2026 Jackson Mountain HMA Wild Horse Gather
Purpose of Gather:
The purpose of the gather is critical to prevent further deteriorating body condition of the wild horses in the area due to extremely limited water sources and forage, undue or unnecessary degradation of the public lands associated with excess wild horses, and to restore 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/burros and Burros Act.
As of March 2026, the population of wild horses/burros in the HMA was estimated at 679; not including the 2026 foal crop. This is approximately 470% above the appropriate management level (AML) of 130-217 wild horses.
Details of Gather:
The gather will begin on or about September 20, 2026 and will be utilizing helicopter-assisted drive trapping. The Black Rock Field Office plans to gather and remove 500 horses.
The horses identified for removal will be transported to the Winnemucca Off-Range Wild Horse and Burro Corrals in Paradise Valley, Nevada, where they will be checked by a veterinarian and readied for the BLM’s wild horse and burro adoption program.
Public Observation:
The public lands within a five-mile radius surrounding drive trap sites and temporary holding facilities will be temporarily closed to all forms of public access and all public lands within the gather area will be closed to camping in accordance with 43 C.F.R. § 8364.1 to ensure that the gather is effective and safe for wild horses, BLM personnel and contractors, and members of the public.
However, the BLM will provide public observation opportunities during the gather. 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. Those wanting to view gather operations must RSVP by calling (775) 623-1567 by 5 PM the night before they want to observe gather operations. You will receive a callback with specific instructions on each day’s meeting location and time by 9 PM.
Adoption Information:
Please visit the BLM’s website at https://www.blm.gov/whb
Background:
The southern portion of the Jackson Mountain Herd Management Area (HMA) is having water and forage shortages due to a large congregation of horses. The demand to the resources from the current population of horses is more than the resource can provide resulting in body condition of horses declining in the area.
The Black Rock Field Office (BRFO) last conducted an emergency gather of wild horses/burros from the Jackson Mountain HMA in 2021 due to water shortages in the same area. The current estimated population is 679 wild horses in the HMA. Appropriate Management Level is 130-217 wild horses.
- Daily Gather Reports
September 20, 2026
Summary:
Animals Gathered: 0
Animals Shipped: 0 ( Stallions, Mares, Foals)
Animals Treated with Fertility Control: 0
Deaths: 0
Gather Status
The gather will begin on or about September 20, 2026.
Animals Gathered: 0 (0 Stallions, 0 Mares, and 0 Foals)
Animals Shipped: 0 (0 Stallions, 0 Mares, and 0 Foals)
Animals Treated with Fertility Control: (0 Stallions, 0 Mares)
Animals Released: 0 (1 Stallions, 0 Mares, 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"