Open range - Definition

Rangeland refers to a large, mostly unimproved section of land that is predominantly used for livestock grazing. Rangeland is generally arid or otherwise unsuitable for farming. Rangeland may be privately owned, but in the United States the vast majority of rangeland is publicly owned and managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Ranchers may lease portions of this public rangeland and pay a fee based on the number and type of livestock and the period for which they are on the land.

Many western states have open range laws. In these states, all land, both public and private, is designated as open range unless it is within city limits. In open range, it becomes the responsibility of the land owner to keep unwanted livestock off their land and the livestock owner is not liable for any damage caused by the livestock.