2026 Callaghan Complex Wild Horse Gather
Purpose of Gather:
The purpose of the BLM’s action is to reduce the current wild horse population and growth rates, and to achieve and maintain wild horse population sizes within established AML ranges. The purpose is also to remove wild horses or and burros outside established HMAs within the identified gather area. This action will also adopt and implement HMAPs consistent with the authority provided in 43 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 4700 for the HMAs within the Callaghan Complex.
The need for the action is to prevent undue or unnecessary degradation of the public lands associated with excess wild horses, and to restore a TNEB and multiple-use relationship on the public lands, consistent with the provisions of Section 1333 (b) of the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971 (Public Law 92-195, as amended) the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 43 CFR §4700, and policies (WFRHBA).
Details of Gather:
The goal of this gather is to capture approximately 2,000 excess wild horses from within or outside the Callaghan Complex utilizing the helicopter drive trap. The Callaghan Complex consists of the Callaghan, South Shoshone, Bald Mountain, Hickison (north of US Route 50) HMAs, and North Shoshone HA. The Complex also includes the area spanning in between HMA boundaries where wild horses and burros currently reside. The Complex lies entirely within Lander County, expanding from approximately 7 miles south of Battle Mountain to approximately 6 miles north of Austin. The gather area encompasses approximately 1,145,515 acres.
The Callaghan Complex’s wild horse estimated population greatly exceeds the established AML range of 323-552 wild horses. Wild horse are frequently moving on the highway 305 right of way and creating public safety issues.
Public Observation:
Due to current staffing levels and to ensure the safety of the operation, public observation opportunities will be offered in accordance with the BLM’s gather observation/visitation protocol and any gather-specific ground rules on Tuesdays through Saturdays during gather operations. Members of the public are welcome to view the gather operations on scheduled observation days, 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 to 775-625-0440 by 5PM prior to the day of observation day and they will receive specific instructions on each day’s meeting location and time by 9PM. Other than those public observation opportunities, the gather area will be temporarily closed to members of the public in accordance with 43 C.F.R. § 8364.1. To view the BLM’s decision and gather documents dated March 15, 2026, go to the BLM National NEPA Registry.
Adoption Information:
Information for wild horse adoptions can be found on the BLM Wildhorse and Burro Adoption page.
Background:
The Callaghan Complex consists of the Callaghan, South Shoshone, Bald Mountain, Hickison (north of US Route 50) HMAs, and North Shoshone HA. The Complex lies entirely within Lander County, expanding from approximately seven miles south of Battle Mountain to approximately six miles north of Austin. The gather area encompasses approximately 1,145,515 acres of private and public land.
The Callaghan Complex was most recently surveyed in February 2025, at which time approximately 4,489 adult wild horses were estimated to be residing within the Complex. The Complex has a cumulative AML of 323-552.
- Daily Gather Reports
[Weekday, Month Day]
Summary: (Gather status, temp and weather conditions)
Animals Gathered: 0 (0 Stallions, 0 Mares, and 0 Foals) 0 (0 Jacks, 0 Jennies and 0 Foals)
Animals Shipped: 0 (0 Stallions, 0 Mares, and 0 Foals) 0 (0 Jacks, 0 Jennies and 0 Foals)
Animals Treated with Fertility Control: (0 Stallions, 0 Mares, 0 Jacks, 0 Jennies)
- PZP: 0 (0 Mares, 0 Jennies)
- PZP-22: 0 (0 Mares, 0 Jennies)
- GonaCon: 0 (0 Mares, 0 Jennies)
- IUD: 0 (0 Mares, 0 Jennies)
- Sterilizations: 0 (0 Stallions, 0 Mares, 0 Jacks, 0 Jennies)
- Other: 0 (0 Stallions, 0 Mares, 0 Jacks, 0 Jennies)Animals Released: 0 (0 Stallions, 0 Mares, and 0 Foals) 0 (0 Jacks, 0 Jennies and 0 Foals)
Deaths: 0
- Sudden / Acute: 0
- Pre-existing / Chronic: 0
Provide short description of each animal death
Gather Status
This gather will begin on [DATE]
Animals Gathered: 0
0 Wild Horses (0 Stallions, 0 Mares, and 0 Foals)
0 Wild Burros (0 Jacks, 0 Jennies, and 0 Foals)
Animals Shipped: 0
0 Wild Horses (0 Stallions, 0 Mares, and 0 Foals)
0 Wild Burros (0 Jacks, 0 Jennies, and 0 Foals)
Animals Treated with Fertility Control: 0
0 Wild Horses (0 Stallions, 0 Mares, and 0 Foals)
0 Wild Burros (0 Jacks, 0 Jennies, and 0 Foals)
Animals Released:
0 Wild Horses (0 Stallions, 0 Mares, and 0 Foals)
0 Wild Burros (0 Jacks, 0 Jennies, and 0 Foals)
Deaths: 0
-Sudden / Acute: 0
-Pre-existing / Chronic: 0
Scroll to the bottom of this gather page for detailed “Daily Gather Reports"