Carson City District to Begin Wild Horse Gather in July 2026

CARSON CITY, Nev. – A significant effort to manage wild horse populations is set to commence around July 20, 2026, in the vicinity of the Lahontan Herd Management Area (HMA) in Lyon and Churchill counties, approximately 35 miles from Carson City, Nevada. The operation, lasting until August 9, 2026, will utilize the helicopter drive-trap method.

Spanning 9,687 acres of public land, the Lahontan HMA maintains a designated management level of 7 to 10 wild horses. However, the project area extends over approximately 239,431 acres both within and beyond the HMA. According to a helicopter survey from March 2024 and subsequent population growth projections, the area currently houses around 809 wild horses. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) aims to gather and remove about 700 of these excess horses.

The initiative seeks to mitigate the adverse effects of overpopulation on public lands and restore a balanced ecosystem, aligning with Section 1333(b) of the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act. The action addresses the insufficient water resources for the current horse population and aims to prevent further land degradation by achieving a sustainable herd size.

Balancing the wild horse population is crucial for safeguarding the habitats of other species, including migratory birds, pronghorn antelope, and mule deer. This removal effort aligns with the objectives set by the Sierra Front-Northern Great Basin Resource Advisory Council to meet the Standards for Rangeland Health.

Ensuring the humane treatment and care of the horses during the gather is a top priority for the BLM. The agency and its contractors emphasize the use of scientifically backed practices to achieve their goals, as outlined in the Comprehensive Animal Welfare Program.

After removal, the horses will be transported to the Palomino Valley Off-Range Corrals in Reno, Nevada. At the facility, they will undergo veterinary checks and preparation for the BLM’s wild horse and burro Adoption and Sales Program.

To facilitate the gather, public access within a five-mile radius of trap sites and temporary holding facilities will be restricted, and camping will be prohibited in the area. Nonetheless, the BLM will offer public observation opportunities, ensuring safety for all involved, including the animals. Observers can view the process from July 20 to 30, 2026, and if extended, from August 1 to 4 and August 7 to 8, 2026. Public viewing requires an RSVP by calling (775) 625-0440 by 5 PM the day prior. Specific details for each day will be provided by 9 PM.

Documentation related to the NEPA process and the gather is accessible via the BLM National NEPA Registry.

Daily updates and further details about the gather can be found on the BLM’s website. For technical inquiries, contact Holley Kline, Supervisory Natural Resource Specialist, at (775) 885-6000.

To learn more about adopting or purchasing a wild horse or burro, visit www.blm.gov/whb.