A Helicopter Survey Over a Reborn Wylie Mountains Ranch
By: Ross Studer, Partner
During a recent trip to the Wylie Mountains Ranch, it was remarkable to see the shift from a multi-year drought to a lush & green landscape. In far West Texas, this event represents one of the state’s most astonishing transformations and the resilience of the landscape. While much of Texas has received adequate rainfall following the drought, the heavy isolated monsoon rains have transformed the majority of the West Texas region into one of the greenest areas in the state.
Based on the recent aerial game survey, the wildlife on the ranch is in a healthy and manageable state. The overall body condition of the mule deer was pleasing to the eye and the endless flushing of blue quail coveys was enough to get you fired up for quail season. The recent helicopter survey and ground observations show that the elk population is healthy, though constantly shifting as the herds migrate between the mountains and nearby peanut and alfalfa fields.
The latest aerial game survey confirms that the ranch’s wildlife is healthy and well-managed. The mule deer exhibited pleasing body condition, and the constant flushing of blue quail coveys is exciting news for the upcoming quail season. Furthermore, both the recent helicopter survey and on-the-ground observations indicate a healthy elk population, although the herds are frequently shifting as they move between the mountain range and adjacent peanut and alfalfa fields.
The ranch performed its most recent game survey on October 30, 2025 and while flying conditions started out fantastic, the wind picked up as the day progressed, as it often does. This caused our alpine portion of the survey to move faster than we would have preferred, but we still felt we had a sufficient count and covered the mountain country adequately.
Overall, the wildlife populations are flourishing tanks are full, and the desert flora is popping. Heading into the hunting season, the rangeland and mountain ranges are in prime condition for sustaining healthy wildlife populations.
Please feel free to contact us for more information on the Wylie Mountains Ranch and the recent aerial survey.