BLM Seeks Public Assistance in Wild Horse Shooting Investigation on the Onaqui Herd Management Area
SALT LAKE CITY - The Bureau of Land Management Utah State Office confirms the tragic death of a wild horse on the Onaqui Herd Management Area (HMA) over the past weekend. The horse was found by a member of the public and reported to the BLM. A BLM investigative team has verified that the horse was shot, and a formal investigation is now underway. BLM law enforcement is seeking any information the public can provide to aid in this investigation.
The wild horse was found deceased on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, approximately three miles southwest of Simpson Springs in Tooele County, south of the Dugway Proving Grounds. Evidence indicates that the shooting likely occurred during the week of November 3, with the horse succumbing to its injuries over the weekend.
The BLM’s Office of Law Enforcement and Security officially launched an investigation to identify those responsible for this incident. Members of the public with any information regarding suspicious activity in the Onaqui HMA are encouraged to come forward. The public is encouraged to call the Utah Law Enforcement Tip-Line: (800) 722-3998 with any information regarding the shooting, anyone who may have seen anything suspicious, or any observations of shooting occurring during the period of Nov. 3-9, 2024.
In addition, a reward is being offered that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) who may have caused this senseless death. BLM is offering ($5,000), along with several wild horse advocacy groups, including American Wild Horse Conservation ($5,000), Red Birds Trust ($5,000,) Wild Beauty Foundation ($2,500), and the Onaqui Catalogue Foundation ($1,500) - a reward totaling $19,000.
For questions or to provide information, please contact:
BLM Law Enforcement Tip-Line
Phone: (800) 722-3998
Email: BLM_UT_WHB@blm.gov
The Onaqui HMA, known for its large public following, photographed by many across the country, is an important resource cherished by the public, and BLM is committed to ensuring the safety of these wild horses.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.