Feb. 17, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) approved a new wild horse herd management area plan for the Callaghan Complex in Lander County.
The Callaghan Complex covers approximately 1.15 million acres of public and private land, including the North Shoshone Herd Area as well as the Bald Mountain, Callaghan, South Shoshone, and the northern portion of the Hickison herd management areas.
According to the BLM, as of late 2025, the estimated wild horse population within the complex is significantly above the appropriate management level, ranging from 323 to 552 horses.
The approved plan outlines strategies for maintaining a strong natural ecological balance, including gathering and removing excess animals, and mare fertility control. Gathers will be conducted using the best available science and handling practices, in accordance with the BLM’s comprehensive animal welfare program.
Wild horse populations can grow by 15 to 20 percent annually if unmanaged, potentially doubling every 4 years. The BLM noted that overpopulation can harm the land and increase the risk of starvation for horses, especially during drought.
To learn more about BLM efforts to place gathered animals, visit https://www.blm.gov/programs/wild-horse-and-burro/adoptions-and-sales
Planning documents are available at https://eplanning.blm.gov/Project-Home/?id=f38370ee-a7f2-f011-8407-001dd80bcf93
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