2026 North 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 Appropriate Management Level (AML) ranges. The purpose is also to remove wild horses outside established Herd Management Areas (HMAs) within the identified gather area. This action will also adopt and implement Herd Management Action Plans (HMAPs) consistent with the authority provided in 43 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 4700 for the HMAs within the North 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 thriving natural ecological balance 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 relevant policies.
Details of Gather:
The goal of this gather is to capture approximately 320 excess wild horses from within or outside the North Complex utilizing the helicopter drive trap. The North Complex consists of the Dogskin Mountains, Flanigan, and Granite Peak HMAs and is located approximately 30 miles north of Reno, Nevada in Washoe County. Gather operations will take place in and around the Complex where wild horses have moved in search of food and water. 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 in accordance with 43 C.F.R. § 8364.1 to ensure that the gather is effective and safe for wild horses, BLM employees and contractors, and members of the public.
Public Observation:
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 775-885-6150 by 5PM Pacific Time prior to the day of observation day and they will receive specific instructions on each day’s meeting location and time by 9PM Pacific Time. 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.
Adoption Information:
Information for wild horse adoptions can be found on the BLM Wild Horse and Burro Adoption page.
Background:
The North Complex gather area includes a total of 341,145 acres within and outside the Complex. The estimated wild horse population is 424 within and just outside the Complex, greatly exceeding the established AML range of 101-157 wild horses. Animal conditions in the Dogskin Mountains, Flanigan, and Granite Peak HMAs are declining due to range degradation and lack of sustainable water resources. Regular monitoring has occurred in the complex to observe wild horse body condition and range and water conditions. Dependent on the location within these HMAs, animals body conditions have been observed in the range of 2-3.
Also, recent wildfires have further reduced the suitability of these areas for the Dogskin Mountain and Grant Peak HMAs. The Bug and Fred Mountain Fires merged to burn a combined 93,733 acres, including approximately 4,588 acres within the Dogskin Mountains HMA and 1,619 acres within the Granite Peak HMA, significantly reducing available forage and other habitat resources. In addition, ongoing drought conditions have limited forage production and reduced post-fire recovery potential, which has further reduced the forage resources of the affected area.
To view the BLM’s decision and gather documents dated July 31, 2026, go to the BLM National NEPA Registry.
- Daily Gather Reports
Saturday, October 17
Summary:
Animals Gathered:
Animals Shipped:
Animals Released:
Deaths:
- Sudden / Acute:
- Pre-existing / Chronic:
Gather Status
This gather starts October 17, 2026.
Animals Gathered:
0 Wild Horses (0 Stallions, 0 Mares, and 0 Foals)
Animals Shipped:
0 Wild Horses (0 Stallions, 0 Mares, and 0 Foals)
Animals Released:
0 Wild Horses (0 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"