Wild Horse Gather Set to Begin in Nevada’s Antelope and Triple B Complexes
In mid-March 2026, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will initiate a wild horse gather in the Antelope and Triple B complexes, located approximately 30 miles south of Wells, Nevada. The operation, managed by the Elko and Ely District Offices, will employ temporary bait and water traps, which consist of a series of corral panels equipped with water and forage. Notably, helicopters will not be utilized in this effort.
The Antelope Complex, spanning 1,183,340 acres across a mix of private and public lands, includes the Antelope, Antelope Valley, Goshute, and Spruce-Pequop herd management areas (HMAs). The Appropriate Management Level (AML) for this complex is set between 427 and 789 wild horses. However, as of March 2026, the population was estimated at approximately 5,067 wild horses, greatly exceeding the AML by nearly 6.4 times, excluding the 2026 foal crop. The last gather here occurred in 2025.
Similarly, the Triple B Complex, which covers 1,632,234 acres of mixed land ownership, encompasses the Triple B, Maverick-Medicine, and Antelope Valley (west of U.S. Hwy 93) HMAs, along with the Cherry Springs Wild Horse Territory (WHT). This complex has an AML of 472 to 889, yet by March 2026, the horse population was estimated at about 1,844, more than double the AML, without counting the 2026 foal crop. The most recent gather in this area was also completed in 2025.
To address these overpopulations, the BLM plans to remove around 700 wild horses from the Antelope Complex and 300 from the Triple B Complex. The objective of this gather is to mitigate undue or unnecessary land degradation associated with the excess populations of wild horses and burros. This effort is aligned with Section 1333(b) of the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act, aiming to restore ecological balance and promote multiple-use relationships on public lands.
By aligning the herd sizes with the land’s capacity, the BLM seeks to protect habitats for other wildlife, including sage grouse, pronghorn antelope, mule deer, and elk. The removal of excess animals is anticipated to advance the Standards for Rangeland Health, as identified by the Nevada Resource Advisory Councils.
Ensuring the humane care and treatment of the gathered animals is a priority for the BLM, which commits to safe and efficient operations. Utilizing the best available science and handling practices, the BLM aims to meet its gather goals in accordance with the Comprehensive Animal Welfare Program.
Horses removed from the Antelope Complex will be relocated to the Indian Lakes Off-Range Corrals in Fallon, Nevada, while those from the Triple B Complex will be transported to the Sutherland Off-Range Corrals in Sutherland, Utah. Upon arrival, each animal will undergo veterinary checks and be prepared for the BLM’s wild horse and burro Adoption and Sales Program.
Due to the nature of the bait and water trap method, which requires minimal disturbance, only essential personnel will be permitted at the trap sites during operations.
The gather is being conducted under the Antelope and Triple B Complexes Wild Horse Gather & Herd Management Area Plan Environmental Assessment. Interested parties can view these documents on the BLM National NEPA Registry. Additional information and gather reports will be available on the 2026 Antelope/Triple B wild horse bait and water gather webpage. For technical inquiries, contact Bruce Thompson, Wild Horse and Burro Specialist, at (775) 753-0200.
For details on adopting or purchasing a wild horse or burro, visit www.blm.gov/whb.
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