186 SADDLE AND CAMP 



goat. When the Wyoming and Montana 

 ranges, which might support many thousand 

 sheep under normal conditions, are finally de- 

 populated, as they are sure to be at a not dis- 

 tant date, they will be unutilized, desolate, 

 silent wastes. 



Though Colorado still has so large a pro- 

 portion of the sheep, her ranges could easily 

 support many times the present number, and 

 to have the prohibition against killing sus- 

 pended for several years to come would appeal 

 to those interested in perpetuating the species 

 as little short of a calamity. Some of the guides 

 are exceedingly anxious to have an open hunt- 

 ing season, for this would then be the best and 

 most available hunting ground for mountain 

 sheep in the country, the animals could be 

 killed with a comparatively small expenditure 

 of effort, and sportsmen would flock here to se- 

 cure trophies while they are to be had, to the 

 increased wealth of the guides. This does not 

 apply, of course, to all the guides, for some of 

 the best of them are animal conservers, and I 

 am sure, had they a voice in the matter, would 

 oppose the movement. 



Every section has its quota of hunters who 

 care nothing for the future or the preservation 

 of species. They think only of to-day and care 



