Last roundup in this same area, the tip of the Antelope HMA pushing into Tippet.

With less than 36 hours notice BLM announced a roundup with only 1 week left in “helicopter season.” Roundups using helicopters must end by the last day of February due to “foaling season” BLM sets without data. The law prohibits using helicopters from March 1 through June 30th.

The operation targets 300 wild horses BLM said are residing outside of the Antelope HMA and Moriah HA north of Ely, Nevada. BLM is saying it is an “emergency due to severe drought conditions and limited available forage.” Citing the wild horses are “off-HMA and HA” (meaning they are off legally designated habitat), BLM does not note that this is a traditional seasonal movement seen every year since before the 1971 Act exacerbated by increasing disturbance from mining and livestock. This area is home to a couple of well connected livestock operators.

Our team scrambled to be onsite before the roundup began.

Cumulative Totals: 

Captured: 161 (65 Stallions, 67 Mares, and 29 Foals)  Please note: During the Owyhee (Little Humbolt/Snowstorm) roundup that just ended, BLM claimed there were no foals and that every horse was a year old after January 1, even if it was born the month before. BLM has no clear cut designation and whomever is the Incident Commander at an operation decides what things happen and how they are recorded. The BLM employee designated as IC is responsible for everything that happens onsite.

Shipped to Palomino Valley Center north of Reno:

Deaths: 1    BLM said: “Bay stud, age 6, Pre-existing/Chronic, Lameness, Broken right back leg.”

02-22-26

161 (65 Stallions, 67 Mares, and 29 Foals) wild horses were captured in 13 runs on the first day of this roundup. Trapping began at around 22 degrees. The wings to the trap were a bit obstructed and observers were placed really far away limiting the ability to assess activities at trap. 

The roundup is in the “nook” on the southern end of the Antelope. At the last operation in this area BLM also tried to say these are not Antelope Complex horses, they are. This is a seasonal move that happens because of the way fencelines are laid in the area and the beating the range takes from thousands of sheep (and newly approved mining, traffic, and exploration). BLM has been under a lot of pressure to do another “Antelope roundup” (where over 14,000 wilds horses were removed under the last approved roundup plan in only 7 years) and the area is the subject of ongoing litigation and legal actions (we will update you soon).

Below: One horse does not go into trap and is roped. Video one is the drive and the second video is the roping.

When our welfare team member called in as she was driving back to town she told us to expect to see a death. BLM would most likely kill a horse she saw drop off from the rest after appearing to get injured in the rear…. and that is exactly what happened.

BLM said: “Bay stud, age 6, Pre-existing/Chronic, Lameness, Broken right back leg.”

What we know for sure is that this wild horse was surviving the winter and able to run with the herd until the helicopter pushed him.

Video below: You can see the stallion who becomes “off on the back end” and lags behind.

Our volunteer did go to temporary holding where visibility was minimal.

There were 13 runs and a lot of footage to still go through.

Our welfare team is back onsite today. 

We woulds like to bring your attention to an important action item. If you can make a call to your lawmakers today regarding including the SAFE Act as an amendment to the farm bill, it could make a difference. Sample script and why you should make the call to impact the slaughter pipeline HERE.

A very generous donor will match every gift dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000.

The challenge has been extended through the end of February by a very understanding supporter, appreciating our work load, for the love of our wild ones. 

Every mile we travel to cover roundups or assess a herd, every court case we bring, every win, every action we take is only possible because of your support.