2022 Challis Wild Horse Bait Trap Gather

Gather complete. 

1/2/22 - 4/14/22

Purpose of Gather:

The purpose of the gather is to maintain the population of wild horses, selectively remove a portion of horses for placement into the adoption program, capture, treat, and release horses for application of fertility treatment.

Details of Gather:

The BLM Challis Field Office is conducting a wild horse gather operation in the Challis Wild Horse Herd Management Area (CHMA), just south of Challis. The BLM is using temporary water and bait traps consisting of a series of corral panels stocked with water and hay/mineral; no helicopters will be used.

The BLM plans to gather approximately 70 wild horses and remove approximately 39 to maintain populations within the Appropriate Management Level of 185-253 horses on the HMA. The gather could last up to six months. 

Public Observation: 

The BLM is using temporary water and bait traps consisting of a series of corral panels stocked with water and hay/mineral; no helicopters will be used. Because of the nature of the bait and water trap method, wild horses are reluctant to approach the trap site when there is too much activity; therefore, only essential gather operation personnel will be allowed at the trap site during operations.

Adoption Information: 

All horses identified for removal will be transported to the Challis Off-Range Wild Horse Corrals, where they will be checked by a veterinarian and readied for the BLM’s wild horse and burro Adoption and Sale Program. For information on how to adopt or purchase a wild horse or burro, visit www.blm.gov/whb.

Background:

The Challis Herd Management Area covers 167,848 acres in central Idaho near the East Fork of the Salmon River.

The Challis Herd is comprised of hardy stock that are generally larger than most wild horses that live in rugged, steep mountainous regions. Herd genetics are very diverse, containing traces to New World Spanish breeds, followed closely by North American Gaited breeds as well as Heavy Draft and True Pony breeds.

Learn more about the Challis HMA at https://www.blm.gov/programs/wild-horse-and-burro/herd-management/herd-management-area/idaho/challis.