Special to the HT
The Bureau of Land Management began gathering wild horses from the Piceance-East Douglas Herd Management Area and surrounding areas over the weekend.
The BLM contracted with C D Warner Livestock LLC to conduct the helicopter-assisted gather. During the first two days of operations, crews gathered 180 horses—58 stallions, 83 mares and 39 foals. BLM’s daily reports listed no deaths through Aug. 3.
Operations began around 6 a.m. while temperatures were cooler and concluded before noon as daytime temperatures climbed into the 90s. On Aug. 3, for example, operations ended at approximately 11:45 a.m., when the temperature had reached 95.2 degrees.
Horses are guided by helicopter into a portable trap, where ground crews sort them into groups for transport to temporary holding. Mares with nursing foals are placed together, while stallions and mares without foals are held separately.
At temporary holding, the horses receive veterinary care, vaccinations, identification and evaluation. Horses considered suitable for placement will eventually be made available for adoption or other placement opportunities through the BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Program.
During the first days of the gather, observers watched pilots use changes in altitude and direction to guide the horses toward the trap. Pilots generally remained above and behind the herd, applying additional pressure when the horses changed direction and allowing younger or slower animals time to keep pace.
The BLM and the nonprofit Piceance Mustangs are also working together to identify 14 gathered horses that will be returned to the Piceance-East Douglas HMA. According to information provided for this report, the groups are consulting herd records maintained by Piceance Mustangs and considering characteristics including health, conformation, coloring and genetic diversity. Ten of the returned horses are expected to receive fertility-control treatment.
The BLM plans to gather approximately 1,025 horses from the Piceance-East Douglas HMA, adjacent areas and the West Douglas Herd Area during the monthlong operation. About 1,011 are expected to be removed, while 14 will be returned to the Piceance-East Douglas herd.
Public viewing is scheduled on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays for the remainder of the gather, as weather, safety and operations allow. Attendance is available by advance reservation only, and participants must receive confirmation from the BLM before attending.
By JOSIE TUTHILL