Modoc County Buckaroos Honored for Lifelong Ranching Legacy and Western Heritage

Modoc County returns to Nevada's stage after two years with three of its own inducted into the Buckaroo Hall of Fame on September 5th at the Winnemucca Convention Center. Billy Flournoy, Bill Heryford, and Gary Gooch embody the Western heritage rooted in decades of ranching, horsemanship, and community commitment. Bill Heryford carried a legacy born from pioneering cattlemen in Surprise Valley and Lake County. Raised on the Heryford Ranch under the open AK brand, he learned the values of hard work, honesty, and loyalty. Bill shaped his reputation by taming difficult horses others avoided. His skill and steady hand made him a respected rancher, Navy veteran, husband, and mentor. At cow camp, he created a welcoming atmosphere, giving nicknames and sharing stories. His humor and deep love for family, especially his wife Barbara, marked his life. Bill's impact lives on through those he taught and the communities he supported. Gary Gooch grew up in Cedarville, descending from early Surprise Valley pioneers. He became a buckaroo by age fourteen, known for his work ethic. After serving in Korea, Gary returned to ranch life, eventually leading as buckaroo boss at several ranches in California and Oregon. Married to Linda Stewart, they raised three children who learned the buckaroo ways alongside their parents. Gary's skills earned respect from fellow ranchers, and he continued branding cattle until shortly before his death in 2013. His saddle remains on display at the MC Chuck Wagon Museum in Lakeview, Oregon. Gary's story features in ranching films, news articles, and books, preserving his legacy. Billy Flournoy represents four generations of Modoc County ranchers. Taking over the family ranch in Likely as a young man, he learned leadership through respect and example. Billy worked alongside crews six days a week across 200,000 acres of public and private land. Known for starting colts and showing patience with horses, he opposed animal abuse and quietly intervened when needed. Stories from friends show his humor and mentorship, like testing a younger man's strength by making him lift heavy hay bales. Billy's love of cowboy poetry preserved Western traditions and ethics. He recited poems by Bruce Kiskaddon and Sunny Hancock at events, keeping the buckaroo spirit alive through words as well as work. These three men represent the heart of the buckaroo tradition, blending ranching skill with community and mentorship. Their stories invite reflection