BLM invites public to a free wild horse off-range pasture tour in Sulphur, Oklahoma
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The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will host two free two-hour public tours of a wild horse off-range pasture near Sulphur, Oklahoma, Saturday, August 24, 2019. The purpose of the tour is to allow public access to the private facility and learn more about BLM’s wild horse and burro management responsibilities. Attendees will have the opportunity to view more than 1,600 mares roaming on approximately 9,700 acres of grassland in central Oklahoma.
These animals were removed from public rangelands out West as part of BLM’s mission to protect and preserve America’s wild horse and burro herds. The off-range pasture, known as the Hickory Ranch, is a private ranch under contract with the government to feed and care for federally protected wild horses in a natural free-roaming environment.
Attendees must register in advance to secure a seat. Space is limited. Tour buses will transport attendees to the off-range pasture from a nearby parking and loading area off site. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. No personal vehicles will be allowed on the private property.
Cameras and video recorders are welcomed and encouraged. Other personal items may also be brought along, including non-alcoholic drinks in sealable containers. Buses will be air conditioned, but attendees are advised to dress appropriately for the summer season, as there will be stops along the tour route for attendees to step off the buses for better views. Restrooms will be available at the designated parking/loading area off site and on the tour buses.
Registration Details
Tour times: 9:00-11:00 a.m. 1:00-3:00 p.m.; Boarding begins 30 minutes before each departure.
Make reservation: Call 866-468-7826 or e-mail wildhorse@blm.gov. Please specify your desired tour time and number of people in your party. Indicate any special accommodations you may require (e.g. wheelchair ramp). Make note of your confirmation number and bring it with you.
Reservation deadline: August 22, 2019
Parking and loading location: Walmart in Sulphur, 2705 W Broadway Ave, Sulphur, OK 73086
The BLM manages wild horses and burros on 177 Herd Management Areas covering 26.9 million acres of public land in 10 Western states. The objective is to ensure healthy herds thrive on healthy rangelands. With no natural predators to keep horse and burro populations in check, herd sizes can grow rapidly, potentially doubling every four to five years.
As of March 2019, the on-range population of wild horses and burros was estimated at 88,090, which far exceeds the Appropriate Management Level (AML) of 26,690 that BLM deems consistent with balanced, sustainable use of the land. BLM seeks to achieve AML through various means, primarily by gathering and removing excess animals from the range. Many of these animals are placed into private care either through adoption or sale. Those animals for which no private demand exists are held in a network of BLM off-range corrals and pastures around the country. As of July 2019, approximately 46,900 were held in off-range corrals and pastures.
For more information, please contact the Wild Horse and Burro Program National Information Center at 866-468-7826 or email wildhorse@blm.gov.
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.