the cattle were no longer as free to roam where they chose. in 1880's kansas authorities refused to lel texas cattle across the border because of the dread texas fever carried by the long - horned cattle. the terrible winter of 1886- 1887 killed thousands of cattle and many ranchers and cowhands found themselves out of work. some went to work for sheep rancher: other entered different occupations. a few cowhands on at the old ranches of their own.