Calico Complex Wild Horse Roundup Report - September 2022
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Black Rock Field Office began a wild horse roundup on September 10, 2022, at the Calico Complex, located northwest of Humboldt County, Nevada. The operation utilized helicopter contractors, Cattoor Livestock, to manage the roundup.
The Calico Complex includes the Black Rock Range, Calico Mountains, Granite Range, McGee Mountain, and Warm Springs Canyon Herd Management Areas (HMAs), covering over 584,101 acres. The BLM set an Appropriate Management Level (AML) of 572 – 952 wild horses, planning to round up 1,076 and remove approximately 1,036 wild horses.
Roundup Report
September 19, 2022
44 wild horses were captured, and there were 3 deaths. The BLM euthanized a 6-year-old blue roan mare due to a fracture in the left hind fetlock, a 4-year-old cremello stallion for blindness and cryptorchidism, and a 25+-year-old black stallion for a fracture in the right hind hock.
The observation site was the same as the previous two days, with the trap hidden and obstructed by trees, making it difficult to see. The first run brought in approximately 23 horses at 9:10 am, followed by a second run with about 21 horses at 12:00 pm. The third run captured approximately 10 horses at 3:00 pm.
September 18, 2022
42 wild horses were captured, and there was 1 death. The BLM euthanized a 14-year-old Buckskin mare due to partial blindness.
AWHC's field observer was one of two public members onsite. The observation area was rocky and dusty, with overcast weather and winds at 9 mph. Two runs occurred, the first at 12:55 pm and the second at approximately 2:20 pm. The horses appeared settled and were eating at the temporary holding site.
September 17, 2022
66 wild horses were captured, and there were 3 deaths. The BLM euthanized a 17-year-old bay mare and a 4-year-old bay mare for partial blindness, and a 13-year-old sorrel stallion for a pre-existing fracture.
The trap site remained in the same location, hidden among trees. Three runs occurred, with concerns about road traffic during the last run. Some horses had visible wounds from a mountain lion, and a vet was onsite.
September 16, 2022
93 wild horses were captured, and there was 1 death. The BLM euthanized a 20+ year-old stallion due to a dental abnormality.
The observation site was located approximately 0.632 miles from the trap, which was strategically placed behind trees. Two runs occurred, with horses appearing tired due to mild weather and smoky air from nearby fires.
September 14 & 15, 2022
No roundup activities took place.
September 13, 2022
23 wild horses were captured, and there were 2 deaths. The BLM euthanized a 4-year-old sorrel stallion due to blindness and a 20+-year-old sorrel stallion citing a previous injury.
September 12, 2022
54 wild horses were captured. The BLM moved the trap to a new observation area after three runs. The second trap site had jute hung on barbed wire without flags.
September 11, 2022
96 wild horses were captured, and there were 3 deaths. The BLM euthanized a 3-year-old sorrel mare for partial blindness, a 17-year-old bay mare for having a sway back, and a healthy 6-month-old filly with a sway back.
AWHC's field representative was the only public member onsite. The trap location was about 50 to 55 miles northwest of Denio, NV. Horses were brought in from far distances, arriving sweaty and tired.
September 10, 2022
85 wild horses were captured, and there were 2 deaths. The BLM euthanized a 4-year-old black mare for missing her right eye and a 4-year-old bay mare for a previous puncture injury.
AWHC's field representative was the only public member onsite. The temperature ranged from 50 to 88 degrees, with light winds and smoke from California wildfires. Viewing was difficult due to distance, smoke, and heat haze.
The horses removed will be shipped to the Indian Lakes facility in Fallon, Nevada, and will be prepped for the Adoption Incentive Program (AIP).