Red Desert 2026
The Red Desert (WY) roundup began October 15, targeting 1,035 wild horses for capture. If that target is met, about 100 horses will be returned to the range with population-growth suppression applied.
BLM’s spring 2026 population statistics listed an estimated 1,679 horses across the five Red Desert HMAs. Its current gather schedule lists an estimated 2,015 horses at the start of the fall operation, without providing an updated population breakdown by HMA.
The Red Desert Complex includes Antelope Hills HMA (approximately 159,000 acres; AML 60–82 horses), Crooks Mountain HMA (approximately 58,000 acres; AML 65–85), Green Mountain HMA (approximately 117,000 acres; AML 170–300), Lost Creek HMA (approximately 251,000 acres; AML 60–82), and Stewart Creek HMA (approximately 168,000 acres; AML 125–175), with the adjoining Arapaho Creek Herd Area encompassing an additional 185,718 acres and “not managed” to maintain a wild horse population (but yet a BLM recognized route that horses move from HMA to HMA allowing BLM to set low AML in each without claiming that these numbers are not at risk genetically due to movement, in and through Arapaho). You can learn more HERE.
From BLM about the operation: “The BLM plans to gather approximately 1,035 horses from the Stewart Creek and Green Mountain herd management areas during this fall’s operations, as part of approximately 1,800 horses planned to be gathered across the Red Desert Complex…”
Access to this operation was initially set for only 4 out of 37 scheduled days. Our legal team did engage.
Access to observe will be offered throughout the roundup that is now expected to last 3 weeks.
From BLM: Observation is available by reservation only and is limited to 10-15 people per viewing day. Reservations will be accepted by email only at BLM_WY_Comms@blm.gov. Requests must be submitted no later than 12 p.m. the day prior to the public viewing day you wish to attend. In your reservation request, please state which calendar day(s) you prefer to attend so we can accommodate as many people as possible. Phone and voicemail reservations will not be accepted.
Official cumulative numbers:
Captured (official count): 133 Wild Horses (44 Stallions, 58 Mares, and 31 Foals)
Shipped:
Deaths: 1 (BLM said: Pinto stallion humanely euthanized due to pre-existing condition – limb deformity, unable to maintain or improve. Observers onsite said the paint horse had club foot)
Please be aware, BLM weakened the standards in their CAWP program on June 29th, right before helicopter roundup season began. A veterinarian is no longer required to be onsite.
This page will update frequently as images and video are transferred and information comes in from the field. Most recent updates will appear at the top, scroll for earlier reports.
Day 2: 10-17-26: Operation called for the day due to wind. No active capture.
Day 1: 10-16-26
133 wild horses were captured. It was an emotional day for people that know and love this herd.
No view of trap was provided. This inhibits the ability to assess handling practices. No view of sorting at temporary corrals.
At the temporary corrals, observers were given access to assess post capture condition, but not sorting process. (end of video above)
Our team is working hard.
We will update you as time allows.
We need your support to keep our teams engaging lawmakers, our team fighting in the court, our team running in the field covering the roundup schedule.