A Texas couple is looking for answers as to why their beloved 13-year-old longhorn, Bud, was shot and killed last week.

Paul and JaLonn Stanley have a 100-acre ranch for their longhorns near Saint Jo. They say the herd is grieving too.

“When I found him, they were all gathered around him, distraught,” Paul said.

Paul believes the shooting happened early Tuesday morning when a driver spotted Bud, pulled off next to their gate, and shot him twice from about 75 yards away.

“Every time we drive down the road we look over to where he passed away and it tugs at the heartstrings,” Paul Stanley said.

He describes Bud as majestic with thick horns that went about 8 feet across.

“Longhorns are Texans,” JaLonn said. “They’re the symbol of Texas.”

A Facebook post begging for tips has around 6,000 shares. They’ve put up a $3,000 reward with offers from other ranchers to help increase it.