PAHRUMP, Nev. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is set to commence the gathering of wild horses and burros in the Spring Mountains Complex around March 15, 2026. This area is situated approximately 60 miles from Las Vegas in Clark County, Nevada. The operation will employ temporary bait and water traps, avoiding the use of helicopters.
The Spring Mountains Complex comprises three distinct Herd Management Areas (HMAs):
- Johnnie HMA spans 177,237 acres of BLM lands and an additional 2,131 acres of mixed public and private lands, totaling 179,368 acres. This HMA is managed only for wild burros, with an Appropriate Management Level (AML) of 65-108 burros.
- Red Rock HMA covers 157,443 acres of BLM lands and 4,526 acres of other lands, making up 161,969 acres. It supports an AML of 16-27 wild horses and 29-49 burros.
- Wheeler Pass HMA includes 273,898 acres of BLM lands along with 1,677 acres of other lands, totaling 275,575 acres. This area maintains an AML of 47-66 horses and 20-35 burros.
The current animal population in the complex is estimated at 749 horses and 1,048 burros, excluding the 2026 foal crop. The BLM plans to gather and remove about 425 wild horses and 425 burros. Previous gathers were completed in 2024 at the Red Rock HMA and in 2023 at the Johnnie HMA.
This gather is vital to halting the degradation of public lands caused by the overpopulation of wild horses and burros. It aims to reestablish a balanced ecological environment, adhering to Section 1333(b) of the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act. Additionally, it addresses public safety concerns due to the animals’ presence near highways.
Maintaining the health of both the HMA lands and the wild herds is essential. By reducing herd sizes to sustainable levels, the BLM seeks to safeguard habitats for various wildlife species such as mule deer, sage grouse, blue grouse, eagles, and hawks. This action also advances the objectives of the Standards for Rangeland Health as defined by the Mojave-Southern Great Basin Resource Advisory Council.
Prioritizing safety and efficiency, the BLM ensures humane treatment of all animals during the gather. Utilizing the best available science, the BLM and its contractors adhere to the Comprehensive Animal Welfare Program to meet their goals.
Animals designated for removal will be transported to the Palomino Valley Off-Range Corrals in Reno, Nevada, where they will receive veterinary care and be prepared for the BLM’s wild horse and burro Adoption and Sales Program.
Given the sensitivity of the bait and water trap method, only essential personnel will be present at the trap sites to minimize disturbances. Temporary closures will be implemented around these locations to ensure public safety. The BLM will inform the public about these closures in accordance with 43 CFR 8364.1.
The gather is being conducted under the Spring Mountains Complex Wild Horses and Burros Herd Management Plan Environmental Assessment. Relevant NEPA documents are available on the BLM National NEPA Register.
Updates and additional information can be found on the gather website. For technical inquiries, contact Allison Meaney, Wild Horse and Burro Specialist, at (702) 515-5000.
For details on adopting or purchasing a wild horse or burro, visit www.blm.gov/whb.
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