2023 Devil’s Garden Roundup Ends: 236 Wild Horses Lose Their Home

The 2023 Devil's Garden roundup concluded on October 11th, marking the seventh such event in eight years. The United States Forest Service (USFS) aimed to remove 500 wild horses from the Modoc National Forest, but only managed to capture 236 through helicopter and bait trapping methods. This roundup has sparked significant debate over the management of wild horse populations and the prioritization of private livestock grazing.

Roundup Results

According to information provided by Modoc National Forest staff, the roundup resulted in the following captures:

• 210 adult horses via helicopter trapping
• 8 adults via bait trapping
• 18 foals via helicopter trapping
• 2 mules via helicopter trapping (known turnouts, not born in the Territory)

Total Removed: 236 Wild Horses

Deaths and Injuries

• 2 deaths: Both horses had pre-existing conditions and were euthanized in the field. One was a filly with a broken leg, and the other an older gelding with a shoulder injury.
• 1 injury: A mare injured by hitting a panel, resulting in a protruding third eyelid. She is recovering at the USFS Double Devil Wild Horse Corrals.

Historical Context and Controversy

Since 2016, the USFS has conducted multiple roundups to achieve an Appropriate Management Level (AML) of 206 to 402 horses. With the removal of 236 horses this year, the total number of wild horses removed from their federally-designated habitat has reached 3,237. Meanwhile, thousands of privately owned cattle and sheep continue to graze in the Territory.

The imbalance in land use has been a point of contention, especially since the Modoc County Farm Bureau played a significant role in developing the 2013 Wild Horse Management Plan, which prioritized livestock over wild horses.

Economic and Environmental Impacts

The USFS justifies these roundups as necessary to prevent wild horses from damaging fencing and affecting other land uses, including the local economy. However, the cost of these operations is substantial, with the USFS awarding a $650,000 contract to Cattoor Livestock, Inc. for the 2023 roundup alone. Critics argue that these funds could be better spent on alternative management strategies.

Challenges in Meeting Removal Goals

The USFS has struggled to meet its removal targets in recent years. In 2021, the goal was 600 horses, but only 506 were captured. In 2022, 389 horses were removed against a target of 500. This year, the terrain and the savvy nature of the remaining horses made it difficult to capture the intended number.

Future Considerations

The USFS is expected to release a Draft Environmental Assessment to revise the 2013 Wild Horse Management Plan. This document will include an analysis of fertility control programs and could potentially increase the AML for wild horses in the Territory.

The captured wild horses will be available for sale or adoption at the Double Devil Wild Horse Corrals starting December 8th. The USFS is also seeking sanctuaries for special needs horses.

For more information about the horses, contact the Wild Horse Information Team at 530-233-8738 or [email protected].