Roundup Report: Silver King HMA (Feb 2021)
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) commenced a significant roundup operation at the Silver King Herd Management Area (HMA) in eastern Nevada on February 5, 2021. This operation aimed to capture approximately 283 wild horses, with plans to permanently remove 258 of them. Additionally, the BLM intended to treat up to 25 mares with the fertility control vaccine GonaCon-Equine and release them back into the HMA.
The BLM employed helicopters to facilitate the roundup. Once captured, the horses were transported to the Palomino Valley Wild Horse and Burro Center in Reno, Nevada, for adoption or sale preparation.
The Silver King HMA spans 574,962 acres of BLM land and 498 acres of mixed private and other public lands, totaling 575,460 acres. The BLM estimated the population at approximately 343 wild horses, including the 2020 foal crop. However, the Appropriate Management Level (AML) for Silver King is set at a mere 60-128 wild horses.
The BLM's claim that nearly 900 square miles can only support between 60-128 wild horses is misleading, especially when compared to the thousands of livestock permitted to graze within the horses' habitat.
As the operation began, American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) had a field representative on-site to document and report the events. Reports can be found here.
Related Information
Roundup Report
February 16, 2021: 34 wild horses were captured today, concluding the roundup and removal of wild horses from the Silver King HMA. This resulted in the loss of freedom for 285 mustangs and the loss of life for 3.
- We were at a new trap site near Cathedral Gorge State Park.
- Some runs occurred on public land, with potential roping on private land near the highway.
- There were only about 3 runs.
- The first run involved 4 horses, with 2 colliding as they may have seen the jute.
- The second run included a group of 5.
- Wind conditions worsened throughout the day.
February 15, 2021: 8 wild horses were captured today.
February 14, 2021: 30 wild horses were captured today, bringing the total to 243 captured and three deaths.
February 13, 2021: No operation occurred today due to weather.
February 12, 2021: 12 wild horses were captured, and there was one death. A 12-year-old mare was euthanized by BLM due to "gastric ulcers".
Our view of the trap was poor, obscured by trees, and only some horses were visible once in the pen. Our field representative raised concerns about the poor view and requested closer access, but was denied due to "proximity to the helicopter when it refuels." After the first run, the helicopter attempted to land but couldn't due to trees, prompting a relocation of the fuel truck. Despite this, closer observation was still denied.
February 11, 2021: 37 wild horses lost their freedom, and 2 wild horses lost their lives. A 13-year-old stallion was euthanized for missing a left eye, and a 10-year-old mare was euthanized due to "blindness".
February 10, 2021: 2 wild horses were captured today.
February 9, 2021: 56 wild horses were captured today. AWHC's Field Representative was the sole observer in the field, located an hour's drive deep into public lands. Observation was limited to the Silver King roundup, excluding the simultaneous Eagle Complex operation. Despite being close, about 1/3 mile from the trap site, heatwaves obscured visibility.
The helicopter contractors pushed the horses rapidly with two helicopters, conducting multiple runs. The operation, initially estimated to last 2-3 weeks, appeared to be shortened.
The Runs:
- Several small and medium-sized runs, with one or two large bands.
- A white mare evaded capture, passing within 80 feet, showcasing her beauty.
- Wranglers on horseback attempted to catch a foal.
- Heatwaves and high winds hindered visibility, but operations continued.
- With a looming rainstorm and sunset, operations ceased unusually late at 4 pm or 4:30 pm.
February 7, 2021: 41 wild horses were captured today. This marked the first day of the Silver King roundup, coinciding with the Eagle roundup across the highway. Cattoor was the contractor for Silver King HMA, while SunJ handled Eagle HMA. The BLM did not wait for the Eagle roundup's conclusion before starting Silver King, limiting public observation to one operation at a time due to personnel constraints.
AWHC's representative and another public member were onsite. The road to the trap was lengthy, about an hour's drive. Observation was from a water spring used for cattle, with evidence of piping for cattle use. Despite decent observation conditions, heatwaves impaired visibility. The contractors lacked a water truck, resulting in dusty runs. The helicopter's aggressive maneuvers agitated the horses, causing them to frequently collide with pen panels and fight each other. Dust conditions worsened as the day progressed.
Holding
We visited the holding area afterward, adhering to the regional BLM's unofficial policy of bringing people to holding on the first day of a gather or when a new public member is present. The visit was rushed, with frequent prompts to "move along" and "catch up," limiting our ability to assess the horses' condition or check for water in the troughs.