Bristlecone Field Office Plans Wild Horse Gather in Nevada’s Pancake Complex
ELY, Nev. – Residents near the Pancake Complex in Nevada should prepare for the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) upcoming wild horse gather, scheduled to begin around March 15, 2026. Situated approximately 30 miles west of Ely, the operation aims to manage the wild horse population using bait and water trap methods, avoiding the use of helicopters.
The Pancake Complex includes two Herd Management Areas (HMAs) and a Herd Area (HA). Specifically, the Pancake HMA covers 849,613 acres of public land along with 309 acres of mixed private and public lands, supporting an Appropriate Management Level (AML) of 240-493 wild horses. Meanwhile, the Sand Springs West HMA spans 152,277 acres of public land, maintaining an AML of 29-49 wild horses. The Jakes Wash HA, extending across 153,663 acres, is not managed for wild horses, and the Monte Cristo Wild Horse Territory is excluded from this gather operation.
BLM’s goal is to gather and remove about 300 wild horses from the area. A survey in February 2025 revealed a population of 1,436 wild horses in and around the management area, which is more than double the upper limit of the AML, excluding the 2026 foal crop. The last complete gather took place in 2022, with an emergency gather occurring in 2025.
The gather aims to prevent degradation of public lands due to the overpopulation of wild horses and burros, aligning with Section 1333(b) of the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act. By managing herd sizes, BLM seeks to maintain ecological balance and protect habitats for wildlife such as pronghorn, bald eagles, and sage grouse.
Ensuring the humane treatment of animals is a top priority for BLM, as they aim for safe and efficient gather operations. The BLM and its contractors adhere to the best available science and handling practices, as outlined in the Comprehensive Animal Welfare Program.
Once gathered, the wild horses will be transported to the Sutherland Off-Range Corrals in Utah, where they will receive veterinary care and be prepared for BLM’s wild horse and burro Adoption and Sales Program.
Due to the sensitivity of the bait and water trap method, access to the trap site will be restricted to essential personnel to minimize disruptions. The gather is conducted under the Pancake Complex Wild Horse gather and Herd Management Plan Environmental Assessment, with documents available on the BLM National NEPA Register.
For ongoing updates, gather reports, and additional information, visit the 2026 Pancake Complex gather webpage. For technical inquiries, contact Sadie Leyba, Wild Horse and Burro Specialist, at (775) 289-1800.
To learn about adopting or purchasing a wild horse or burro, visit www.blm.gov/whb.
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