FY2026 Lahontan HMA Wild Horse Gather
Purpose of Gather:
The purpose of the gather is necessary because an overpopulation of wild horses is contributing to overuse of upland and riparian vegetation and is degrading habitat. Native bunch grasses, the primary forage for wild horses, livestock and some wildlife species, are being overgrazed. Overgrazing native bunch grasses can lead to their loss, depriving wild horses and other grazing animals of the food provided by bunch grasses.
The HMA contains unique and important biological, geological, scenic, and cultural resources. Besides providing forage and habitat for wild horses, the HMA provides important habitat for wildlife species, including mule deer, and pronghorn. The other predominant land use within the HMA is general recreation (both motorized and non-motorized), including hunting, hiking, and exploring. Domestic livestock grazing is authorized on the Lahontan grazing allotment within a regulated season of use. The full gather area beyond the HMA also overlaps with lands managed by the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), Nevada State Parks (NSP) and withdrawn Department of Defense (DOD) lands, used by the Navy.
Details of Gather:
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Carson City District, Stillwater and Sierra Front Field Offices will begin a wild horse gather on or about July 20, 2026, within and outside the Lahontan Herd Management Area (HMA) The gather area includes a total of 239,431 acres within and outside the HMA. The HMA is located approximately 35 miles east of Carson City, Nevada and borders the south side of the Lahontan Reservoir in Lyon County, Nevada. Gather operations will take place in areas outside the HMA where wild horses have moved in search of food and water.
The BLM will conduct gather operations using helicopters. The BLM plans to gather and remove approximately 700 wild horses. Once gather operations are completed, approximately 109 wild horses will remain in the HMA. The gather is expected to last approximately ten to twelve days, with a possible extension up to 10 additional days.
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 Wild Horse and Burro Adoption page.
Background:
Uniqueness of the Horses on the Lahontan HMA: This herd is known for its large percentage of pintos, most other colors are also found including dun and grulla. The horses generally stand approximately 15 hands high (60 inches from the ground to the top of the withers). These horses have good conformation and are know to be generally good-natured.
Location: The Lahontan HMA is located approximately 35 miles east of Carson City and immediately south of the Lahontan Reservoir.
Size: The area consists of 6,937 acres of BLM land and 2,641 acres of a mix of private and other public lands for a total of 9,578 acres.
Topography/Vegetation: The elevation is approximately 4,167 feet. The HMA is flat with low, sandy deposits and alkali flats. Average temperatures for Carson City range from 20 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit in December and January and from 48 to 90 degrees in July and August. Average annual precipitation is 7.5 inches. Dominant vegetation consists of Baileys greasewood, shadscale, low sagebrush, cheat grass, Indian ricegrass and squirreltail.
Wildlife: This HMA also provides habitat for many reptiles, small mammals, coyotes and a few birds.
AML: 7-10
The BLM last conducted a gather of wild horses from the Lahontan HMA in November 2010 due to overpopulation. The current estimated population is 809 wild horses in the Lahontan HMA. Appropriate Management Level is 7-10 wild horses.
- 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
As of [DATE]
or
This gather will begin on [DATE]
This gather was completed 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)
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 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"