In Australia, we have similar term, but subtly different meaning 'bush lawyer' - it also implies a considerable degree of intelligence, if somewhat misapplied. :-)

Met a guy who took a trip across The Great Australian Bight - the rail runs from Adelaide to Perth, and contains one of the world's longest straight stretches of rail line. There was a Texan on board.... 3 days of (as it is called) 'semi-arid desert country' later, he was MUCH quieter... :-)

It's called only 'semi' - cause there IS plenty of life and water - IF you know how to find it... :-)