Dear editor:

I recently had the pleasure of visiting your wonderful and historical town of Cody with my best friend this summer. During that time we met your incredible McCullough Peaks wild horses.

As you may or may not know, a very small percentage of public lands contains wild horses and thousands are being rounded up under allegations that the West is overpopulated with wild horses. I don’t believe the facts support this line of ‘reasoning’ and, in fact, the BLM may be bowing down to other interests besides those of the people; the taxpayers.

Cody is a place I have visited several times over the years and it has never lost its charm and sense of history. But I fear a significant part of that draw to Cody is threatened; the wild horses of the McCullough Peaks. 

I was able to get an insightful and impressive tour by a local tour company of this incredible herd. I saw horses on a massive tract of BLM land that was in no way overgrazed and it was a sight that I imagined at one time was far more common; wild horses with their friends and family living out their days in peace.  

When I see miles of open BLM land I wonder what has happened to the wild horses? I almost never see any. They are one of the biggest draws for me to visit the West. I can see herds of cattle anywhere. What I am always searching for are the wild animals. 

I spent a great deal of money in Cody this past summer, have done so in the past and will continue to do so — and to refer my customers, friends, family and loved ones to do the same. 

But that would change if Cody begins losing what it has; it’s impressive wild horses. 

Please consider, if you have never done so, viewing videos and reports — based on facts and not on PR brochures or assurances — of what really occurs when wild horses are rounded up; how many die, the conditions that those captured must endure and the ultimate horrific fate of the majority of them. 

I grew up in wilderness country and near many farms with livestock. My family and friends have all been hunters and, many of them farmers. They all understand management of wildlife to ensure life and land can be sustained in a healthy, sane manner. What I’ve witnessed with my own eyes by the BLM is sadly not the case. 

Loss of this herd will impact Cody in many ways. More than you may realize. When the facts are presented the public may have a different understanding of what is really happening on their public lands with their tax dollars.

Linda Wagner

Sheridan, Oregon