BLM Begins Antelope Complex Wild Horse Gather in Northern Nevada to Protect Herd Health as Winter Approaches
Reported by Bureau of Land Management · November 14 at 5:00 AM · Summary by Hoofdeck
The Bureau of Land Management began a wild horse gather on Nov. 14 in and around the Antelope Complex Herd Management Area in northern Nevada. The agency says the 2026 population is about 4,362 horses, more than five times the range's sustainable size of 437 to 789. Gathered horses will go to the Palomino Valley corrals for veterinary care before placement through adoption and sales.
Background
Wild horse herds on western rangeland can outgrow the forage and water that the land supports, especially in drought or late in the season. Removals are a standard management tool, and federal law generally requires that horses be cared for and placed through adoption or sale rather than sent to slaughter.
Why it matters
Overpopulated herds face winter malnutrition and dehydration, and gathers affect the horse supply that adopters and rescues draw from.
What you can do
Owners interested in adoption can check the BLM's Adoption and Sales Program for available animals. Anyone planning to view a gather should follow the BLM's RSVP instructions and the closure rules for the area.
Check what your pet can and cannot eat
Written by Hoofdeck from the report by Bureau of Land Management. Background is general information, not advice about your horse; if you are worried, call your vet.