b'Shaw continued from page 11fence) if they want to protect their property fromThe short definition of open range refers to livestock damage. It also means drivers on public roadsareas (not otherwise restricted) where livestock and highways have the obligation to watch out for cows (like wildlife) and the rancher is not responsible foris free to graze. In concept, it is a version of the any collision damage. And, in some circumstances, thecommons a practice introduced to America in driver may even owe the rancher for the loss of his cow.Colonial times, whereby livestock owners - which The most significant open range exception is grantedwas practically everyone in early timescould to incorporated Arizona cities and towns, and most, ifturn their livestock loose to graze on publicly not all have regulations that require livestock owners (and dog owners for that matter) to keep livestockowned (government) land.off any property they dont own. In addition, Arizona counties have the authority to designate no fencelater the cow was trailered away. Not a recommended areas, however, the areas permitted for this designationstrategy, but effective. Open must include several thousand acres of irrigated landrange law- which is not (objective: protect farm crops). This is an evolutionaryactually a law but a example of role reversals in the open range concept.collection of livestock rights Huge irrigation districts with thousands of acresand regulations that comprise of farm crops can outsize neighboring livestockthe generic term- needs to be operations, and the fencing burden then falls ondragged into the 21st century. livestock growers - which means livestock owners owe a duty to the no fence property owners to keep theirRichard Shaw was co-owner cows off that land (which also means the livestockof TT Ranch in New River, owner has a responsibility for damages). According towith 50,000 acres of State the Arizona Farm Bureau, there are only five countiesand BLM grazing allotments, that have no fence districts. Those are Pima, Pinal,the Old West movie set and Cochise, Maricopa, and Mojave. shooting range Cowtown, and co-owner of the historic Rock I spoke to a small property owner in Skull Valley a fewSprings Caf. He authored a years ago about the open range law and its practicalmonograph on the history and effects. He told me his solution to trespassing livestockinterpretation of cattle brands, practiced law for many at one time was to call the rancher and advise him toyears, is a Harvard graduate and past president of the come get his cows. At first, this happened in a day orArizona Historical Society.so, but as time passed a few days passed, then a week. On the next occasion of bovine trespass, he calledI would like to thank Richard for putting this report the rancher and told him if your cow is not off mytogether. His explanation is a condensed version of property by sunset today, I will plan a large BBQ forthe legalities and practicalities of the ongoing issues tomorrow, and you wont need to come. Two hoursconcerning open range. 403 N. Florence StreetCasa Grande, AZ 85122Western Trading Post TVas seen on theCowboy ChannelMonthly Auctions,Check Website for ScheduleArizonaRealCountry.com January 2021 13'