2017 Conger Wild Horse Gather

Beginning Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Ended Sunday, December 3, 2017

Purpose of Gather:

“This gather is in year two of a research study that is being conducted on wild horse behavior and ecology," said BLM West Desert District Wild Horse Specialist Trent Staheli.  “It will examine the behavioral effects of gelding, population dynamics, fertility, reproductive rate, recruitment rate, age-specific survival and mortality, habitat selection, movements and habitat range among other things.”

Public Observation

The public is welcome to observe daily operations through BLM-escorted tours provided that the safety of the animals, staff and observers are not jeopardized and that operations are not disrupted.  Observers must provide their own transportation, water and food.  Public restrooms will not be available. The BLM recommends weather appropriate footwear and neutral-colored clothing. Binoculars and four-wheel drive, high clearance vehicles are-strongly recommended. 

Public Meeting Places

Those interested in participating should meet at the Border Inn Gas Station at the junction of Hwy 6 and 50 on the Utah-Nevada state line, 88.6 miles west of Delta, Utah, where tours will depart at 6:30 a.m. MST. Daily adjustments to this schedule and specific details will be recorded daily on the BLM gather hotline, (801) 539-4050.

Additional Information

Visitors and observers to the gather area should be aware that low flying helicopters will be used as part of the operation.  Flying Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones) near the Conger Mountain ranges north of Highway 6 and 50 will be prohibited during the gather. Brief road closures may also be needed to allow movement of horses during gather operations.

All horses gathered will be shipped to the Delta Wild Horse Facility.  The facility will be closed starting Nov. 27 through Dec. 18 to allow the researchers to study the horses before being returned to the range.

Updates are available on this page after 5:30 each day, and also via Twitter by following @BLMUtah or searching #CongerGather. To learn more about the Wild Horse and Burro Program, visit the BLM National Wild Horse and Burro website.

An environmental assessment is available via the BLM’s planning documents website.  More information on the population control research project is available from the BLM’s Fillmore Field Office at (435) 743-3100.

wild horse running in conger hma

Gather Report

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Summary: The plan was to not have any gather operations today. After setting up the trap and looking at the incoming weather, the helicopter flew for a few hours and gathered 28 horses without incident. All horses had a body class of 3's and 4's, with the exception of one mare with body class 2. 

Animals gathered: 28
Animals shipped: 28
Total deaths today: 0
Acute: 0
Chronic/Pre-existing: 0

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Summary: There were 37 horses gathered today.  All horses had a body class 3's and 4's. There were six members of the public viewing today's operations. 

Animals gathered: 37
Animals shipped: 37
Total deaths today: 0
Acute: 0
Chronic/Pre-existing: 0

Thursday, November 30, 2017

Summary: There were 22 horses gathered today.  All horses had body class 4's and 5's.  There were two visitors viewing operations today. 

Animals gathered: 22
Animals shipped: 22
Total deaths today: 0
Acute: 0
Chronic/Pre-existing: 0

Friday, December 1, 2017

Summary: Ten horses were gathered today.  All horses had body class of 5.  There was one visitor viewing today's operations. 

Animals gathered: 10
Animals shipped: 10
Total deaths today: 0
Acute: 0
Chronic/Pre-existing: 0

Saturday, December 2, 2017

Summary: Fourteen horses were gathered today.  All horses had body classes of 4's and 5's.  There were four visitors viewing today's operations. 

Animals gathered: 14
Animals shipped: 14
Total deaths today: 0
Acute: 0
Chronic/Pre-existing: 0

Sunday, December 3, 2017

Summary: No horses were gathered today.  Operations were shut down due to windy weather conditions.  Today completes the horse gather.  This is the final report.   

Animals gathered: 0
Animals shipped: 0
Total deaths today: 0
Acute: 0
Chronic/Pre-existing: 0

Veterinary Report

No veterinary reports to display at this time.