We know that in the early years of this century, writers could make an income writing short stories, but even with this knowledge we might pause, as I did, to read that Willa Cather had to generate income by writing short stories when The Song of the Lark did not make much money for her. On through the 1920's, 30's, and 40's, variety of slick and pulp magazines made it possible for a person to write stories for a living. This means that a lot of short stories are written by people who aren't full-time professional writers. However, it doesn't mean that short story writing is just for amateurs or beginners. It is a demanding art form for mature practitioners.
Short fiction has great variety in form, and it places a high premium on compression and exactness.
A real short story writer does not grow out of the practice. People continue to write short stories even though recognition and financial reward do not come often or easily. Furthermore, not many magazines have a stated interest in western material. Unless a writer already has a connection with a market, she would do well to write first and find a market later. In addition to consulting the standard writers' directories and seeing notices in newsletters and magazines, one can find references tucked away in other places.