

Chronic Wasting Disease

Scientists to Study ‘Walking-Dead’ Deer in Wyoming’s Most CWD-Infected Herd

As reported below, 98% of the animals in one of Wyoming’s deer herds have Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Infection rates like these will soon make Wyoming, Montana and Idaho the national leaders of the epidemic.   Obvious ways to control CWD include stopping practices such as winter feeding that everyone

"Invasion Biology"

The Real-World Conflicts in Yellowstone Can Be Solved by Markets, Not Drama

Media elites ignore the heartland-themed show, and the real issues behind it, at their own peril.

Bio-Diversity

Addressing Brucellosis Will Help Ranchers and Wildlife

Quoting the PROPERTY AND ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH CENTER (PERC) article below, “Because ranchers bear the cost of brucellosis—and the stress of the very real possibility of transmission of the disease—they are understandably reluctant to have elk on their land, which brings wildlife into closer contact with their livestock. As