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Come Experience the Real West!

Volume I Bonus Issue

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A Cowboy Prayer

Loving Father, help us remember the birth of Jesus,that we may share in the song of the angels,

the gladness of the shepherds and the wisdom of the wise men.Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world.

Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting.Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings,

and teach us to be merry with clean hearts.May the New Year make us happy to be Thy children

and bring us to our beds withgrateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus’ sake. Amen

Christian Cowboy © Amanda Smith - www.countryandwesterncowboy.com

Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894)

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Page 8: Prickly Pair - Musical Flavors of Romance on the Range.

Page 10: Letter to the Editor - Wyoming Snow

Page 12: Bibs and Boots Photo Contest

Page 13: Photo contest winner - Shelley Jacobson

Page 14: Baxter Black - New York Times “most successful living poet.”

Page 20: Ranch Management - Hunting for a Hunting Ranch

Page 25: Cowboy Careerin’ It - Four Legged Ranch Hands - When a whistle is all you need.

Page 30: Hot Springs, Hay & Horses - A Visit to the Herrin Ranch in Thermopolis, WY

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Trailsside

Editor/Publisher - Amanda Smith Photographer - Amanda Smith

Senior Staff Writer - Judi CollingStaff Writer/Senior Publication Representative - Mike Velasquez

Senior Marketing Representative - Brenda StarkStaff Writer and Photographer - Landon Blakeley

Graphics and Layout - Dignified Designs Published by - Dignified Designs - Glenrock, Wyoming

Subscribe online : www.openrangemagazine.comor at www.magazines.com

Or mail the enclosed subscription card to:

Open Range MagazineP.O. Box 1207

Glenrock, Wyo. 82637

Cover Photo “Michael Martin Murphey ” © Amanda SmithInside Cover Photo © 2004 Amanda Smith - www.countryandwesterncowboy.com

Page 6: Recreation in the West - Mounted Shooting - Talk about an equine adventure!

Page 14: Cowboy Poetry - Baxter Black - New York Times “most successful living poet.”

Page 18: Cowboy Sayin’s and Tales - “Old Blue” Acclaimed Author and noted publisher Susan R. Stoltz writes a Christmas story for cowboys.

Page 22: Capturing the West - From Wildlife to Western themesCollectible Art in the Cowboy States. Featured Artist Desert Heat Fine Art Pho-tography- New Mexico Western Fine Art Photographers DeAnna Dimmitt and Rick Meiers create masterpieces from the Wests most beautiful creature - The Wild Horse.

Page 38: Cowboy Cuisine - A bunkhouse roundup of classic and contemporary cowboy cooking! Sponsored by TableMountainVineyards.com.

V e n d o r l o c aT i o n s P a g e 7 : Issues available at locations listed on page 7

or subscribe online:www.openrangemagazine.com

or www.magazines.com

A very heartfelt thank you, as always

to our main ContributorJeff Short

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Recreation in the WestSASS MOUNTED SHOOTING

YOUR NEXT EQUINE ADVENTURE

By: Wildcat Kate – National Spokesperson for SASS Mounted Shooting.

Looking for your next equine adventure? Consid-er mounted shooting. What is SASS Mounted Shoot-ing? Think of a cowboy or cowgirl atop a 1,200 pound horse, six guns a blazing while galloping through a patterned course of fire, and you may get the mental image of a cowboy action mounted shooter.

The Single Action Shoot-ing Society® (SASS®) is an international member-ship organization created to preserve and promote the fast growing sport of Cow-boy Action and Mounted Shooting. We are dedicated to preserving our sacred Second Amendment rights. SASS is responsible for developing rules and regulations, publishes The Cowboy Chronicle®, monthly commu-nication journal of the Single Action Shooting So-ciety, endorses state, regional, and national matches conducted by affiliated clubs, and annually produces END of TRAIL®, the World Championship of Cow-boy Action and Mounted Shooting™. Mounted shooting is a sport that combines elements of old-time Wild West Show exhibition, along with the elements of barrel racing, pole bending, reining, and many other equestrian skills; all done while using two .45 caliber single action revolvers, loaded with 5 rounds each of specially prepared match provided black powder blanks to shoot ten balloon targets set in a special random pattern or Old West type sce-nario called a 'stage'. Typically, a competitor crosses the timing beam at a full gallop and engages the first pattern of five targets. After a shooter fires the fifth shot, he or she returns the empty revolver to a holster and proceeds to the next set of five targets. Mounted shooters are timed through the stage determining raw time plus any penalties incurred; for instance, 5 seconds added to raw time for knocked over barrel, dropped gun, missed target. The contestant with the fastest accu-

mulated time wins a match or competition which is usually com-prised of 4 to 6 stages in one on up to week long events.

To get started in the sport, it is advisable to attend a practice or clinic at a local mounted shooting club. SASS mounted shoot-

ing clubs are growing all over the na-tion and SASS has a dedicated staff to support those clubs who organize and contestants who conduct practices and compete in matches and events across the country. SASS has developed of-ficial rules and guidelines, as well as Safety Course for our sport. There are also mounted shooting videos available through SASS. In this equestrian sport, the mounted shooters of the Single Action Shooting Society take on the use of an alias. Your alias is like a western livestock brand, registered and becomes your trade-mark. Names like 'Nickel Creek Cow-boy', 'Calico Star', and 'Al Sieber, Chief of Scouts', are an example where folks dress the part, act the part and become that person. It is a liberating part of the

experience of stepping back in history and playing cowboys and Indians for real.

Maintaining the Old West look is an important part of Cowboy Mounted Shoot-ing, so we dress the part. We are trying to capture the spirit and the essence of the image of the old-time Westerner or the look of the classic cowboy or cowgirl. In this way, we pay homage to the classic American Western Cul-ture, and our pioneer fore-fathers, yet still have fun. Mounted Shooting con-tinued from page 6

There are Divisions 1-5, Ladies 1-5, Junior, Senior, Cart, Buckaroo, Rifle and

Continued page 28

Photo © Sharon Perkins

Photo © Sharon Perkins

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Short Supply7 - 55 Ranch RoadRolling Hills WY 82637

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Star * k Tack, Feed & GiftsI-25, Exit 160100 Boxelder RoadGlenrock WY 82637

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Musical F lavors of Romance on the Range

When the land called the West was unknown to settlers it had its own anthem, complete with the melody of a meadowlark warble and the soft whoosh of a mountain wind cascading to the foothills and across the backs of roaming buffalo.As more people discovered the treasures hidden in the land west of the Missouri the native song was harmonized with high lonesome vocals and Irish reels of incoming settlers.Over the years what the public has come to know as Country music has transformed itself from the throaty yodels of cattle drovers to tempo thumping honky tonk tunes and later the more rock & roll style Country Music of todayThe cowboy of the Silver Screen era of Western movies has long ago faded away to the glare of Hollywood’s glitter. But still the image of the West is easily equated with the sounds of Roy Rogers, Sons of the Pioneers and Gene Autry. It is said to be a rare treat to find musicians that still hold a deep appreciation for the sounds of those early years and the stories those notes carried with them. There is a following, a true western underground if you will, and Wyoming is home to two of its best.Les and Locke Hamilton – the Prickly Pair – of Dubois, Wyo. have the sounds of the land reverberating deep within in them and are of the fortunate few who have the talent to recreate those sounds for others to enjoy.The “Pair” is both from musically talented families and has spent their lives penning lines, picking chords and playing fiddle. In 1993 their music paths crossed when Locke (pronounced ‘Lockie’) needed someone to accompany her as backup at a cowboy show in Riverton, Wyo. Les just happened to be at the same show and available. The rest of the story is the makings of a great love song.The couple has played many national stages, numerous Cowboy and Western Heritage affairs, but their main ven-ues are the guest ranches and resorts in the region that like to provide their guests with authentic sounds of western, cowboy music at its finest. They have also started a very popular Chuckwagon Dinner show right in their home town of Dubois called the “Circle Up Chuckwagon Dinner Show”.Between 1998 and 2006, Prickly Pair received many award nominations from the Western Music Association & The Academy of Western Artists for Best Group or Duo, Rising Star, Female Performer of the Year, Songwriter of the Year

and Best Instrumentalist.Les is an accomplished fiddle player and Locke is a talented vocalist and songwriter. Still, the ‘Pair’ felt, in recent years, that their sound was missing a certain something. Norman Winter, also from Dubois, has been able to fill that gap, becoming what Les & Locke call ‘the Cactus Chorale’. Norman’s musical talents include stand-up bass, harmony & lead vocalsWhen they entertain, their opening number is generally something that is going to grab the audience’s attention and knock them on their haunches. Often they get the audience participating with the old favorite “Ghost Riders in the Sky” that has the crowd edging their seats with images of red-eyed cattle with brands blazing and hooves of steel descending upon them from a darkened sky. “We are there to enhance their experience in the West and to steep them in cowboy culture,” says Locke, of the song choices they perform. Often they intermix cowboy classics such as “Cool Water” and “Streets of Laredo” with their original songs and provide a wonderful diversity of tune selections. One of their signa-tures is the Celtic music that influenced early cowboy songs & fiddle tunes.Their music is a homespun modern twist on the melodies of the cow punching days of old. The love affair that Locke and Les have with each other and the western way of life is more than evident on the couple’s seven CD recordings. A welcome break from the Country music of today, Prickly Pair offers us a chance to slip back in time and immerse our-selves in the images and flavors of the West through the trio’s rich clear voices & harmonies, brassy sounds of the fiddle, the depths of guitar & stand-up bass & the beloved, nostalgic harmonica.Sidebar: Romance with the RangeIn May 2008, Prickly Pair released their seventh CD entitled Romance with the Range... The album includes three origi-nals tracks from Locke Hamilton along with two songs from former silver screen songwriter Billy Hill and much, much more!You can listen to a sampling of their music online at their website www.thepricklypair.com or call them at (307) 455-3338 for information about booking Prickly Pair & the Cactus Chorale or purchasing CDs. For information about the Circle-Up Chuckwagon Dinner Show in Dubois, Wyo., go to www.circleupchuckwagondinnershow.com

Article by Codi Vallery

Prickly PairRomanced by three: Words, Music and the Land

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~ It is when we stop striving to become who we want to be, that we forget who we have become ~

Les and Locke Hamilton – the Prickly Pair – of Dubois, Wyo., recently added Norman Winter to the musically sounds of the western music group. Photo © Codi Vallery.

Three Horses - Photo © Amanda Smith. For sale at: www.countryandwesterncowboy.com

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Dear Editor,

For a number of years my husband pastored churches in Wyo-ming and Montana with The Church of the Nazarene which meant that we traveled through the two states rather frequently. While living in Lander, Wyoming in the mid 70’s we experi-enced one of the worst winters in years. That spring the court house across the street from our church lost most of it’s huge pine trees with the springs thaws and extremely high winds.

During the years of our residence in Lander, while listening to the radio, an older gentlemen by the name of Mr. Gee, would announce the weather and his beginning statement was al-ways, “It’s a beautiful day in Fremont County”. He was cor-rect in his assessment for rarely was the entire day overcast. My husband and I often commented, “It’s true...somewhere in Fremont County it is a beautiful day.”

Thus “Wyoming Snow” carries forth this observation.

Thank you for considering this writing.

Sincerely,

Norma L. Hyde

WYOMING SNOWBy Norma L. Hyde

Sweeping across the plain brown hills,

Swirling and driving in dastardly chill,

Wind and snow rousting about in confusion.

Driving, it plies the nooks and crannies,

Drifting, sifting. Sifting, drifting.

Leaving crusted crags draped in white,

Skimpy trees as shadows in the night.

Blowing, blowing winds with incessant dominion.

Winter’s sun peeks dim through the racing clouds,

Poking first one finger of light than more,

While winds diminish their whine, bright sunshine begins to recline.

Soft lays the wind, brittle cold embracing.

Dazzling blue sky spreads with fleeting clouds racing,

From horizon to horizon, brilliant sunlight embracing,

As white snows lie with no tracing.

Early Morning Task - © Don Schimmel www.donschimmelphotography.com

There are times when I, as the editor of this magazine, am deeply affected by

our readers submissions. This is one of those times.

Letter to the Editor

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A cowboy is someone who works on a ranch handling cattle and horses. Cowboys are most closely associated with the American West, thanks to art and literature that featured the American cowboy. The exact number of modern cowboys employed is unclear, but it is certainly far fewer than in the heyday of the American West. Cowboys work active-ly on ranches and also com-pete in rodeos to demonstrate their unique skills.

The term “cowboy” has been in use in English since at least the 1700s. In Eng-land, the term was used to refer to a young boy who was responsible for minding livestock. In many cultures, younger members of society are responsible for looking after livestock, because it is a relatively simple task when the livestock do not need to be moved.

The modern sense of the cow-boy arose when cattle raisers started to see the potential for selling their cattle in other parts of the country, where the animals could command higher prices. Cowboys drove cattle across the mas-sive grazing grounds of the West to help rotate pasture as well. Since herding cattle

across long distances requires more skill, the occupation be-gan to be reserved for older and more experienced men.

Cowboys acquired their skills from the Spanish vaqueros, who were skilled at handling cat-tle. The title of vaquero was corrupted by English speak-ers into “buckaroo,” a term still used in some regions of the United States. The skills of a cowboy came to encom-pass herding, cutting, roping, cooking, and veterinary care, as cowboys were often iso-lated from assistance by out-siders. A cowboy who spe-cifically works with horses is known as a wrangler.

Along with the cowboy goes the cow horse, or stock horse. A cow horse should be sturdy, agile, and fast when necessary. Larger, stronger horses are used for roping, so that the horse can hold its own against a large cow or bull. One of the most com-mon breeds of cow horse is the American Quarterhorse, a popular breed throughout the West for working cow-boys and competitions such as rodeos.

Photo “Cattle Guard” © Amanda Smith

The highest badge of honor a person can wear is honesty. 1. Be mindful at all times.Your parents are the best friends you have. Listen to them 2. and obey their instructions. If you want to be respected, you must respect others. 3. Show good manners in every way. Only through hard work and study can you succeed. Don't 4. be lazy. Your good deeds always come to light. So don't boast or 5. be a show off.

If you waste time or money today, you will regret it to-6. morrow. Practice thrift in all ways. Many animals are good and loyal companions. Be friend-7. ly and kind to them. A strong, healthy body is a precious gift. Be neat & 8. clean. Our country's laws are made for your protection. Observe 9. them carefully. Children in many foreign lands are less fortunate than 10. you. Be glad and proud you are an American.

Hopalong Cassidy's "Creed for American Cowboys and Cowgirls"

The Cowboy

www.countryandwesterncowboy.com

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Bibs and Boots Bonus Issue Winner for The Open Range Bibs and Boots Photo contest: © Shelley Jacobson of A Flash ‘n Time Photography out of Harrisburg, SD.

Congratulations Shelley!

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Cowboy Poetry

Baxter Black Baxter Black, described by the New York Times as '…prob-ably the nation's most successful living poet,"…thinks it's an exaggeration.

This former large animal veterinarian can be followed na-tionwide through his column, National Public Radio, public appearances, television and also through his books, cd's, vid-eos and commercial radio. Baxter lives in Benson, Arizona, between the Gila River and the Gila monster, the Mexican border and the Border Patrol and between the horse and the cow---where the action is.

He still doesn't own a television or a cell phone, and his idea of a modern convenience is Velcro chaps.Everything about Baxter is cowboy; his cartoonish mustache, his personality and his poetry. He makes a living shining a spotlight on the flaws and foibles of everyday cowboy life. He demonstrates that it is the truth in his humor that makes it funny.

So, in a nut shell (where some believe he may have evolved) there is considerably more to Baxter than just an entertainer. He is the real thing. Because, as he says, "It's hard to be what you aren't."

A story not unlike The Buckskin Mare was passed down as true, although the characters and location were of my choosing. A cowboy became obsessed with capturing an elusive wild horse. Unable to rope her, in his madness and frustration, he shot her. He was ostra-cized by his fellow cowboys and drifted off. Strangely enough, had he captured her 'fair and square', brought her in and shot her on Main Street, his story would have ended differently. His crime, which con-cerned itself less with legal text and more with 'doin' the right thing' is as real today as it was then. It's all part of the Code of the West.

He was every burnt out cowboy that I'd seen a million times With dead man penny eyes, like tarnished brass,

That reflected accusations of his critics and his crimes And drowned them in the bottom of a glass.

"He's a victim," said the barkeep, "Of a tragic circumstance.

Down deep inside him, bad luck broke an egg. Now his long time compañeros and his sagebrush confidants

All treat him like a man who's got the plague."

He was damn sure death warmed over, human dust upon the shelf, Though Grasmere ain't the center of the earth

He appeared like he'd be lonesome at a party for himself, So low was his opinion of his worth.

"Pour me two, and make'm doubles." Then I slid on down the bar And rested at the corner of his cage.

I had judged him nearly sixty when I saw him from afar But eye to eye, I'd overshot his age.

'Cause it wasn't time that changed him, I could see that now up close,

Baxter Black, a man of extreme talent. Photo © Kevin Martini FullerThe Buckskin Mare

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Pure hell had cut those tracks across his face. His shaking hand picked up the drink, then he gestured grandiose,

"This buys you chapter one of my disgrace.

It was twenty years, September, that I first laid eyes on her, Not far from where this story's bein' told.

She was pretty, in an awkward way, though most would not concur,

A buckskin filly, comin' two years old.

We were runnin' wild horses on the Blackstone range that day. We found'em on the flats right after dawn.

There was me and Tom and Ziggy, plus some guys from Diamond A.

They caught our scent and then the race was on!

We hit'em like a hurricane and we pressed'em to the east A'crowdin'em against the canyon rim

'Til the fear of God was boilin' in the belly of the beast And chance of their escape was lookin' dim.

We all held the bunch together and we matched'em stride for stride.

I took the flank so none of them would stray. Then I saw that buckskin filly take a trail down the side,

I rode on by and let her get away.

'No big deal,' I told my cronies, as we later reminisced And celebrated with a glass of beer, She would'a made poor chicken feed, so I'm sorta glad I missed. I'll get her when we crack'em out next year.

Shor'enuf, next fall we found'em up on California Crick. The buckskin mare was still amongst the pack. I had made a little wager and I aimed to make it stick, Whoever roped her pocketed the jack.

We lined'em out and built our loops. then ignoring protocol, That mare changed course and never missed a beat! She took dang near the entire bunch when she climbed the canyon wall And left us empty handed at her feet.

In the several years that followed she eluded each attempt To capture her, in fact, she seemed amused, And her reputation deepened, as no doubt, did her contempt For us, the bumbling cowboys she abused.

The legend of the buckskin mare, which to me, was overblown, Was bunkhouse, barroom gossip everywhere. She achieved a kinda stature, way beyond mere flesh and bone, And stories of her deeds would raise your hair.

Some attributed her prowess to a freak in Nature's Law. Still others said she was the devil's spawn. So the incident that happened at the top of Sheepshead Draw Served notice hell's account was overdrawn.

'Cause upon that fateful gather there was one foolhardy dope, A greenhorn kid who didn't have a care But susceptible to eggin' and right handy with a rope So, 'course, we pumped him up about the mare.

He was lathered up and tickin' like an ol' two dollar watch When we spotted the object of the game. Though we wanted other horses, each one ached to carve his notch On the buckskin mare, Bruneau Canyon's fame.

They were down amongst the willers by a muddy water hole. The kid went first. He had her in his sights And halfway up the other side where the slick rock takes it's toll He caught that buckskin legend dead to rights!

He was screamin' bloody murder as she clawed her way uphill! He pitched the slack and pulled his horse up hard! She was jerked around and faced the kid, and friend, if looks could kill I'd have folded before she played her card.

But the kid began descending with his back turned toward the mare He planned to choke her down, I won't deny, But she jumped from high above him, like a bird takes to the air, She looked for all the world like she could fly.

Time was frozen for an instant as she leaped out into space, A piece from some unholy carousel And I stared, slack jawed and helpless, in the morbid scene's embrace, Oddly peaceful, until the hammer fell.

She came down like fallin' timber! Like a screamin' mortar shell And scattered terra firma in her wake! She lit runnin' off his wrong side like a thoroughbred gazelle! That nylon rope was hissin' like a snake!

Continued page 16

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It flipped behind the kid's own horse. Laid the trip as sweet as pie. She thundered by him takin' up the slack! The rope drew tight around his hocks, then she shifted into high And jerked that horse right over on his back!

'Course the kid fell backwards with him. In my heart I knew his fate. His soul was headed for the great beyond. She was draggin' horse and rider like a bundle of deadweight When Clay rode in and cut the fatal bond.

She escaped. That goes unspoken, toward the seeding to the west. To our dismay the kid had breathed his last. She had spread his brains all over, but ol' Maxie said it best, 'That's what ya' get fer tyin' hard and fast.'

The years creaked by like achin' joints. Driftin' cowboys came and went. The buckskin mare, she held her own and stayed. She became a constant rumor and engendered discontent Among the bucks whose reps had not been made.

But to me she was an omen. Like a black cat on the prowl. I had no admiration for her kind. She began to stalk my nightmares, an obsession loud and foul Only drinkin' would get her off my mind.

There were still a few ol' timers like Jess and Dale, Chuck and Al, Who spoke of her as one without a fault. They bragged her up, which didn't do a thing for my morale 'Cause I'd begun to dread each new assault.

But I went, like I did always, when they organized last year. We met at Simplot's Sheep Crick winter camp Then headed east toward J P Point, it was sunny, warm and clear But I was cold. My bones were feelin' damp.

It was gettin' close to lunch time when we finally cut their track And found'em at the Bruneau Canyon's verge. We rode in like mad Apaches! I was leadin' the attack! The first to see us comin' was the scourge,

The scourge of all my sleepless nights. The bogeyman in my dreams. I told myself, this run would be her last. She ducked across my horse's nose, to draw me out, it seems. I followed suit and then the die was cast.

She went straight for Bruneau Canyon, made a B-line for the edge.

My head was ringin' with her siren's song Then she hesitated briefly, sorta hung there on the ledge Like she was darin' me to come along.

Then she wheeled, without a 'by yer leave' and disappeared from view. I reached the precipice and never slowed! I could hear the boys' shoutin' but by then I think they knew I was rabid and ready to explode!

We landed like an avalanche, my horse, a livin' landslide! I'll never know just how he kept his feet. My boot hooked on a buckbrush limb and whipped me like a riptide, And in the crash, I damn near lost my seat!

But I kept the spurs dug in him as I held the mare in sight. Varmints skittered, as down the side we tore! There were boulders big as boxcars, rocks who'd never lost a fight, That stepped aside to watch this private war.

Then the cunning crowbait got me! She came up to this ravine And jumped it! Looked to me like just for show. But I reined up hard and halted. There was twenty feet between My horse's hooves and sure death down below.

But no horse, no fleabag mustang, was a match for my resolve. I drove the steel in my pony's hide 'Til he leaped above the chasm! I could feel his fear dissolve As we sailed, soaring, flaunting suicide!

An eternity of seconds that concluded in a wreck The likes of which you've never seen before. Nearly cleared the far embankment, got his front feet on the deck And pawed like someone swimmin' for the shore!

Then he shook one final shudder and went limp between my knees. I scrambled off him, prayin' not to fall. He'd impaled himself upon a rock and died without a wheeze, His guts a'stringin' down the crevice wall.

Then his carcass started saggin', slippin' off the bloody skewer. I lunged to save my rifle from the slide! My revenge was all that mattered, a disease that had no cure Save the stretchin' of one ol' buckskin's hide.

I stood up and tried to spot her but my head was feelin' light, I knew she might be hidin' anyplace.

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Then I heard some pebbles clatter up above and to my right And there she waited...laughing in my face.

She was standin' like a statue and was backlit by the sun. I shook so hard coins rattled in my jeans. I could feel my heartbeat poundin' like the recoil of a gun. My rowels were janglin' tunes like tambourines.

As I raised the shakin' rifle, bugs were crawlin' in my veins. I levered in a shell for her demise. A thirty-thirty center fire, one hundred and fifty grains, And shot'er dead...right between the eyes.

You could hear that gunshot echo all the way to Mountain Home. The rolling boom just seemed to stay and stay And it drummed its disapproval like a dying metronome,

A requiem that haunts me to this day.

I climbed out of Bruneau Canyon with my saddle and my gear. A grizzly greeting filled me with despair. See, my so-called friends left me to rot. The reason why, was clear. They'd staked a cross...in honor of the mare.

The rest, well, you can figger out. But my Daddy always said, 'You gotta play the hand that you been dealt.' I done made that sow a martyr and I wish that I was dead, Because, my friend, I know how Judas felt."

© Baxter Black This poem may not be reprinted or reposted without the author's written permission.

Baxter Black - “Arizona Sky” - Photo © Coyote Cowboy Company

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real life stories the way the cowboys tell themCowboy Sayin’s & Tales

Old Blue - By Susan R. Stoltz

The horse struggled, hooves flailing, breath roaring, nostrils flared. The sound of his head hitting the ground was more than Jake could stand. Again the horse tried to get his feet underneath him, but the snow was too deep, and the glare ice beneath allowed no purchase. Covered with white foam he was sweating despite the wind and snow. He’d gone over sideways twice, landing hard, legs churning in the air and the driving snow. Jake shook his head and tried once again. He pulled on the rope around the horse’s neck, and tried to get a foothold but even with the deep snow he went down on the ice. Skye barked in the high pitched panicky way he did when he knew something was very wrong. Nipping at Blue’s heels he dodged out of the way. “I shouldn’t have brought him,” Jake swore under his breath. “I knew he was too old. I should have ridden that damned stud colt. Sentimental old fool. Our ride up here may be our last one.” A tree heavy with snow had fallen across the fence-line. They’d come to repair it and bring the cows back into the lower pasture.

He let Blue rest a bit, but knew the cold and the wind would take its toll on the damp and tired old horse. They had been together a long time. Twenty-two years. The first two years Blue had taken every opportunity to toss Jake from his back. The same had held true this last year. The difference being that now it wasn’t purposeful. Blue seemed to trip more often, weary easily and have a general disinterest in work. Jake stepped in and stroked the horse’s neck. With slow and purposeful movement he loosened the font cinch on the worn western saddle and unbuckled the flank billet. Last thing he needed was for the horse to get a foot caught up in a stirrup. Better the saddle came off during the struggle.

“Best horse I ever owned. Dammit Blue! Get on up now.” He pulled the rope, hollered at the horse again, Skye yipping from behind. “Please Blue, get up now boy, come on, one more try.” Jake walked around and pulled him by the tail. The horse didn’t budge.Sides heaving with effort, Blue just lay there. Nothing to do but let him rest. Jake took off his duster and covered the horse as best he could. He brushed the snow from Blues ears and stroked his white blaze.

Skye sat and looked at him expectantly with a cow-dog sort of eagerness. At least the cattle were down in the draw and it

would be easy to push them on home from here. If he could only get Blue up the dog would do most of the work.

Jake looked down the draw and could just see the colored Christmas lights on the ranch house porch. He and Marilee had bought this spread nearly forty years ago. Marilee had been one of those fancy English riders whose horse could jump great heights but went completely berserk at the sight of an elk. It didn’t take her long to learn to love these mountains. The Ruby Valley of Montana was one of the most spectacular places on earth. He bought her a little quarter horse and soon she knew every valley, hillside and mountain path on their four thousand acres. He was supposed to be home by now. Their grandchildren were coming to spend Christmas Eve. Putting up the Christmas tree and decorating the ranch house had been their project all week. He turned back to Blue.

“OK old fella,” he said as he patted him once again. “Let’s get you up and out of here.” His voice was loud with resolve in the silent wilderness. He broke a limb off the nearby conifer and wincing, hit Blue hard. He’d never whipped the horse before and it took them both by surprise. Blue struggled again and Jake struck him a second time. Sky started to silently circle them both. Front legs found a grip and the horse briefly grappled with success, but his hind legs thrashed out behind him and down he went again. As he hit the ice the wind came out of him with a squeal. The exertion was too much for the old horse.

Jake swore, stood back and let him be. Cold, he turned and gazed down the valley. A small figure on horseback was coming up the draw. It was Marilee. Skye bounded forward through the snow barking recognition. Jake had never been so glad to see her.

Dismounting into the deep snow she looked over the situation. Without a word they started working together. She looped her rope around the horse’s front legs and handed it to Jake. He mounted her horse and wrapped his end around the saddle horn. They slowly started to drag the horse forward in the hope that he would find ground that wasn’t so slick under all that snow. Four feet, six feet and they stopped. Marilee un-wrapped the stiff rope from the old steed’s front legs. He was bloody but she didn’t think there were any broken bones.

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Photo © David Stoecklein

She took the switch and whipped Blue hard. “Get up there Blue, get up!” she hollered. “Come on boy, get up!” She took the rope around his neck and handed it to Jake. “Skye, get em up!” The dog worried the horse relentlessly barking and snipping. Jake backed slowly to put tension in the rope but not enough to pitch him forward. Blue started to thrash, found a foothold and with a low groan was able to rise.

They both checked him over. Nothing broken but they knew the walk home would be a long and cold one. She put her arms around Jake. No “I told you so” was needed. She’d never been one for harsh words. She knew his own self-sufficiency, his independence and fear of age was all wrapped up in this horse. Marilee mounted. “Come back for

the saddle in the morning. I’ll bring in the herd, you walk him back. The kids will be here soon.” She whistled for Skye and made her way down the draw.Jake stood watching her as he had so many times in their years together. For the first time he noticed that she traveled more slowly, took fewer chances, picked her way more carefully than in the past. She had grown old more gracefully than he. How did age creep up on them?

He turned his attention to Blue. “Let’s go boy. They’ll be waiting for us at the house. Looks like you’ll need a few bandages and some rest, but then you’ll be good as new. It’s your Christmas fella. Painful, cold, and bloody but yours all the same.” He stroked the horse gently. “Good as new old

2020

Ranch Management Hunting for a Hunting Ranch

Photo © Amanda Smith

HUNTING FOR A HUNTING RANCH

Background

As excitement mounts in anticipation of the upcoming hunting season, many gamesmen are in search of the perfect place to find their game of choice. For many, hunting – whether with weapon or lens – provides a level of excitement unmatched by other sports. The primal challenge and thrill of getting within range of bow, gun or camera is derived from the essential drive of all species to hunt for food. It is for this reason that the presence of game species on a ranch creates intrinsic value that will endure forever.

A prime elk-hunting ranch is one of the best long-term real estate investments one can make in the Rocky Mountain West. The major trend that we have seen over the years is that of all the

“huntable” species available throughout our region, the Rocky Mountain elk and the ranches that provide habitat for them, are the most sought after. Other species, such as deer and antelope, are smaller in stature and more common. Ranches and farms that provide upland bird and waterfowl habitat are also sought after but are generally located in areas well removed from the scenic high mountains. It is also possible to manipulate land to provide bird and waterfowl hunting, whereas elk habitat is more difficult to “manufacture”.

Ranch Search Approaches

There are two basic approaches and one “sleeper” approach to take in searching for a ranch that will provide significant elk hunting opportunities. The first is to look for key pieces of land that control access to larger blocks of public land. There are two important considerations in searching for this type of property. One is to leverage a relatively small deeded base by expanding one’s hunting territory into adjacent public areas that, because of topography or road patterns, are not readily accessible to the public.

The second consideration comes into play when the key piece of land becomes a refuge for elk that are aggressively hunted on nearby public lands. Elk hunting on these ranches can be productive due to the hunting pressure on the public areas that drives the animals into the ranches that receive less hunting activity.

The third, and generally more costly approach, would be to buy a substantial acreage that preferably adjoins public lands but that has enough habitat to provide a home for the critical part of the season for its own elk herd. Since elk do tend to migrate when allowed to do so, this approach usually requires a large land holding. Northern New Mexico, with its old Spanish land grants, and Oregon, which joins New Mexico in offering numbers of land owner permits, are the best but certainly not the only locations for this approach. It is still possible to buy large tracts of land in areas where elk are numerous in these states.

The “sleeper” approach is based on the fact that elk populations are expanding into areas that have not before had any elk to speak of and, certainly not “huntable” populations. These are primarily areas that have good tree cover and are located well east of the Rocky Mountain chain in Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado. These are areas that elk traditionally populated before they were pushed into the mountains by the western expansion of farming and ranching activity. Land in these areas can be bought in large quantities at relatively modest prices per acre. We have seen land priced in the $200 per acre range that supports modest elk

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Photo © Amanda Smith

populations. These populations will almost certainly continue to grow and there is potential for a well-positioned ranch to jump in value as the resident elk herd grows.

The problem in these “sleeper” areas is that the states are trying to grow the elk numbers in those areas and, as a result, very limited hunting is allowed. Archery hunters are usually exceptions from permit restrictions. Consequently, for a bow hunter, or for those who prefer to hunt with a camera, this is a very viable alternative. Another benefit is that these areas tend to be privately owned and so an enlightened group of private landowners can sometimes manage their wildlife to their mutual benefit.

Regulatory Environment

Since the free roaming elk herds belong to the public, the first issue that a prospective hunter must deal with is the pertinent state fish and game regulations. Following is a highly simplified version of what several western states offer to the non-resident owner of a significant parcel of elk habitat:

Idaho – A non-resident owner of 640 acres of habitat has a preference for a tag for each species. This can be either in the hunting district in which he or she owns land, assuming it is an area subject to a lottery draw, or in one of the general hunting areas. An owner of 5,000 acres or more has a preference for two tags for each species.

Montana – Non-resident owners of elk habitat in Montana receive no preference and must draw with other non-resident hunters for available tags. If one is successful in drawing a non-resident tag, an owner of 640 acres of elk habitat is eligible for a landowner preference in the area in which the ranch is located. At extra expense, non-residents may apply for a tag through a licensed outfitter, which increases their odds of securing an elk tag every year. It should be noted that Montana generally has long hunting seasons.

Wyoming – Normally, Wyoming will provide two resident or non-resident landowner tags for elk provided that there is documented elk habitat on the property.

Colorado – Colorado offers unlimited elk licenses to residents and non-residents alike. They also have a special program for owners of over 12,000 acres. This program allows a set number of animals to be taken from the ranch during the entire fall as long as, during a specified period, a small percentage is offered to the public. The prescribed hunting seasons in Colorado tend to be relatively short.

New Mexico – In most districts in New Mexico, landowners are given a set number of permits for their ranch to be used as they see fit. Some districts are set aside for primitive arms and archery and they are considered to be self-regulating.

Oregon – Oregon is a state where the number of tags available to

a landowner is based on the size of the ranch. Of these available tags, a certain number are transferable to non-landowners. In addition, tags are available through Oregon’s outfitter program, which is supervised by the Oregon Marine Board.

Obviously, this is an oversimplified treatment of the situation and these regulations change from year to year. On balance, if number of tags is a priority, Oregon and New Mexico are the most desirable places for an elk hunter to own an elk-hunting ranch. It should be noted, however, that the premium carried by prime elk habitat seems to be pretty much the same throughout the region – most likely due to the fact that most owners seem to be more interested in seeing the animals than they are in hunting them.

With regard to licensed game farms, in almost every case these are contrived situations whose value is more tied to their income stream and to State regulations that are subject to change, than to intrinsic qualities that will stand the test of time. Wyoming, for example, outlawed game ranching in the 1970’s and Montana essentially did the same two years ago. Free roaming elk are a main attractant in the western states and this phenomenon has been the basis for the extraordinary success of organizations such as the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

Summary

It can be said that the pursuit of wild game has been a part of human existence since the beginning of our species. The elusive Wapiti (the Native American name for elk) is the ultimate prey in the Rocky Mountain West. When one talks about land that has intrinsic values that will endure and appreciate over time, ranches that offer their owners an opportunity to pursue these beautiful animals should be at the very top of the list.

For more information on buying, selling, financing, or managing a hunting ranch, contact Hall and Hall at 406-656-7500,or visit www.hallhall.com.

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Western Art, From the heart of the real westCapturing The West

Dry Heat Photography

ARTIST: DeAnna Dimmitt

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You have wandered to this place. For miles around, for as far as the eye can see there is nothing but the wild sea of grass and sage brush stopping only where the sky meets the Earth. The land remains forever unchanged. All time becomes the present. You have wandered to this place where people and things have been left behind, discarded and forgotten, yet the ghosts remain.

DeAnna Demitt - Rick Meiers

I found myself among them, deeply imbedded in the landscape. Relics of the past continue in their existence - still and silent - laying waste in the sun, undisturbed in a long decline.

-DeAnna Dimmitt

I find there is great peace in the desert. The sun and the soli-tude sustain my creativity. It's inspiring to see things undis-turbed, to witness what time and the elements have done. I want to share that peace and inspiration with others.

-Rick Meiers

“I wish we could say that we were on horseback when photographing these magnificient animals, but generally we head out on foot, often times walking many miles. Photograph-ing wild horses usually re-quires a good bit of driv-ing and then a good bit of walking - if we’re lucky,

we find horses. I think the following profile gives a good description of the why and the how and of the spiritual nature of what we do.”

Fine Art ProfileDeAnna Dimmitt and Rick Meiers have long been highly sought after wedding photographers in Albuquerque, NM. Publicly, they can be seen every weekend mixing it up with a different family - in the center of a life changing celebration, completely absorbed in the swirling action, the vibrant color of emotion, and the inner beauty of delightful joy.

What is not readily obvious is that neither of them began their photography careers with the intention of shooting weddings. Photography began as an expression for their in-ner voices. Whether they’re revisiting the ruins of Route 66 in search of a ghost or two, making eye contact with a wolf, or communing with wild horses, photography is their highly personal art form and their methods are applied in all as-pects of what they do. While the wedding business remains strong, and at the center of daily life, the tide is beginning to come full circle as a unique body of fine western art work has emerged, focusing on the original intent and the visual soul food of these artists.

The project is Dry Heat Photography. In the midst of urban sprawl and electronic noise there are still places that remain silent, those places that are inhab-ited by wild creatures and ghosts of the past. The collective Dry Heat works reveals a sensi-tivity to what lies be-neath the surface and an ability to initiate a dialog with the viewer. DeAnna and Rick use their photography as a vehicle, not just to document that they were some where but to convey the presence that still remains in that place.

New Mexico, The Land Of Enchantment, commands a strong hold on the minds and souls of many and is a strong draw to tourists from around the world. The objective of Dry Heat Photography is to provide a new level of understanding and appreciation for the land, culture, and creatures of this beau-tiful place and to provide natives and visitors alike a window down the roads less traveled.

DeAnna and Rick are regular visitors at the New Mexico Horse Project near Escondida, NM. These places exist only to provide a safe haven for their inhabitants and to raise public awareness to the plight of these animals. Therefore, a percentage of the proceeds arising from the sales of any horse photograph is donated back to the sanctuary where the image was created. Continued page 24

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ARTIST: Rick Meiers

ARTIST: DeAnna Dimmitt

Submitted by DeAnna Dimmit, Edited by Amanda Smith - Editor, Open Range Magazine

“The best part of our job is that it’s not a job. Our work is our life and we love what we do. A career is built one day at a time and it’s all the days of making phone calls, answering emails and meeting with clients that lead up to the great moments behind the camera. Every day matters. We think it is important to remain mind-ful of one’s circle of influence and to remember that every image going out the door with the name Dry Heat Photography on it takes on a life of it’s own, acting as an ambassador for our studio. We have carved a dis-tinctive niche for ourselves in the Albuquerque Fine Art scene. Markedly diverse from the mainstream, we offer our clientele a unique experience based on creative vi-sion and inspiration.”

Dry Heat Photography is an all consuming endeavor, a passion project, and a full time occupation. DeAnna and Rick measure success not in status or fortune but by to what degree their work brings happiness to their clients and to themselves. In this day and age where “shooting from the heart” is less and less understood, it is clear that these two Western Photographic Artists have not forgotten the feeling that encompasses the soul, when the heart tells the mind to depress the shutter.

The Dry Heat Photography Gallery and Studio is located in Corrales, NM.

To view the complete Dry Heat portfolio please visit us on the web:

www.dryheatphotography.com

Dry Heat continued from page 23

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Cowboy “Careering It” Four Legged Ranch Hands

By Codi Vallery

As the median age of the iconic America rancher slowly climbs and skilled labor force is lured by big money into other industries, we are left to contemplate who will pick up the remaining slack needed to help accomplish day-to-day ranching tasks.Timber Lake, South Dakota’s Pete Carmichael says all the help you need might just be furry and four-legged. Carmichael and his wife Ann have always had a family ranch dog, but not until the last 18 years have they raised and trained Border Collie dogs with the solo rancher in mind.With the help of Bud Boudreax of Red Owl, S.D., Carmi-

chael learned to read his dog’s abilities, natural tendencies and how to become a better handler. He also got hooked on the sport of cattle dog trials.A cattleman first, Carmichael and his family raised registered Limousin cattle up until the mid 1990s. Lookout Limousin Ranch was a common name in the show arena and numerous championship titles were received for their cattle, including national honors from the Denver Stock Show.With fewer children left in the area to help on the family ranch, Carmichael exited the cattle business and now rais-es sheep to support his “habit” of training dogs. The cattle awards that hang on the Carmichael’s porch wall are now joined by cattle dog championship titles.

When a whistle is all you need

Pete Carmichael, Timber Lake, SD, is a noted cattleman and dog trainer who believes a working ranch dog is as priceless as a good ranch hand. Photo © Codi Vallery

Continued page 26

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Cowboy “Careering It” continued from page 25 Carmichael’s dog, named Hooker, was the National Open Reserve Cattledog Champion in 2004 and also the Reserve All-Around Stockdog Champion that year at the United States Border Collie Handler’s Association trials. Since then has placed in the top 15 for the last several years with dogs Liz and Nap.Each year he travels to the National Western Stock Show, the national cattledog trials and the Black Hills Stock Show to compete. In addition he travels to a few shows a summer as a judge.Through his years of participating and judging, Carmichael has seen what tasks can truly be accomplished with a dog at side. Because of it, he has become a strong promoter of working cattle dogs and holds a workshop every fall.“Cattle dogs are becoming more popular because getting quality help is harder,” says Carmichael. “Everyone in the livestock industry owes it to themselves to get a working stockdog to help on the ranch.”During his workshop he teaches others how to use and train their working ranch dogs. He says dogs already instinctively know the “what” they just need someone to tell them the ap-propriate “when” and “where”.With his shepherd’s whistle Carmichael can aptly maneuver

is border collies around a herd of cattle or sheep and move them where needed with a few breathes and a hand signal or too – a cheap labor replacement by anyone’s standards.

In working ranch dogs, visual, verbal voice commands and whistles can all be used. The standard “come by” means for the dog to circle clockwise and “away to me” means counter clockwise.Dogs have a natural balance point and will keep their han-dler and the livestock they are working centered on it. A shift of your feet means a shift in theirs.At all times Carmichael has a kennel full of border collies in all stages of training. He also has 1-2 litters a year and sells puppies to those who can truly use a working ranch dog and will provide the proper training.His advice when picking a puppy from a litter is to just sit back and let the puppy pick you. “The best dogs are generally the ones that are in the middle of the pack,” says Carmichael. “Meaning it isn’t the overly aggressive puppy or the shy one hiding in the corner.”Dogs are much like horses, according to Carmichael and only light training should be conducted before they are a year old. At 12-15 months the dogs can begin to work steadily with livestock and at four to five years they should be deemed “cured” and at the same status of a well-broke four-year-old horse.“When they are puppies you have to let them play a little.

Let them get a little dirty in the corrals and get a little hair and wool between their teeth,” says Carmichael.Having a dog that listens and makes your workload easier is the goal Carmichael strives for with his dogs and through his workshop.“I enjoy helping ranchers get young dogs started be-cause I know how valuable they can be,” says Carmi-chael. For more about Carmichael Border Collies and their next workshop date visit them online at www.carmi-chaelbordercollies.com.About the writer: Codi Val-lery is a freelance writer who lives and works in

western South Dakota. She is a lover of all things western and is proud to be involved in her family’s five-generation ranching operation.

“Fly” working a herd of sheep. Photo © Codi Vallery

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Tips for Working Ranch Dog OwnersA great dog is often born with excellent instincts but Carmi-chael says the environment and handling a dog receives can hinder or enhance those talents. Here are Carmichael’s tips for those looking to own a working ranch dog.1. Take the dog everywhere. Make its day more than routine and it will be a well-rounded dog able to handle various situ-ations.2. Socialization is key. The more human and animal interac-tion a dog can receive the better off. Kids are great for pup-pies, says Carmichael because they are always handling and

playing with them.3. Put the dog up. It goes against many a heart, but Carmi-chael says a quality herding dog on the loose will inevitably get itself into trouble. Great dogs are best kept on a chain or in a kennel when not working.4. Don’t begin hard training until 12 – 15 months. Carmi-chael suggests teaching basic obedience at an earlier age, but livestock handling should begin no earlier than 9 months.5. Ask don’t tell. Learning to speak to your dog rather than yelling commands makes all the difference, according to Carmichael. “If you yell, you can soon become a white noise to your dog.”

Border Collies are a natural herding animal. Here, Liz, shows her capabilities as a ranch hand as she herds a few head of cattle that need to be placed back in a pen. Photo © Codi Vallery

Continued from page 6

Shotgun Classes in SASS Mounted Shooting. Each competitor enters the sport at the Division 1 level and moves on up through the levels as experience, competence and skill are achieved and wins are ac-cumulated at qualifying events. As with all sports sanctioned by the Single Action Shooting Society safety is First, Last and Always! SASS Mounted Range Officer Basic Safety Courses and the SASS Mounted Rule have been developed to provide rules and guidelines for the equestrian sport of SASS Mounted Shooting.

We have recently introduced a rifle and shotgun class whereby the first 5 targets are engaged with a pistol and the second 5 in a straight line with either the rifle or the shotgun depending on the parameters of the match. Experienced mounted shooters enjoy this dimension of our sport.

Can young kids enjoy this sport? You bet. Kids under the age of 12 ride the course in a Buckaroo Class and ride the same pattern that the grown-ups do. They may shoot Hollywood cap pistols if they want to, engaging each target as if they were shoot-ing real blanks. The young kids can also be led

through the course by an adult. Some of the best mounted shoot-ers in the sport today started out as Buckaroos or Junior mounted shooters.

Mounted Shooting is open to all SASS members and all breeds of equine animals. We acclimate the horse to gunfire and balloons separately using a herd method. Again, we have videos available that demonstrate mounted shooting and training skills. Mounted shooting is a fantastic family fun sport and serves to keep the Old West alive in all genres. The west was a dangerous, mysterious and yet romantic time of our American culture, and continues to capture the imagination of all. There are many mounted shooting clubs throughout the nation striving to build this great sport, pro-vide an opportunity for horseman and their families, as well as demonstrate safe use of firearms. SASS produces major championship competitions and provides a central communication point for its global membership. The Single Action Shooting Society wants you to become a part of history and join in the experience of participating in SASS Mounted Shoot-ing. We want our sport to be safe, have fun for our membership, develop competitive shooting skills, and enjoy the rich traditions of the Old West, and we need you! Come join us by visiting our website at: www.sassnet.com or phone 1-877-411-7277.

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Photo Mounted SASS Shooter. Alias is Sierrita Slim, but his ream name is Jim Hollmann from Artesia, NM courtesy LouAnn K. Hunt aka “Cimarron Lou”. SASS Marketing

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Sitting surreptitiously off the main road, the 45-acre Herrin homestead lies adjacent to the Big Horn River at the southern end of Thermopolis. Although this Wyoming community, ide-ally situated in the beautiful Wind River Canyon, is home to ancient dinosaur bones and sulfuric hot springs, John Herrin and wife Linda much prefer hay and horses to the tourist at-tractions of the region.

Herrin’s father, John Herrin, Sr. came to Wyoming from Texas in the early 1940s. He built the homestead John and Linda re-side in today from the money he earned working at the Empire Oil Refinery. Herrin Sr. decided to raise a family, raise some horses and even raise a little alfalfa hay. After retiring from re-finery work in 1972, Herrin Sr. expanded his Wyoming dream to include a ranch on Owl Creek and in doing so provided a legacy for a son who not only shared his name but shared his vision of hay making and horse play.

Graduating from high school in 1978, Herrin Jr. took over the day to day operation of the ranch in 1979. Hard work and mutual support created a father son hay making team lasting 15 years. When it came time for Herrin Jr. to begin his own family, the ranch was sold and the Herrin homestead in Thermopolis now housed three generations. In 1996, John Herrin Sr. passed away.

Despite several day job changes, Herrin Jr. continued to raise hay along the river just as his father had done before him. Yet life was changing for the Herrin family. Future wife and current medical receptionist, Linda moved to Thermopolis from Spo-kane, Washington. In 1999, Linda and John married blending their family of three daughters: Chelsey, Kristy and Mandy. Today, Herrin works for the Wyoming Department of Trans-portation. That is, when he’s not looking after hay and horses.

Before punching in at the day job, Herrin (accompanied by the family dog, Nicki) feeds his horses, and checks on the steers he uses for his hobby of roping. During the day, the ranch

looks after itself. After clocking out at work, John and Linda come home each evening and every weekend to begin the real work of making hay.

The Herrins’ work the ranch alone, completing all necessary tasks between the two of them. Big operations that produce thousands of tons of hay annually have many advantages over the Herrin operation, but you can’t beat attention to detail, and John Herrin is a “detail” man when it comes to putting up hay.

Cutting the hay three times a year provides Herrin with a 125 to 150 ton yield. What hay the animals do not eat is sold on the local market. But this award winning hay is not simply a matter of a dedicated duo or good soil. Quality alfalfa is a matter of experience, timing and appropriate irrigation, of which Herrin has all three. With the weather and topography of central Wyoming, Wind River Canyon ranchers get little assistance from Mother Na-ture. An automatic irrigation system is the ultimate goal of every hay farmer but modest budgets mean the Herrins’ hap-

Hot Springs, Hay & Horses: A Visit to the Herrin Homestead

Continued page 32

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pily settle for the tried and tested method of flood irrigation started by hand.

Every evening, Herrin manually sets the 12-inch irrigation pipe on the chosen section of acreage and opens the gates (windows in the large pipe that are opened and closed by hand) letting the water flood the hayfield. Using two separate wells and pumps to push the water through the piping system, the process is something akin to watering the lawn only on a much grander scale. Herrin is careful not to either drown out or dry up the crop. A little sunshine and a little patience aids the carefully measured process.

When the hay is ready to cut, the blooming alfalfa blossoms give the field a purple hue as the sweet, earthy odor pen-etrates the clean ranch air. Before getting into his swather (hay cutting machine) to make his first pass through the hip-deep crop, Herrin inspects his cutting machinery from top to bottom to ensure all is well. “You never can tell what came loose the last time you used it,” explains Herrin, “it’s always good to check things out to avoid a problem in the middle of the job.” Cutting the rows as straight as possible, Herrin makes several passes up and down the hayfield. The smell of cut hay is one of careful harvest, hard work and good seed. It is all a true western hay rancher could hope for.

After the hay is gathered and dried, Herrin turns his atten-tion to more leisurely pursuits. By cowboy standards, he is one of the best steer ropers in the area. He and his friends practice their skills on Herrin’s fully equipped arena and are a popular team on the local rodeo circuit. Roping competitively since 1990, Herrin won the Wrangler Team Roping Champi-onship at the Big Horn County Rodeo in Basin in 2000. Dur-ing rodeo season, not a week goes by without a team practice. John isn’t the only member of the Herrin family bitten by the rodeo bug. After clearing the arena of steers, it is Linda’s turn to practice her pattern on her horse Deuce, aptly named for the two white spots on his hindquarters. Deuce is a high-powered quarter horse with the pedigree to prove it. Horseplay is just another aspect of this western ranching life. Walking around the family homestead, Herrin stops to pick up grandson Jude as he surveys the hay fields and horses of his family’s hard work. At ease with the Wyoming hay ranch-ing lifestyle, despite its difficulties and necessary diligence, Herrin expresses no desire to push the fourth generation of Hot Spring County cowboys in another career direction. And that’s got to be a good thing, for the horses, the homestead and of course, the hay.

John Herrin and wife Linda gather their steer. Photo © Amanda Smith

Article Mike Velasquez

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John Herrin in his roping arena - Photo © Amanda Smith

John Herrin (left) and Son in Law Shane Sullivan watch over the flood gats as they irrigate the hay field. Photo © Amanda Smiith

Herrin harvests meticulously harvests his hay in the mid after-noon sun. Photo © Amanda Smith

...they was bedded down, and we cooked ev’nin’ chow o’er a cowchip fire as best as we knew how.

Bunkhouse Recipes - a Round-up of Classic and Contemporary Cowboy CookingCowboy Cuisine

an excerpt from Clark Crouch - Cowboy Poet

Ingredients3 tbsp walnuts, pieces

2 tbsp sugar8 cups red leaf lettuce, chopped into small pieces

1 apple, chopped (any sweet variety)1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing:1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

2 Tbsp olive oil1 clove minced garlic1/2 tsp curry powder

1/4 tsp saltFreshly ground black pepper

Dressing: In a small bowl, mix together lemon juice, oil, garlic, curry powder, salt and pepper.

Caramelized walnuts: Combine sugar and walnuts in a heavy skillet. Cook slowly over low-medium heat, stirring often, until all the sugar

has melted and walnuts are browned. Remove mixture and cool. Combine greens, apple, and red onion. Toss gently with dressing. Place salad onto plates and sprinkle with caramelized waltnuts.

An incredible side dish any lover of the west will devour!

greens wiTh carmelizedwalnuTs and aPPles

Ingredients1 1/2 oz blended Whiskey

1/2 oz Peach liqueur1/2 oz orange juice1 tsp lemon juice

1/2 tsp sugar1 dash Bitters

Combine whiskey, juices, sugar and bitters in a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice. Shake well, strain into a tumbler with ice and serve.

wrangler on The rocks

Ingredients Venison Cutlets with Sour Cream - serves 6

2 lbs. venison steakSalt and pepper

Flour2 tbsp. butter

1/2 cup sour creamWorcestershire sauce

Celery SaltBay leaf

Cut venison into individual cutlets. Roll in well seasoned flour. Melt butter in heavy skillet and brown cutlets both sides on medium heat.

Venison cuTleTs wiTh sour cream

Background photo courtesy Library of Congress

Open Range ™ suggests the following Wyoming made “Table Mountain Vineyard” wine to pair with your cowboy supper.

“Cowboy Reserve” - 2006 Red Table Wine - This is our first wine made out of grapes grown right here in Wyoming! This is a light bodied red table wine hand made from Foch grapes. With smokey aromas and an earthy taste, it goes perfect with Wyoming beef. Best enjoyed with good friends & family!

www.tablemountainvineyards.com

Table Mountain Vineyards

Cowboy Cuisine sponsored by:

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