BLM Initiates Emergency Wild Horse Gather in Antelope Valley HMA

July 25, 2018

AWHC Contributor

July 23, 2018

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is initiating an emergency wild horse gather in the Antelope Valley Herd Management Area (HMA) due to insufficient water resources. The gather, starting around July 23, will focus on the Deer Spring area, where water scarcity threatens the local wild horse population.

Details of the Gather

ELKO, Nev. – The BLM, Elko District, Wells Field Office, will conduct the gather using the bait and water trap method, avoiding the use of helicopters. The operation aims to remove approximately 250 excess wild horses from the area.

The Antelope Valley HMA spans 463,540 acres, with Deer Spring located in its northwest portion. The current wild horse population in the HMA is estimated at 1,755, significantly exceeding the Appropriate Management Level (AML) of 155-259 horses.

Water Scarcity Challenges

Deer Spring produces about 15 gallons of water per hour, insufficient for the over 200 wild horses frequently observed there. The BLM is temporarily supplementing the water supply until the gather is complete.

Gather Methodology

The gather will use temporary water and bait traps, consisting of corral panels stocked with water and hay. Due to the nature of this method, only essential personnel will be present at the trap site to minimize disturbance to the horses.

BLM's Commitment to Humane Treatment

The BLM prioritizes safe and humane treatment of all animals during gather operations. The agency and its contractors will adhere to best practices and policies to ensure the well-being of the horses.

Horses removed from the area will be transported to the Indian Lakes Off-Range Corral in Fallon, NV, for veterinary examination and preparation for the BLM’s wild horse and burro adoption program. For adoption information, visit www.blm.gov/whb.

Further Information

Gather reports and additional details are available on the BLM’s website at https://go.usa.gov/xURtA. Updates can also be followed on the BLM Nevada Facebook page at https://goo.gl/abcBMM. For technical inquiries, contact Wild Horse and Burro Specialist Bruce Thompson at 775-753-0286 or [email protected].

Originally posted by Bureau of Land Management