28 BULLETIN J38, l". 5- DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



INTENSITY OF GRAZING. 



As a general rule the range should be grazed just enough to remove 

 the greater part of the palatable forage. Extensive browsing of the 

 less palatable species or of conifer reproduction is the best evidence 

 that an area is being grazed too closely not only for the good of the 

 range but also for the best interest of the stock. 



Steep slopes with loose soil, particularly where the seedlings are less 

 than a foot and a half high, and reproducing burns, clear-cut areas, 

 or plantations with seedlings up to 5 or 10 years old, depending on the 

 site, should be grazed rather lightly, especially in the first part of the 

 season or during a wet period. In many instances it will be desirable 

 to eliminate grazing entirely from plantations or other areas of seed- 

 lings less than three years old. During a dry season spots where 

 danger of fire is greatest may be grazed as closely as possible. Very 

 close grazing is also permissible on areas poorly stocked with repro- 

 duction where a heavy crop of seed is expected in the fall, or where 

 artificial reseeding is planned. If a good catch of seedlings takes place 

 such areas should be grazed very lightly or not at all for at least 

 three years succeeding the seed year. 



The carrying capacity of western yellow pine range varies so 

 widely with the locality and the season that no definite figures can be 

 laid down which will have a general application. Much of the poorer 

 range, such as that on the Deadwood allotment, will require up to 10 

 acres per grown sheep for a 60-day season: while the best range will 

 sometimes, with favorable weather conditions, average two acres 

 per sheep over limited areas. An average for most of the better 

 class western yellow pine areas is approximately from three to four 

 acres per sheep. 



METHODS OF HANDLING. 



The sheep should be allowed to scatter out and graze with as little 

 disturbance as possible. No attempt should be made to keep them 

 in a compact bunch, except for convenience and safety when they 

 bed down at night, and at such times they should be gathered to- 

 gether with a minimum of driving or excitement. The use of dogs 

 should be avoided as far as possible. 



Driving the sheep to and from water, bed grounds, or different 

 parts of the allotment is seldom necessary and should be avoided. 

 When it is necessary to drive them, they should be taken where damage 

 from trampling is least apt to occur, such as areas with no reproduc- 

 tion or with plenty of seedlings over 1.5 feet high, or places where 

 complete removal of foliage and denudation of the soil is desirable to 

 reduce the fire hazard. 



