RBC I Muzzleloader and archery hunters heading to Game Management Unit 21, located south of Rangely and west of Highway 139, are advised that the Bureau of Land Management will conduct excess horse gather operations in the area beginning Sept. 14, coinciding with the start of the early hunting seasons.
The BLM says they will focus on gathering 167 horses in West Douglas Horse Area first, but if they are unable to gather the required number of horses there, they may move operations east into GMU 22. The BLM estimates that operations may run a week to 10 days.
“We prefer that this take place at a time that does not affect hunters, but that is not our decision,” said Northwest Regional Manager Ron Velarde of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “All we can do is alert hunters that they need to take the horse gather into consideration when making plans.”
The gather operations will include helicopters, support vehicles and personnel on the ground.
Until the operations have concluded, the BLM is asking everyone to avoid the area. Hunters are advised to seek alternative hunting areas within the GMUs.
For more information, contact the BLM at 970-210-2126 or 970-878-3842, or visit www.blm.gov/co/st/en/ fo/wrfo/wrfo_wild_horses.html
