Roberts Mountain Complex Wild Horse Roundup Report - October 2023
Introduction
In October 2023, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) conducted a significant wild horse roundup in the Roberts Mountain Complex area of Eureka County, Nevada. This operation aimed to capture over 1,000 wild horses, utilizing helicopters and ground teams. The roundup was part of a broader effort to manage wild horse populations on public lands, with plans to administer fertility control measures to select mares.
Roundup Overview
The Roberts Mountain Complex spans approximately 556,500 acres of public and private lands. The BLM's Appropriate Management Level for wild horses in this area is set between 110 and 184 horses. However, the BLM planned to capture around 1,106 wild horses, removing approximately 1,068 excess horses and administering the GonaCon Equine vaccine to up to 19 mares.
Daily Reports
November 4, 2023
Approximately 10 wild horses were rounded up from the Roberts Mountain Complex. The operation began at a new trap site located outside the HMA in Lander County. The day involved challenging maneuvers, with a single mare proving difficult to capture.
Three wranglers successfully roped the mare, and the remaining horses were captured and moved to the trap site.
November 3, 2023
Approximately 14 wild horses were captured. The day was shorter, with horses showing signs of stress due to the roundup process.
November 2, 2023
44 horses were captured, with one mare euthanized due to a pre-existing condition. The operation faced challenges with horses breaking away from groups.
November 1, 2023
Between 35-58 wild horses were captured. The trap site was moved to a new location, offering better visibility for observers.
October 31, 2023
69 wild horses were captured. The operation faced logistical challenges due to the trap site's location near a busy road.
October 30, 2023
25 wild horses were captured. The day involved intense maneuvers to guide horses into the trap.
October 29, 2023
Approximately 54 wild horses were captured. The operation continued at the same trap site, with horses showing signs of stress.
October 28, 2023
114 wild horses were captured, with one stallion euthanized after an injury. The operation faced challenges with horses attempting to escape the trap.
October 27, 2023
17 wild horses were captured. The day was slower, with fewer horses captured compared to previous days.
October 26, 2023
90 wild horses were captured. The operation faced challenges with horses breaking away from groups.
October 25, 2023
39 wild horses were captured. The new trap site offered better visibility for observers.
October 24, 2023
67 wild horses were captured, with one mustang euthanized due to blindness. The operation faced challenges with horses breaking away from groups.
October 23, 2023
90 wild horses were captured, with two deaths reported. The operation faced challenges with horses breaking away from groups.
October 22, 2023
86 wild horses were captured. The operation began with high expectations due to the number of horses in the area.