November 2019, the BLM conducted its first helicopter roundup of the Challis Herd since 2012 versus every 2-3 years due to collaborative efforts with Wild Love Preserve over the last nine years. The joint BLM-WLP implementation of a pro-active fertility management program has proven successful in slowing population growth. As in 2012, Wild Love founder Andrea Maki worked on behalf of the horses to reduce conflicts between the advocates, public and BLM, leading up, during and following this roundup.
The BLM’s helicopter roundup of the Challis wild horses concluded November 11, 2019 after seven consecutive days. Of the approximate 400 wild horses counted on the range, the total number removed was 294. The BLM's goal had been 365. Daily BLM counts were: 11/5: 66, 11/6: 78, 11/7: 52, 11/8: 39, 11/9: 32, 11/10: 16, 11/11: 11.
Following the roundup the BLM made two aerial counts of the Challis Herd Management Area and concluded 111 wild horses were able to defy capture and remain wild on the range. We witnessed some incredibly impressive displays of might, courage, and unrelenting determination to outsmart the helicopter pilot by some of the horses, and as result, they remain free on their home turf.
The number of Challis wild horses returned to range will be approximately seventy-five, which will bring the total count to the BLM's low AML of 185. Of the twenty-one wild mares to be released, ten will be treated with the fertility vaccine PZP-22 and in keeping with our longtime management plan and successful collaborative work since 2013, which will also coincide with wild mares not rounded up that have been part of our initial pilot program with Native PZP-1YR. Eleven mares will be treated by the BLM with the fertility drug Gonacon, and we will document and compare research results over the coming years.
The BLM's management level for the number of wild horses living in their native habitat on the Challis Herd Management Area is 185. The BLM's head count in mid-2019 was approximately 400 wild horses after seven years since the 2012 roundup, compared with the 2012 count being over 400 after three years following the 2009 Challis roundup which had also left the count at 185. The BLM’s 2019 Challis roundup and removals again left the count at 185 after approximately 111 horses were counted to have escaped capture and 73 were returned to the wild. As in 2012, Wild Love Preserve's will adopt those not otherwise adopted to live in permanent residence on the wild side in 2020.
Here’s this local KMVT 11 news story in Idaho:bit.ly/kmvt-11
