Why are longhorn cattle on a Wildlife refuge?
In the early 1900’s, pure longhorn bloodlines were nearly bred out of existence by intensive crossbreeding. Ranger Earl Drummond felt that the longhorns had played a vital part in the history of the American West and that this breed should be saved from extinction. Since the Wichitas were a Forest and Game Preserve, Congress was petitioned to establish and preserve a remnant herd displaying the strongest characteristic of the true longhorn. Through selective breeding and carefully documented record keeping our longhorns today carry true-to-type longhorn bloodlines. The annual longhorn auction is held the 3rd Thursday in September to maintain the herd at approximately 300 head.
