2020 Saylor Creek Wild Horse Gather

Background:

The Saylor Creek HMA is approximately 15 miles south of Glenns Ferry, Idaho in Owyhee and Elmore counties, containing about 101,858 acres of Federal, State and private land. This HMA has an Appropriate Management Level (AML) of 50 wild horses, and the current estimated population is 131.  

Purpose of Gather:

The purpose of the gather is to remove excess wild horses from within the Saylor Creek HMA to achieve the established Annual Management Level (AML), reduce the wild horse population growth rate to minimize the need for repeated gathers, and to restore a thriving natural ecological balance and multiple use relationship on the public lands.

As of May 2020, the population of wild horses in the Saylor Creek HMA, was estimated at 131 – more than two and a half times above the target population. The management level for the Saylor Creek HMA is 50 wild horses. The management number is based on range conditions, water availability and acreage comparisons, as well as seasonal movement during the summer and drier winter months. Learn more in our Frequently Asked Questions. 

Details of Gather:

Operations began in late July and concluded in late August 2020. The BLM conducted gather operations by using temporary water and bait traps consisting of a series of corral panels stocked with water and hay. No helicopters were used. When actively trapping wild horses, the trap was checked daily. Wild horses were either removed immediately or fed and watered for up to several days before transport to the Boise Off-Range Corrals (ORC). 

Public Observation: 

The BLM’s top priority is to conduct safe, efficient and successful wild horse gather operations, while ensuring humane care and treatment of all animals gathered. The BLM will use the best available science and handling practices for wild horses, meeting overall gather goals and objectives in accordance with the Bureau’s Comprehensive Animal Welfare Policy. 

Because of the nature of the bait and water trap method, wild horses are reluctant to approach the trap site when there is too much activity. Therefore, only essential gather operation personnel will be allowed at the trap site during operations.

A public viewing opportunity will be coordinated once the wild horses have arrived at the Off-Range Corrals.

Adoption Information: 

All horses identified for removal will be transported to Off-Range Corrals in Bruneau or Boise, Idaho, where they will be checked by a veterinarian and readied for the BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Adoption and Sale Program. Wild horses that receive fertility control vaccines will be held temporarily in the Off-Range Corrals before being returned to the HMA.