2018 HOG CREEK WILD HORSE GATHER

Purpose of Gather:

Our overall goal is for the range to achieve or maintain a thriving natural ecological balance. Heavy to severe wild horse grazing jeopardizes the health of rangelands, wetlands, wildlife habitats, and ultimately animal health and condition.

Details of Gather:

The Hog Creek Herd Management Area is located near Harper, Ore., in northern Malheur County. The Appropriate Management Level (AML) – the number of horses the range can sustainably support in conjunction with other animals and resource uses – for this area is 30 to 50 horses and the current population is 66.

An estimated 60 horses will be gathered. Of those, 25 will be released back to the HMA in order to maintain a diverse age structure and sex ratio. Additionally, released horses will be selected to preserve herd characteristics. Maximum effort will be undertaken to return released horses to the same general area they were gathered.

Fertility control treatments will be implemented for this gather because of the need to reduce population growth. Approximately 15 mares that are two years of age or older will be returned to the HMA after receiving PZP fertility treatment. After the gather, approximately 30 horses will remain on the HMA.

Adoption Information:

Animals selected for removal from the range are transported to Oregon's Wild Horse Corral Facility in Hines to be prepared for adoption. For viewing, the public may visit the Corral Facility anytime between regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Federal holidays may fall during the regular work week. We recommend calling ahead to ensure the facility will be open during your visit.

Public Observation:

Any other information or notices, and twice per week gather reports, will be shared on this page.