Rustler
Rustler, a cattle thief. In the early days of the American West it was considered acceptable for anyone to brand as his own any maverick (unbranded animal) over a year old. By 1867, however, as the practice increased, the large ranchers obtained legislation outlawing it. The practice continued, however, and gangs were organized to steal branded cattle as well. Some big ranchers hired gunmen to guard their herds. This move led to several range wars; often farmers and small ranchers were allied with the rustlers. In 1892 the conflict became so deadly in Johnson County, Wyoming, that United States troops were called in to break it up.
Rustling still exists. By using trucks, modern rustlers can sell stolen livestock at markets hundreds of miles away with little chance of detection.