Four Mile is a smaller Herd Management Area (HMA) in western Idaho. The HMA consists of about 18,800 acres and BLM has set the number of wild horses that can live in this area at 37-60.
In September BLM targeted 189 wild horses out of an estimated population of of 210. The roundup concluded after capture of 215. The initial plan included permanently removing 173 wild horses and doing a release of 16 wild horses back to the HMA: 8 studs and 8 mares treated with GonaCon.
The number captured essentially represents all of the wild horses BLM estimated were on the range. The wild horses released will be the “herd” that will represent this HMA. The number of wild horses in the Four Mile HMA will not even represent a genetically sound range breeding program, not even close to a “wild” population capable of replicating genetically viable long-term herd survival.
Our team member did not some gelding complications.
The agency is planning to release wild horses treated with GonaCon, a hormonal long-term fertility control substance. GonaCon (with the double dose method BLM uses) produces infertility for 3-5 years and in some individuals permanent infertility.
As of yet, we have not received notification of the final number for release or a date.
The state of Idaho manages 6 HMAs: Four Mile: 18,800 acres, AML 37-60. Sands Basin: 11, 724 acres, AML 33-64. Hardtrigger: 67,882 acres, AML 66-130. Black Mountain: 50,904 acres, AML 60-30 Saylor Creek: 101,876 acres, AML 50. Challis: 167,848 acres, AML 185-253.
The so-called “Appropriate Management Level” for the entire state 617 wild horses. The BLM manages nearly 12 million acres of public lands in Idaho, nearly one-fourth of the state’s total land area. Only 419,000 acres in the entire state are set aside for wild horse use; within that area wild horses are grossly minimized.
Idaho is a state that played a part in the 2009 “Salazar Plan” with a focus on “non-reproducing herds.”
Some of the tags seem pretty tight.
Bait trapping at the Challis HMA in Idaho was added to the continuing acceleration of removals in the 2022 schedule that began Oct. 1.
Wild horses removed from the Four Mile HMA were transported to the Boise Off-Range Corral Facility. You can make an appointment to view wild horses or burros at the corral if you wish to adopt (click here).
Our team is continuing to monitor this situation.
Our event last night has gotten positive feedback from participants. We be running more events in the future. You can sign up to follow our website, or to receive the newsletter, for notification of future events. (HERE)
Other ways to support WHE during the year end drive:
You can support the work of WHE by attending the event, as you do your holiday shopping or through a direct contribution. Year end fundraising is critical to keep all of our work running into the new year.
Our WHEStorefront added a new collection, including a calendar, in time for the holidays. You can see the new collection HERE.
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Categories: Wild Horse Education
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