I found this to be a wealth of information. They have free range laws that they put into effect in different desert lands to protect the animals. So if you see a sign that has Open range on it, the article states that in fact the animal has more rights there then the person there. I think it is a good article to read to know these things. If you hurt an animal you could be fined and or imprisoned. It goes on to say these laws are there to protect our wildlife in three different variants. To find out more go to :  http://www.thedesertranch.com/2008/09/08/please-dont-kill-the-animals.html