BLM Suspends Wild Horse Gather in Sand Wash Basin Until Next Year

December 22, 2016

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has temporarily suspended its bait-trap operation for gathering wild horses in Sand Wash Basin until January 3. This pause is intended to allow for a break during the holiday season, with plans to resume operations in the new year.

Wild Horse Population Management

Sand Wash Basin, located approximately 45 miles west of Craig, is home to nearly 600 wild horses, which is about twice the number allowed under the BLM management plan for the area. To manage the population, the BLM has contracted Cattoor Livestock Roundup Company to trap horses using hay as bait.

The plan includes removing 50 young horses from the herd and treating 200 mares with PZP birth control. This involves capturing the mares, administering a fertilization vaccination, and releasing them back into the basin.

Progress and Collaboration

Since the gather began in early November, the BLM has captured 117 horses. Of these, 83 have been released, including 12 mares treated with birth control. A total of 34 young horses have been transported to the BLM’s wild horse holding facility in Cañon City. Recently, 12 of these horses, consisting of nine studs and three mares, were shipped to Cañon City in good condition.

The BLM is receiving assistance from the Sand Wash Basin Advocacy Team (SWAT), which is part of the Great Escape Mustang Sanctuary's on-range program. More information about adopting Sand Wash Basin horses can be found on the SWAT Facebook page.

Originally posted by Steamboat Today.