Elvis from Conant Creek before the roundup. Photo: Jim Brown

Many of you have been following our roundup season documentation. Since July 1 we have reported from Wyoming (North Lander), Nevada (Blue Wing) and Utah (Swasey).

Over the last few years we have all watched BLM slam populations down to numbers that, in many cases, are not genetically healthy. This is an agenda adopted in 2018 and fully funded by 2020 many of you know by the name “Path Forward.” Once driven to low numbers, hormonal fertility control (GonCon) that lasts 4-10 years has been applies to a few mares over 12 years old and they are released with a few studs. The lifespan of a wild mare is about 18-24 years old. In other words, many of our herds are likely to never recover.

Even though permanent sterilization is approved in BLMs “Gather-EA” for North Lander, like it is in so many herds, BLM created a “gather plan” for this roundup at North Lander to follow the national trend. They said they plan to release a few mares treated with GonaCon and a few studs (not gelded).

Elvis captured, July 2024

We have been asking BLM to post post-roundup flyover census data on their website for population numbers left on the range (for all HMAs in all states).

BLM should be transparent about how many are left on-range. We wish BLM would release pre-roundup flyover data and not just use modeling (for all HMAs).

When you have spent time with a herd and get to know them, being on range after they are removed is more than painful. There are ranges we travel now where we see more memories of wild ones than we see on the range. One volunteer said it is like “seeing ghosts.”

At North Lander we are making a request that BLM publish post-roundup data and work with organizations to determine which horses should go back home. The removal of these horses has greatly diminished the ability to enjoy public lands. (July 22 at 6 p.m. PT, Added note: BLM is flying North Lander conducting a survey now.)

We are asking for your help. Can you take a moment and sign this letter?

Click HERE to sign

BLM can teach the public how they determine their “estimated population.” BLM always says the public “does not understand.” Maybe if BLM walked the public through a real-life scenario, they would understand BLMs methods better and could advocate for their interest using the right acronyms and words? BLM should also work with advocates on release.

Photos of wild horses in the North Lander by photographer Jim Brown who has documented this herd for decades. These wild ones are now captive.

Speck, a 13-year old stud, Conant Creek

Commanche 16 year old stallion, Conant Creek

Stone 9 year old stallion Rock Creek HMA

Rhea, mare, Conant Creek 13 year old

Scar, 14 year old Stallion with one eye and large scar on side Right side, Conant Creek. Scar needs to go home to live out his life on the range.

Jim designed a t-shirt and, along with Night Mare Brigade, is offering it for sale. The proceeds will help WHE continue to document roundups this summer and keep our litigation going.

If you would like to order a shirt, simply click HERE or click the image above.

If you would like to sign the petition to have flyover data released to the public and request that BLM work with advocates that have lost so much… Click HERE to sign

Our teams are at roundups today and are starting to report in. We will have updates for you shortly.

Thank you for keeping us running for the wild.