BLM approves wild horse management plan in Lander County
BATTLE MOUNTAIN, Nev. – The Bureau of Land Management today approved the wild horse herd management area plan for the Callaghan Complex in Lander County.
The complex encompasses approximately 1.15 million acres of public and private lands and includes the North Shoshone Herd Area and the Bald Mountain, Callaghan, South Shoshone, and the northern portion of Hickison herd management areas. The estimated population in the complex as of late 2025 is significantly more than the appropriate management level of 323-552.
The plan will implement management strategies for obtaining a thriving natural ecological balance, including gathers and removal of excess animals and mare fertility control. BLM staff and contractors will use the best available science and handling practices for wild horses while meeting overall gather goals and objectives in accordance with the Comprehensive Animal Welfare Program.
If left unchecked, wild horses can increase their numbers by 15% to 20% annually, resulting in the doubling of wild horse populations about every four years. Overpopulation jeopardizes the health of the land and increases the horses' risk of death or suffering from starvation due to insufficient habitat, coupled with the effects of frequent drought.
Please visit our Adoptions and Sales page to learn more about BLM efforts to place gathered animals in private care.
Planning documents, including the environmental assessment, decision record, and finding of no significant impact are available at the BLM National NEPA Register.
For more information, please contact the Mount Lewis Field Office wild horse and burro specialist at 775-635-4000.
The BLM manages about 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.