Daily Report: Range Creek Wild Horse Roundup

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) commenced a roundup and removal operation on September 26, 2019, targeting approximately 200 wild horses from Federal, State, and private lands. The initial days of the operation were not open to public viewing due to the trapsite's location on private property, where access was denied by the owner.

The appropriate management level for this Herd Management Area (HMA) is set at 75-125 animals, while the current population is estimated at 282 horses across 83,410 acres. Horses removed from the range are being transported to the Axtell Off-Range Contract Wild Horse Facility in Axtell, Utah.

Daily Reports

October 2, 2019: AWHC's representative was one of two members of the public in attendance. 14 horses were captured, and there were no deaths. The roundup concluded with 154 horses captured and 1 death.

Throughout the operation, mustangs frequently attempted to escape the trapsite, sometimes successfully. On one occasion, a horse fell on its back after jumping the jute, rolling around for several moments. The rugged terrain and limited trap placement options were cited by contractors as reasons for the horses' escapes. Such occurrences are rare in other roundups.

Most horses came off the range in healthy condition, with ample forage visible in all directions. On the final day, horses were not unloaded into temporary holding but were instead kept in smaller trailers for transport to Axtell.

October 1, 2019: AWHC's representative was one of five members of the public in attendance. 22 horses were captured, with no deaths. Total horses captured so far: 140.

During the first run, horses stopped at a funnel point where the jute jutted in, leading them to jump over the jute fence. Subsequent runs saw similar behavior, prompting the helicopter to follow the horses further into the trapsite. No adjustments were made to the jute or pen in this area.

• A captured horse attempted to jump over a dividing metal fence, briefly getting stuck.
• Horses pressed against corral bars, causing the fence to buckle momentarily.
• A horse entered a trailer backwards, causing a delay as it was forced to walk backwards up the plank.
• Horses were more agitated at temporary holding than the previous day.

September 30, 2019: AWHC's representative was one of six members of the public in attendance. 12 horses were captured, with 1 death. Total horses captured so far: 118.

Only three runs occurred today. During the first attempt, a band of at least 16 horses was chased down the funnel but did not reach the pen. The horses spooked and escaped, prompting contractors to extend the burlap funnel's length.

The helicopters successfully captured 8 mustangs, including 1 foal. The final attempt brought in 4 horses, including two foals. The roundup was called off due to high winds. A foal died after being slammed against the pen by two agitated horses. The BLM reported the foal died instantly.

The pen size was limited, contributing to the foal's death due to insufficient space to slow down.

September 29, 2019: On the first day of the roundup on public lands, AWHC's representative was one of four members of the public in attendance. No horses were captured due to high winds, and the operation was called off early.

The meeting time was 5:30 a.m., before sunrise. The drive to the trapsite involved navigating rugged mountain terrain, with steep hills, cliffs, and large rocks. The BLM caravan traveled at dangerous speeds, causing white-out conditions from dust and wind. The road was perilous, with a sheer cliff drop-off just a foot away.

^{Dangerous terrain on the way to the trapsite.}

^{The helicopter contractor's horses, known as "Judas" horses, are trained domestic horses released near the trapsite to lead mustangs in.}

September 28, 2019: According to BLM, 34 wild horses (8 stallions, 22 mares, 4 foals) were rounded up and removed from the Range Creek HMA. Horses were reported to be in body condition of 4's. No public members were present as the operation was conducted on private land.

September 27, 2019: According to BLM, 9 wild horses were rounded up and removed from the Range Creek HMA. Horses were reported to be in body condition of 4's. No public members were present as the operation was conducted on private land.

September 26, 2019: According to BLM, 63 wild horses were rounded up and removed from the Range Creek HMA. Horses were reported to be in body condition of 4's. No public members were present as the operation was conducted on private land.