Montana range sheep

One of the reasons I went to graduate school in Montana was because I wanted exposure to the range sheep industry. It was so different from the sheep industry in the Mid Atlantic states. Montana State University was doing research that interested me and offered me an assistantship, so my dream came true. While I was there, I got the chance to work with at a local sheep ranch (John Paugh). The ranch ran several thousand ewes, mostly Targhee. 

A beautiful place to graze

Sheep grazing

Big Sky Country

The sheep (ewes and lambs) grazed summer range, a mix of public and railroad lands. One day we went up to visit the grazing site. They had herders and everything. It was an amazing day, a real "eye opener" for an easterner. I'll never forget the ride up. 

The range

Purple lupine

Mountain pasture

Targhee was (probably still is) the breed of choice for Montana ranchers. They are a dual purpose breed that was developed in the 1920's by USDA. Ironically, my Master's research involved Rambouillet ewes (n=300). The Targhee is a cross derived from the Rambouillet. One of the difference between western range ewes and breeds more common to the East is their inclination to stay together. They have a very strong flocking instinct. They are very gregarious. It is what protects them from predators, along with the presence of herders and guardian dogs.

Move as one

Stick together like glue

Targhee ewes

Father and son

Mrs. Paugh

Letting the sheep back out

Old barn

The home ranch was in Bozeman, on the way to the university. I lived in nearby Belgrade. I got a job helping during lambing season. I learned and earned.

Home ranch

John Paugh was very active in the sheep industry. I saw him once or twice at at the ASI convention. He was older then. I don't know that he recognized me. He passed away in 2015. His son still runs the ranch.

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Post created 13 June 2026

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