2017 Wild Horse and Burro Roundup Season: Key Highlights and Updates
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is advancing its Fiscal Year 2017 roundup schedule, which includes several significant operations across various Herd Management Areas (HMAs). Before the agency pauses for the foaling season (March - June), it plans to conduct four helicopter roundups, permanently removing at least 650 wild horses from their natural habitats.
Cedar Mountain HMA, Utah
Start Date: February 8, 2017
Helicopter Operation
The BLM plans to round up approximately 600 wild horses from the Cedar Mountain Herd Management Area starting on February 8, 2017. The agency will permanently remove about 200 horses, while approximately 400 will be released back to the range. Of these, 150 mares will be treated with PZP fertility control.
Reveille HMA, Nevada
Start Date: After January 23, 2017
Helicopter Operation
The BLM aims to round up approximately 125 wild horses from the Reveille HMA starting around January 23, 2017. The goal is to permanently remove 50 horses and treat 30 mares with PZP fertility control before releasing them back to the range. This roundup is justified by a court order.
Sulphur HMA, Utah
ON-GOING
Start Date: January 17, 2017
Helicopter Operation
As of January 23, 2017, 291 wild horses have been captured, with one death reported: a 25-year-old dun stud was euthanized due to chronic arthritis. The BLM plans to round up 700 wild horses, permanently removing 300. Approximately 125 mares will be treated with PZP and released back to the range.
Frisco HMA, Utah
COMPLETED
Start Date: January 6, 2017
End Date: January 15, 2017
Horses captured: 82
Helicopter Operation
The BLM's Cedar City Field Office conducted a roundup, capturing 82 wild horses from the Frisco HMA. The operation aimed to achieve a population level of 100 animals. Some horses were fitted with tracking devices and returned to the range as part of a research project.
Eagle/Silver King HMA, Nevada
COMPLETED
Start Date: December 20, 2016
End Date: December 28, 2016
Horses Captured: 74
The BLM Ely District permanently removed 74 wild horses from lands adjacent to U.S. Highway 93 and State Route 322 in and outside the Eagle and Silver King HMAs. The roundup was deemed necessary for public and animal safety.
Sand Wash Basin HMA, Colorado
Start Date: November 3, 2016
Bait/Water Operation
The Sand Wash Basin bait trap removal began on November 3, 2016. The BLM's goal is to remove about 50 young horses and treat 200 mares with PZP birth control. Partner groups, the Sand Wash Action Team and Great Escape Mustang Sanctuary, assist in selecting and treating wild horses. The young horses gathered will enter the GEMS adoption program. The BLM states, "Our partnership with SWAT and GEMS is key to the success of this gather and the long-term management of wild horses in the Sand Wash Basin."
To date, 117 wild horses have been captured, 83 released back to the range, with one death due to a pre-existing condition.
Press Release:
Wild Horse Group Blasts BLM for Galloping Ahead with Cruel Roundups, Despite Humane Alternatives