The BLM Elko District Office will begin an emergency gather on or about Thursday to remove approximately 215 excess wild horses from areas within the Maverick-Medicine Herd Management Area and the Wood Hills area.
The decision follows prolonged drought conditions that have reduced forage growth and created risks for both the land and the horse population.
The Maverick-Medicine HMA is part of the Triple B Complex, which includes the Triple B, Maverick-Medicine, and the western third of the Antelope Valley HMAs, along with the Cherry Spring Wild Horse Territory.
The Wood Hills area lies outside the Spruce-Pequop HMA, part of the Antelope Complex that encompasses the Antelope, Antelope Valley, Goshute, and Spruce-Pequop HMAs.
According to the BLM, the gather aims to safely remove wild horses impacted by drought from these overpopulated areas. "The gathering is essential to address herd overpopulation and ensure the future well-being of both the horses and their habitat," the agency said.
The operation will be conducted under the Antelope and Triple B Complexes Gather Plan Environmental Assessment (EA) DOI-BLM-NV-E030-2017-0010-EA.
Only essential personnel will be allowed at trap sites to reduce stress on the animals and increase the effectiveness of bait and water trapping efforts.
"The BLM’s priority is to conduct safe, efficient wild horse gathers with a focus on humane care and treatment," the agency said. "Using the best available science and handling practices, the BLM and its contractors will meet and gather goals in line with the Comprehensive Animal Welfare Policy."
Captured horses will be transported to the Palomino Valley Wild Horse and Burro Center, where they will receive veterinary care before being made available through the BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Adoption and Sale Program.
Gather reports and updates will be available on the 2025 Maverick-Medicine and Wood Hills Emergency Gather webpage.
