Forest Service and BLM to Begin Emergency Wild Horse Gather in Murderers Creek Area

John Day, OR – The USDA Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will initiate an emergency wild horse gather in the Murderers Creek Joint Management Area (JMA) starting Monday, November 25, 2024.

This critical operation is a direct response to the devastating effects of the Rail Ridge Fire, which burned more than 175,000 acres of habitat on federal and state lands earlier this year.

The gather is designed to address severe forage shortages that pose an immediate risk to the herd of approximately 650 wild horses and to protect sensitive ecosystems damaged by the fire, provide recovery for the burned area and restore rangeland health.

“This gather is essential to the survival of the wild horse herd and the recovery of critical habitats impacted by the Rail Ridge Fire,” said Ann Niesen, Forest Supervisor for the Malheur National Forest. “We are committed to taking humane and measured actions to protect both the horses and the ecosystems they depend on.”

Gather Details

The operation will prioritize humane bait and water trapping methods, minimizing stress and risk to the animals. Horseback roping may be used only as a contingency if necessary. Unlike some other gathers, helicopters will not be used in this operation.

The initial goal is to remove 350–400 horses from the JMA, with additional removals possible throughout the winter based on forage conditions and landowner requests. Gathered horses will be transported to holding facilities in Burns, Oregon, and Alturas, California, where they will receive veterinary evaluations and care.

Operations are planned to continue through February 28, 2025, weather permitting. No activities will occur after March 1, 2025, to avoid disturbing the foaling season.

Why This Action is Necessary

The Rail Ridge Fire has created a critical forage shortage, leaving insufficient resources to sustain the wild horse population through the winter. Without intervention, the herd is at risk of starvation, while overgrazing in remaining riparian areas could cause long-term damage to sensitive ecosystems, including those designated as critical habitat for the threatened Middle Columbia River steelhead.

By reducing the herd size to sustainable levels, the gather will support the recovery of rangeland and riparian health, ensuring these areas can continue to provide habitat for wildlife and support multiple land uses.

Commitment to Humane Treatment and Public Engagement

The USDA Forest Service and BLM are committed to the humane treatment of wild horses throughout this operation. Public safety and animal welfare are top concerns. All gathered horses will be evaluated by veterinarians as needed.

Public safety and animal welfare remain top priorities. Public access will be managed to ensure safety and minimize disturbance to the animals. Weekly updates on the gather’s progress, as well as information on adoption opportunities, will be shared through official channels.

"Gather operations are guided by the Comprehensive Animal Welfare Program, which sets handling standards that prioritize the care and well-being of the animals," said Emily Lent, OR/WA BLM Rangeland Management Specialist. "We encourage the public to read about these standards online, stay informed, and join us in supporting this important emergency gather." 

Next Steps

Gather operations will begin in designated areas within the JMA on November 25, 2024.

For more information about the gather, including weekly updates and adoption opportunities, visit https://www.blm.gov/programs/wild-horse-and-burro/herd-management/gathers-and-removals/oregon-washington/2024-murderers-creek.

About the Wild Horse and Burro Program

The Wild Horse and Burro Program is committed to the humane and sustainable management of wild horse populations and their habitats. Through collaborative efforts, the program seeks to protect the welfare of wild horses and burros while preserving rangeland ecosystems for future generations.