Tennyson Draney
XX Ranch
Wildlife & Conservation
The XX Ranch is immediately adjacent to the Bear Lake Plateau mule deer migration route and both deer and elk frequent the property throughout much of the year. The XX Ranch also provides sage-grouse habitat and borders a portion of the southern Idaho sage-grouse task force conservation area.
The extensive riparian habitat found on the property likely provides brood rearing habitat for sage-grouse, as well as habitat for a myriad of insect, bird, and small mammal species. The north portion of the ranch is identified as sage-grouse core “growth” area by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Goals
Specifically, this project will allow for grazing rotation to be implemented without the construction of physical fencing. If proven a viable tool, physical fencing may be removed from the landscape, thus removing physical barriers for migrating wildlife. The grazing rotation is designed to improve wildlife habitat and remove cattle from waterways during critical times. Overall, this project supports improved rangeland health, water conservation and wildlife habitat.
Ranch
Tennyson Draney, XX Ranch, operates out of Eastern Idaho with 150 head of cattle enrolled in the Virtual Fence Conservation Partnership. If the virtual fence system proves viable, this project will allow for the removal of physical fencing for migrating wildlife. Additionally, this project will allow for the implementation of a grazing rotation designed to support improved rangeland health, riparian condition, and wildlife habitat.
Project Collaborators
Partnership Journal
Partner since March 2026 · 3 entries
March 16, 2026
RCF visited Tennyson Draney to discuss possible monitoring routes. We plan to sample soil on the bale grazed pastures in the fall, monitor riparian condition through photo points, track wildlife movements with game cameras, and houndstongue management needs to be discussed further.
June 9, 2026
RCF collected game camera SD cards after one month of deployment. It is evident that elk traffic is impacting the hay pasture’s fence integrity. Species captured include elk, mule deer, coyote, badger, skunk and a variety of birds including magpie, sandhill crane, turkey vulture, and large raptors.
June 10, 2026
RCF assisted Tennyson Draney in collaring 150 head of heifers and cows on the XX Ranch. Afterward, Tennyson and RCF set up game cameras at sections of fence that wildlife cross and inevitably damage. RCF will monitor the camera content for animal crossings and damage to justify potential fence removal. We also established a photo point for monitoring riparian condition over time and discussed options for houndstongue monitoring and management.