Wild Horse Gather Planned at Caliente Complex in 2026
CALIENTE, Nev. – Residents and wildlife enthusiasts in Lincoln County, Nevada, should prepare for a significant event as the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has scheduled a wild horse gather in the Caliente Complex around March 15, 2026. This operation will utilize temporary bait and water traps made from corral panels, avoiding the use of helicopters.
The Caliente Complex, situated in southern Lincoln County, spans approximately 911,892 acres of BLM-managed, private, and other lands. It is comprised of nine Herd Areas (HAs) and is managed with the objective of maintaining zero wild horses.
The last horse gather in this region occurred in 2024, with the current population estimated at about 1,503 wild horses, not accounting for the 2026 foal crop. To address the issue of overpopulation, BLM plans to remove around 350 excess wild horses from the area.
The gather aims to prevent the degradation of public lands caused by excessive wild horse numbers and to restore ecological balance, aligning with Section 1333(b) of the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act. This action is crucial for managing the overpopulation of wild horses and burros both within and beyond the area boundaries.
Ensuring the safety and humane treatment of all animals during the gather is a top priority for BLM. The organization and its contractors will apply best practices and the latest science in handling wild horses and burros, supporting the goals outlined in the Comprehensive Animal Welfare Program.
Once gathered, the animals will be transported to the Indian Lake Off-Range Corrals in Fallon, Nevada. There, veterinarians will examine them, preparing them for the BLM’s wild horse and burro Adoption and Sales Program.
The bait and water trap method requires minimal disturbance to encourage wild horses to approach the trap site. Consequently, only essential personnel will be present during operations.
This gather is conducted under the guidance of the Caliente Complex Wild Horse Gather Final Environmental Assessment, approved on April 27, 2018, available on the BLM National NEPA Register.
For ongoing updates, including gather reports, visit the 2026 Caliente Complex Wild Horse Bait and Water Gather website. For technical details, contact Wild Horse and Burro Specialist, Tyler Reese, at (775)726-8100. To learn about adopting or purchasing a wild horse or burro, go to www.blm.gov/whb.
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