Some lessons can’t be taught in a classroom or learned from a textbook. For James Rinehart, Associate Broker and Principal Owner at Mason & Morse Ranch Company, the most valuable education has come from over four decades of living, hunting, and stewarding land in Wyoming’s Medicine Bow Mountains.

The Teacher: Experience
On 68 acres surrounded by National Forest in southeast Wyoming, James and his wife have built more than a home—they’ve cultivated a deep understanding of what it means to truly know a piece of land. It’s here, pursuing mature Bull Elk through mountain terrain, that James learned patience, persistence, and respect for the land that would later define his approach to ranch brokerage.

“Hunting elk here isn’t just about the harvest,” James reflects. “It’s about understanding the land, learning the habits of these magnificent bulls, and honoring the challenge.”

This philosophy—that some things you can’t be told, you have to live them to know them—has become the foundation of James’s 34-year career in ranch real estate.

From Personal Passion to Professional Purpose
James’s passion for Wyoming’s vast lands, hunting, improving wildlife habitat, and land conservation created a natural path to his career in ranch real estate brokerage. But what sets him apart isn’t just his love for the land—it’s his commitment to understanding every detail of the properties he represents.

“I cannot think of another thing I would rather do than be able to show people, usually from outside of Wyoming, the wonderful attributes our state has to offer,” James says. His pride in knowing the intricate details of each property has earned accolades from both sellers and buyers.

Conservation at the Core
James’s personal commitment to wildlife habitat and conservation isn’t just talk—it’s woven throughout his professional work. Over his career, he has been involved in over 85,000 acres of conservation easement-related transactions, helping to place lands under permanent protection while facilitating sales that benefit both buyers and sellers.

His affiliations tell the story of a man committed to preserving Wyoming’s natural heritage:
• Past Board of Directors Member, Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation
• Life Member, Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation
• Life Member, Wild Sheep Foundation
• Life Member and Habitat Partner, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
• Life Member, Arizona Desert Bighorn Sheep Society

Knowledge, Relationships, and Integrity
In James’s own words, success in ranch brokerage is “still about knowledge and relationships, not so much the sales job some firms are trending toward today.” This approach reflects the wisdom gained from matching wits with ten-year-old Bull Elk who’ve survived through experience and awareness—understanding that respect and patience matter more than quick results.

His philosophy is simple but profound: “A bad deal missed is better than a good deal done.” It’s about ensuring that when people around Wyoming talk—and as James notes, “Wyoming is still just a small town with long streets”—his name is associated with honesty, integrity, and a job well done.

A Portfolio That Reflects Purpose
From his base in Laramie, Wyoming, James represents some of the most spectacular ranch properties in the region, from multi-million dollar working cattle operations to intimate mountain retreats. Each property listing reflects his detailed approach: understanding water rights, wildlife patterns, conservation opportunities, and the unique attributes that make Wyoming ranch land special.

His current portfolio includes properties ranging from small mountain retreats to massive working ranches, all showcasing the diversity of Wyoming’s landscape—the same landscape he’s called home for over 40 years.

The Measure of Success
When a seller commends James for his knowledge about their ranch, or when a buyer knows he can answer any question either on the spot or within a day, that’s when the satisfaction of a job well done matters most. It’s the same satisfaction that comes from successfully tracking that wise old bull through the Medicine Bow Mountains—the reward isn’t just in the outcome, but in honoring the process and respecting what you’re pursuing.

As James has learned through four decades in Wyoming’s mountains: some things you can’t be told, you must live it to know it. And in ranch real estate, that lived experience makes all the difference.

About James Rinehart
James Rinehart is an Associate Broker and Principal Owner at Mason & Morse Ranch Company. He holds licenses in Wyoming and Colorado and served on the Advisory Board for First Interstate Bank and the Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation. Currently sitting on the University of Wyoming College of Business Advisory Board.  Visit www.ranchland.com to view more information.