BLM to Begin Moriah Herd Area Wild Horse Gather
Ely, Nev. – On or about July 20, 2026, the BLM plans to begin a wild horse gather in and around the Moriah Herd Area (HA) located near Ely, Nevada, using the helicopter drive-trap method.
The HA encompasses approximately 53,000 acres of public and private lands and is managed for zero wild horses. A helicopter survey conducted in April 2026 documented approximately 275 wild horses within and directly outside the herd area. The BLM plans to gather and remove approximately 250 wild horses.
The purpose of the gather is to prevent degradation of public lands associated with excess wild horses and to achieve a thriving natural ecological balance and multiple-use relationship on public lands, consistent with the provisions of Section 1333(b) of the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act.
BLM’s priority is to conduct safe, efficient, and successful wild horse gather operations while ensuring humane care and treatment of all animals gathered. The BLM and its contractors are committed to using the best available science and handling practices for wild horses and burros while meeting overall gather goals and objectives in accordance with the Comprehensive Animal Welfare Program.
All animals identified for removal will be transported to the Winnemucca Off-Range Corrals, located in Paradise Valley, Nevada. Upon arrival to the facility, all animals will be checked by a veterinarian and readied for the BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Adoption and Sales Program.
Members of the public are welcome to view the gather operations, provided that doing so does not jeopardize the safety of the animals, staff and observers, or disrupt gather operations. The BLM will escort the public to gather observation sites located on public lands. Once gather operations have begun, those wanting to view gather operations must RSVP by calling (775) 625-0440 by 5:00 PM the night before they want to observe gather operations. They will receive specific instructions on each day’s meeting location and time by 9 PM. Temporary closures will be put in place for public and wild horse safety.
NEPA decisions and documents can be viewed at the BLM National NEPA Registry.
Gather reports and additional information will be posted on the BLM website at the gather website. For technical information, contact Sadie Leyba, Wild Horse and Burro Specialist at (775) 289-1800.
For information on how to adopt or purchase a wild horse or burro, visit www.blm.gov/whb.
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.