Inside The TS Ranch: A 156-Year-Old Working Cattle Ranch

Rob Hammer March 23, 2026

TS Ranch: 156 Years of Buckaroo Tradition in the American West

The TS Ranch sits in northeastern Nevada, in the country stretching between Carlin and Battle Mountain—part of the larger Great Basin where cattle ranching has operated on open range for well over a century.

Originally known as the T Lazy S Ranch, the operation has long been tied to the development of both ranching and mining in this part of Nevada. Like many ranches in the region, its history isn’t isolated—it’s connected to the broader story of land use in the West, where cattle operations and resource extraction have overlapped for generations.

The ranch itself is owned by Nevada Gold Mines, but that doesn’t matter much to the cowboys, because they just want to cowboy. Although it does give them plenty of room to roam, as the mines own almost 3 million acres of earth between all of their ranches.

Ranching in the Carlin and Battle Mountain Country

This part of Nevada is defined by distance.

The land is dry, open, and expansive—sagebrush valleys broken by low mountain ranges, with limited water and long seasonal swings. Ranching here has always required movement. Cattle are spread across large allotments, often miles apart, and gathering them means covering serious ground on horseback.

At the TS Ranch, that hasn’t changed.

The work still follows the same patterns established generations ago: long days in the saddle, trailing cattle across open range, managing herds in terrain that offers very little room for error. Efficiency comes from experience, not speed.

From T Lazy S to TS Ranch

The ranch’s earlier identity as the T Lazy S reflects a period when large, independently run cattle operations dominated northern Nevada.

As mining expanded in the Carlin Trend—one of the most significant gold-producing regions in the world—land ownership and management structures began to shift. Ranches like this became part of a broader landscape where livestock production and mining interests coexisted.

Despite those changes, the function of the ranch itself remained consistent.

Cattle still move across the same country. Riders still gather and trail them the same way. The systems in place today are less about ownership on paper and more about what continues to work on the ground.

Photographing TS Ranch

I’ve said this before, but I’m partial to the ranches in Nevada, and love photographing on them. Everything from the buckaroo style, to the nature of the land, colors, and textures is, in my opinion, exceptional. Ranches in this part of the world represent a culture unique in itself, yet still part of the greater cowboy universe. Photographing here means working within the rhythm, not interrupting it.

Nothing is staged. Nothing is slowed down. The work happens whether a camera is present or not.

The photographs come from paying attention to what’s already there—dust hanging in the air during a gather, a rider holding position on a ridge, cattle settling at the end of a long push. Over time, those moments build into a more accurate picture of what ranching in this part of Nevada actually looks like.

I’m grateful to the whole crew for letting me be a small part of their work and look forward to being back on The TS. They are a good bunch of humans with a great chemistry that was fun to take in from the outside.

Part of an Ongoing Western Project

The photographs from TS Ranch are part of a larger body of work focused on working cowboys across the American West.

This project has been developed over years of access to ranches where the work is still done horseback, across open range, and without alteration for the camera. Each image is part of a broader effort to document a way of life that continues largely out of public view.

View the full project

Limited edition prints from this series are available for collectors

View more photographs from another historic Nevada cattle ranch - The C-Punch

Contact me directly for editorial and commercial licensing - rob@robhammerphotography.com

Sunrise over mountains and ranch land at TS Ranch — The first light breaks over the mountains, casting long shadows across the open ranch land.

Cowboys gathering cattle across open high desert landscape at TS Ranch — Buckaroos spread out across the range, slowly gathering cattle as the morning light settles over the high desert.

Group of buckaroos on horseback waiting in cattle pens at TS Ranch — Buckaroos sit mounted in the pens, waiting for the next move as cattle work begins to unfold.

Buckaroo riding horseback across open desert landscape at TS Ranch — A buckaroo rides across the open range at TS Ranch, the high desert stretching out beneath the evening light.

Cowboy roping a calf in the branding pen at TS Ranch — A calf is roped and held steady in the branding pen, a routine part of cattle work that has remained unchanged for generations.

Buckaroo riding through dusty cattle pens at sunrise at TS Ranch — A buckaroo moves through the cattle pens at first light, dust catching the sun as the day’s work begins at TS Ranch.

Close-up of buckaroo hat in early morning light at TS Ranch — A worn hat catches the early light, a quiet detail that reflects the long days and tradition behind the work.

Cowboy pushing cattle through narrow alley in ranch pens at TS Ranch — A buckaroo pushes cattle through the alleyway, guiding the herd forward through the maze of steel pens.

Close-up of horse and western tack in dusty ranch environment at TS Ranch — A close study of horse and gear, where movement and dust soften the edges of the scene.

Buckaroo sorting cattle inside working pens at TS Ranch — A buckaroo counts cattle inside the pens, before they are loaded onto the shipping truck.

Buckaroos holding cattle herd across open range at TS Ranch — Buckaroos hold the herd in place, spacing themselves across the landscape to keep the cattle settled.

Buckaroo holding cattle herd in dusty pasture at TS Ranch — A buckaroo holds position behind the herd, keeping the cattle together as they move through the corrals.

Close-up of horse bridle with silver concho detail at TS Ranch — A close look at the craftsmanship of a working bridle, worn and used daily in the rhythm of ranch work.

Two buckaroos roping cattle in ranch pens at TS Ranch — Two buckaroos rope cattle in the pens, working together to manage the herd with precision and control.

Buckaroos on horseback in cattle pens at sunrise at TS Ranch — Buckaroos sit mounted in the pens at first light, preparing for the day’s work as the ranch comes to life.

Candid portrait of cowboy smiling during ranch work at TS Ranch — A quiet moment between tasks, where conversation and humor break up the rhythm of the day.

Portrait of cowboy in denim jacket and hat at TS Ranch — A quiet portrait of a buckaroo, worn denim and dust marking years of work in the West.

Cowboy roping cattle in dusty ranch pen at TS Ranch — A rope swings through the dust as a buckaroo works cattle in the pens, the movement quick and deliberate.

Cowboy standing and observing cattle work in ranch pens at TS Ranch — A quiet moment on the edge of the pens, where observation is just as important as action.

Close-up of dense cattle herd showing texture and movement at TS Ranch — Packed tightly together, the herd becomes a study of movement, texture, and weight.

Buckaroo riding horseback into cattle herd in morning haze at TS Ranch — A buckaroo moves into the herd through the morning haze, guiding cattle forward as the dust begins to rise.

Buckaroo on horseback holding position as cattle move across open range at TS Ranch — A buckaroo sits steady as cattle drift across the range, holding position while the herd moves past.

Cowboys pushing cattle through dusty pens at TS Ranch — Buckaroos push cattle through the pens, the air thick with dust as the herd moves forward.

Cowboys sorting cattle in dusty ranch pens at TS Ranch — Buckaroos work cattle through the maze of pens, guiding movement through dust and steel.

Three cowboys on horseback working cattle in dusty pens at TS Ranch — Three buckaroos move in sync, guiding cattle through the pens with quiet precision.

Close-up of buckaroo hair braid and hat from behind at TS Ranch — A long braid falls down the back of a denim jacket, a quiet detail rooted in buckaroo tradition.

Cattle herd moving through ranch pens with cowboy on horseback at TS Ranch — Cattle press forward through the pens as a buckaroo guides them from horseback, the air thick with dust.

Interior of livestock trailer with light and shadow at TS Ranch — Light cuts through the slats of a stock trailer, revealing the worn surfaces shaped by years of use.

Cattle herd grouped tightly in ranch pens with cowboy on horseback at TS Ranch — A buckaroo watches over a tight group of cattle, keeping them settled inside the pens.

Two buckaroos standing at fence watching cattle work at TS Ranch — Two buckaroos lean against the fence, watching the work unfold between runs through the pens.

Close-up of cattle faces in herd at TS Ranch — A few heads rise above the herd, each animal alert as dust hangs in the air.

Black and white portrait of smiling cowboy at TS Ranch — A moment of ease breaks through the work as a buckaroo smiles between tasks.

Cowboy roping calf in cattle pens during ranch work at TS Ranch — A buckaroo steps into position, roping a calf as others guide cattle across the pen.

Close-up of horse bridle and bit showing western tack detail at TS Ranch — A close look at the reins and bridle, where craftsmanship and daily use meet.

Group of cowboy portraits showing western clothing and character at TS Ranch — A series of buckaroo portraits, each shaped by the work and traditions of the American West.

C-Punch Ranch - Nevada

Rob Hammer December 12, 2025

C-Punch Ranch, Nevada – Working Cowboys of the Great Basin

The C-Punch Ranch sits deep in the high desert of northern Nevada, a place where the road narrows, cell service disappears, and the landscape stretches out far beyond what most people ever get to see. I’ve photographed a lot of working cowboys across the West over the years, but the C-Punch has a way of staying with you. It’s a ranch of unthinkable size (1.8 million acres), resilient horses, and buckaroo traditions that haven’t been watered down by time or convenience. Everything about it feels rooted in the old ways—not out of nostalgia, but because it’s the only thing that works in a place that big!

This is a photographic look inside one of the Great Basin’s most respected outfits.

A Historic Ranch in the Heart of the Great Basin

The Great Basin is unlike anywhere else in the country. It’s wide, harsh, and rugged in a way that demands a certain type of cowboy—someone who’s as comfortable riding an endless trot as they are roping in big country. The C-Punch Ranch fits squarely into that tradition. It’s one of the longstanding outfits that helped define the buckaroo style: rawhide gear, flashy bits, big loops, Vaquero-influenced horsemanship, and an unwavering focus on stockmanship.

Ranches in this region operate across huge expanses of desert and sagebrush. The land is open, unforgiving, and absolutely beautiful. Cattle graze for miles. Horses cover ground that would break most people. And the cowboys who work here carry forward a culture that remains largely unseen by the outside world.

Photographing at the C-Punch is stepping into that rhythm—into a world where the work is real and the traditions matter.

Photographing Life on the C-Punch Ranch

My time on the ranch always starts before sunrise. The crew saddles in the pale light, horses blowing steam into the morning air. Coffee is hot, conversation is short, and the day begins quickly. Once you ride out onto the range, time moves differently. The distances feel enormous, and the silence is broken only by bawling cows, wind, and wild horses playing in the distance.

I photograph quietly. I don’t stage anything, and I don’t ask people to perform. The work is honest as it is, and the best photographs come from letting the day unfold as it always does.

Some days are spent gathering cattle across rough desert country. Other days are branding days—dust, smoke, ropes, and a kind of controlled chaos that resolves into teamwork. No two days are the same, and that’s the beauty of working ranches like the C-Punch.

Gathering Cattle Across the Nevada Desert

Cattle work in the Great Basin means covering many many many miles—sometimes more before lunch than most people drive in a week. The C-Punch cowboys ride out into sagebrush flats and rocky hillsides, spreading wide across the desert to bring cattle together. Horses work hard out there. Cowboys do too.

The landscape is big enough that you often see a single rider silhouetted against an entire mountain range. Dust hangs low. Light shifts quickly. And the relationships between riders and horses become clear in those long, quiet hours.

These are some of my favorite moments to photograph—honest, solitary, and rooted in the environment.

Branding on the C-Punch – Dust, Smoke, and Traditions That Don’t Change

Branding on the C-Punch is high desert ranching at its most iconic. There’s smoke, dust, noise, and movement from every direction. Cowboys rope calves from horseback. Ground crew works quickly. Horses stand steady in the swirl of dust. It’s a fast, physical kind of work, but everyone knows their place and the flow stays remarkably smooth.

What stands out most is how much horsemanship is involved. Everything is done with a rope, a horse, and practiced timing. It’s the kind of branding that defines buckaroo culture—the kind rarely seen by the general public.

Photographically, it’s a gift: sun slicing through dust, silhouettes in motion, rawhide ropes swinging through the air, and the steam rising off a fresh brand.

Details That Define a Buckaroo Outfit

You can learn a lot about a ranch by looking at the details. The worn bell stirrups marked by years of use, Garcia bits, rough out saddles, flat hats, rawhide reins that have passed through the hands of several cowboys. Spurs shaped by tradition, not fashion.

These details tell the story just as much as the wide landscapes or branding scenes. They show the craftsmanship, the lifestyle, and the individuality of each rider. They’re reminders that buckaroo culture isn’t just about cattle work—it’s about a way of life built over generations.

A Ranch Where Tradition Still Matters

The C-Punch Ranch is one of those rare places where the past and present meet naturally. The work is still done horseback. Young cowboys learn from seasoned hands. Horses are respected. Gear is functional, not decorative. And there is pride—quiet, deep pride—in doing the job well.

In a world moving fast and often in the opposite direction of tradition, the C-Punch remains steady. That’s what makes documenting it so meaningful. It isn’t a reenactment. It isn’t a version cleaned up for guests or cameras. It’s the real thing, practiced every day because it’s how the work gets done.

Related Ranches of the Great Basin

If you’re interested in this story, you may also like my photographs from:

Spanish Ranch, Nevada — One of the most historic cattle ranches in northern Nevada.

Fine Art Prints & Licensing

Images from the C-Punch Ranch are available as fine art prints.
Licensing is also available for editorial, commercial, and documentary projects.

To inquire about prints or licensing, please contact me here - rob@robhammerphotography

Closing Thoughts

Every time I photograph the C-Punch Ranch, I leave with a deeper respect for the cowboys who ride there. The land is tough. The work is tougher. But there’s a sense of pride, purpose, and tradition that you won’t find anywhere else.

The Great Basin is a world unto itself—huge, harsh, and beautiful—and the C-Punch is one of the ranches that keeps its culture alive. My hope is that these photographs help preserve a small piece of that legacy.

CONTACT ROB

Black-and-white clouds and contrails over mountain peaks near the C-Punch Ranch. — Clouds sweep over the mountain peaks that border the C-Punch Ranch, a reminder of the scale and isolation of Nevada’s Great Basin.

Cowboy saddling his horse inside a barn at the C-Punch Ranch in Nevada, preparing for winter ranch work — A quiet moment at the barn as a cowboy saddles his horse before heading out onto the winter range at the C-Punch Ranch.

Experienced cowboy standing beside the cattle chutes at the C-Punch Ranch in Nevada on a cold winter morning. — A cowboy pushes cattle across frozen ground at the C-Punch Ranch, the quiet rhythm of winter work in northern Nevada.

Cowboy on horseback swinging a rope during cattle work at the C-Punch Ranch in Nevada. — A buckaroo swings a loop from horseback during cattle work at the C-Punch Ranch, where roping is still done the traditional Great Basin way.

Miniature metal roping dummy with a small rope draped over it inside the C-Punch Ranch bunkhouse. — A miniature metal roping dummy sits on the bunkhouse table, used by young buckaroos learning the craft at the C-Punch Ranch.

Cowboy on horseback driving cattle in front of mountain range and dramatic clouds in Nevada. — A cowboy drives cattle beneath a sweeping sky at the C-Punch Ranch, framed by the rugged mountains of northern Nevada.

Close-up of a cowboy’s hand gripping chinks during branding at the C-Punch Ranch. — A close look at worn chinks and a working hand during branding at the C-Punch Ranch—details that define the buckaroo tradition.

Cowboy riding alone at dawn with mountain silhouette in the background at the C-Punch Ranch. — A lone rider crosses the valley at dawn as the first light hits the mountains surrounding the C-Punch Ranch.

Cowboy riding through a tight herd of cattle at the C-Punch Ranch in Nevada during winter sorting. — A cowboy threads his horse through a dense herd of cattle at the C-Punch Ranch, checking animals before the day's work begins.

A fleeting glimpse of a saddle horse moving through the corrals during morning work at the C-Punch Ranch.

Distant cowboy on horseback riding across a sunlit hillside in the Great Basin near the C-Punch Ranch. — A distant cowboy rides along a sunlit hillside near the C-Punch Ranch, dwarfed by the scale and shadows of the Great Basin.

Wide view of the high desert and distant mountains near the C-Punch Ranch in northern Nevada — A wide view of the high desert near the C-Punch Ranch in northern Nevada, where sagebrush flats meet distant mountains across the Great Basin.

A close look at the traditional buckaroo gear used at the C-Punch Ranch, from the rawhide reins to the well-worn saddle built for long days on the desert range.

Cowboy riding a horse through the wooden corrals at the C-Punch Ranch in Nevada on a winter morning. — Riding through the corrals at the C-Punch Ranch, a cowboy prepares to move cattle after a cold overnight storm.

Black-and-white photo of an anvil and ropes on the ground at the C-Punch Ranch. — Anvil and ropes at the C-Punch Ranch, showing the worn metal and dust of daily work during branding season.

Cowboy riding a horse inside the round pen at the C-Punch Ranch in Nevada with winter mountains in the background. — A cowboy works a young horse in the round pen at the C-Punch Ranch, a daily part of keeping saddle horses sharp through the winter.

Winter fog covering the Great Basin landscape with the peaks of the Ruby Mountains rising above the clouds. — A thick layer of winter fog settles across the Great Basin near the C-Punch Ranch, leaving only the Ruby Mountains visible above the cloud line.

Cow skull and Western painting hanging on a wood-paneled wall inside the C-Punch Ranch bunkhouse. — A cow skull and weathered Western painting hang on the wood-paneled wall of the C-Punch Ranch bunkhouse—a small glimpse into the everyday life of a historic Nevada outfit.

Cowboy riding along the fence line near the C-Punch Ranch in Nevada with winter sagebrush and mountains. — A cowboy rides the fence line near the C-Punch Ranch, a daily task in the wide-open winter desert of northern Nevada.

Shaggy ranch dog eating scraps beside a horse trailer at the C-Punch Ranch in Nevada — ranch dog sneaks a makeshift lunch beside the horse trailer — a small slice of daily life at the C-Punch.

Two cowboys on horseback at the C-Punch Ranch with snow-covered Nevada mountains in the background. — Cowboys at the C-Punch Ranch pause on horseback as morning light hits the snow-covered mountains of the Great Basin.

Long dirt road stretching across the Great Basin near the C-Punch Ranch with distant mountains. — A dirt road cuts across the Great Basin near the C-Punch Ranch, capturing the vast, quiet space of Nevada’s high desert.

A single rider crosses the open winter range—one of the most iconic sights in the Great Basin buckaroo tradition.

Cowboy climbing the outside of a livestock trailer at the C-Punch Ranch in Nevada. — A cowboy climbs a livestock trailer at the C-Punch Ranch as cattle are prepared for shipping across the winter range.

The hand-painted sign at the entrance to the C-Punch Ranch, marking the start of a long dirt road that winds deep into the sagebrush country of northern Nevada.

Cowboy Photography - American West

Rob Hammer April 21, 2023

Western Cowboy Photography

Photographing cowboys in the American West has been so many adjectives. Just scrolling through images to make this blog post gives me even more appreciation for the work, life, and culture of these people. As of this writing I’ve been lucky to photograph on cattle ranches in Nevada, California, Texas, Arizona, Idaho, and Wyoming. Which has been an education in and of itself, seeing all the differences from region to region. Not sure how long thing has been going on no, but the desire to continue only grows with each ranch visited. Certainly my favorite project to date.

Click here to see more of my cowboy photography and contact me directly to purchase wall art from the American Cowboy series. All of my images are available as prints for your home, office, or commercial space.