Episode Details

Originally Aired: January 19, 1958

In Gunsmoke #302, “Moo Moo Raid,” a missing cow nearly sparks a range war in Dodge City. When trail boss Tush Lee discovers that Oni Hager—and his legendary swimming cow, Ida Belle—have vanished, suspicion falls squarely on rival cattleman Bert Collins. With thousands of dollars riding on which herd crosses the river first, tempers flare fast and talk of murder spreads through town.

Oni’s ramshackle cabin shows signs of a violent struggle, and before long both outfits are ready to settle matters with guns instead of proof. Marshal Matt Dillon finds himself caught between pride, profit, and panic, trying to keep two stubborn men from turning Dodge into a battleground over what appears to be foul play.

But as rumors swell and fists clench, the truth proves far simpler—and far more ridiculous—than anyone expects. In the end, Ida Belle’s unexpected “vacation” in Kiowa Meadows cools hot tempers and saves lives, reminding everyone that sometimes the greatest dangers in the West come not from outlaws—but from assumptions.

Cast: William Conrad, Parley Baer, Howard McNear, Georgia Ellis

Tags:

western, frontierjustice, MattDillon, Chester, DocAdams, KittyRussell, cattleDrive, rivalry, misunderstanding, DodgeCity, oldtimeradio, classicwestern, radioDrama, 1950sradio, rangeWar, humor, frontierlife, Gunsmoke