Ralph Bryant, Deputy Manager of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, holds up a longhorn skull for the inspection of prospective buyers during the 63rd annual public auction of Texas longhorn cattle. Photo by Randy Stotler/Lawton Constitution 9/21/06

September 21, 2006 was the date of the 63^rd Annual Texas Longhorn Auction at the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge.  The auction is considered one of the “must-see” events in Oklahoma tourism, drawing buyers and watchers from across the United States.

Some local and area schools turn out for field trips to observe animal behavior, and teachers also use the sales information to create math curricula for students.  The Lawton Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Friends of the Wichitas are annual partners supporting the Refuge on auction day.

Approximately 350 people attended this year’s auction, with a total of 87 registered buyers bidding on 140 longhorn, 1 horse and, 14 longhorn and bison skulls for the sum of $61,870.00.  The sales money goes toward Refuge land taxes in Comanche County under the Refuge Revenue Sharing Act, and the remainder is distributed throughout the Refuge System.