You've Been 'Ducked' by the American Wild Horse Conservation!
Welcome to the world of Jeep ducking! This delightful trend started in Ontario in 2020 when a Jeep owner decided to spread joy by placing rubber ducks on Jeeps. Now, it's an international sensation, brightening days everywhere. If you've found a duck on your Jeep, it might mean you're in an area where wild mustangs roam!
Take a picture with your duck from AWHC and post it on social media. Don't forget to tag us @freewildhorses!
Who We Are
American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) is the nation's leading organization dedicated to preserving the freedom and habitat of wild horses and burros. We are raising the standard for their protection with the world's largest humane management program, utilizing scientific fertility control techniques instead of traumatic helicopter roundups.
Our Legal and Investigations team ensures government accountability for maintaining federal protections and animal welfare compliance, driving transparency, and exposing system abuse and tax waste.
What We Do
If you found a duck on your Jeep, it's likely you're in an area where wild mustangs roam! AWHC is implementing the world's largest fertility control program on Nevada's historic Virginia Range. Our volunteer-based program proves that this model is effective for humanely managing large wild horse populations.
The Porcine Zona Pellucida (PZP) vaccine offers a safe, humane, and cost-efficient alternative to the current wild horse management approach of roundup and removal.
Get Involved
Join our community effort to protect wild horses! The wild horses in the greater Reno area are part of what makes living here special. Be part of the effort to protect these cherished mustangs and manage their population humanely.
Our volunteer program connects people with opportunities to share and grow their love of wild horses, wildlife, science, and nature. Opportunities abound, so get your boots on and join us!
Opportunities
Darter: Become certified to dart horses with fertility control. Requires a minimum monthly time commitment and completion of a 3-day certification course.
- Weekly time commitment: Flexible schedule, usually 1-3 days/week.
- Requirements: Suitable clothing, sunscreen, snacks, water, and current darting certification.
Documenter: Take quality photos of horses and submit them to our database. Learn to match horses to records and assist in maintaining detailed records.
- Eligibility: Detail-oriented with experience in photography.
- Requirements: Camera with zoom, computer for editing, and suitable clothing.
Spotter: Identify horses and match them to records to assist darters.
- Eligibility: Responsible and detail-oriented.
- Requirements: Suitable clothing, camera, and ability to navigate terrain.
Diversionary Feeding: Help protect Nevada's wild horses by keeping them out of busy roadways. This program is approved by the Nevada Department of Agriculture.
- Eligibility: Responsible and physically able to throw hay from trucks.
- Requirements: Truck for hauling hay, suitable clothing, and work gloves.
Public Education & Outreach: Educate the public about wild horses through outreach and presentations. Ideal for those with experience in education or public speaking.
- Volunteer Ambassador: Engage in advocacy, meet legislators, and participate in AWHC events.
Outreach: Enhance public awareness about wild horses through education and social media.
Additional Duties and Responsibilities
Join the AWHC Volunteer Facebook group to connect with other volunteers, ask questions, and share stories. Help recruit volunteers, attend webinars, and represent the organization at local events.
- Testifying at legislative hearings and submitting public comments.
- Must have a reliable computer and internet access.
Habitat Stewardship: Protect and clean up habitats, monitor gates, and maintain water sources. Join AWHC for an adopt-a-spot cleanup or participate in range projects.
- Eligibility: Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
- Requirements: Suitable clothing, sturdy shoes, and work gloves.
Rescue: If you have a background in animal sciences or horse experience, or if you'd like to learn about hands-on help for mustangs, consider rescue work.
- Eligibility: Knowledge of horses or a passion for animal safety.
- Training: Must attend Technical Large Animal Rescue Training certification classes.
How to Apply
If interested, please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line “Nevada Volunteer” and let us know which area of work you are interested in. Applications are considered on a rolling basis.