The USDA Forest Service plans to begin gathering 350 wild horses from the Devil’s Garden Plateau Wild Horse Territory on September 2, 2025. The gathering will continue movement toward the appropriate number of wild horses prescribed in the 2013 Devil’s Garden Plateau Wild Horse Territory Management Plan.
The 2024 population census resulted in an estimate of more than 700 wild horses on and around the territory. The Modoc National Forest remains committed to managing wild free-roaming horses in a manner that is designed to achieve and maintain a thriving natural ecological balance and multiple-use condition on public lands.
The Modoc National Forest has contracted CD Warner Livestock, LLC. to conduct the gathering. Gather contractors will utilize mechanized equipment and bait traps to gather horses. If you come across a livestock corral in the forest, please avoid the area.
Viewing of gather operations will be offered for up to 6 viewers on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Saturdays during the gather. Corral tours will also be offered on Saturdays. Some trap sites may not allow for viewing and/or multiple viewers. To make viewing reservations please email [email protected] and include your name, phone number, requested viewing dates, and the number of viewers in your party. If you are unable to email reservation requests, please call (530) 233-8738. Reservations are first-come, first-served.
Viewers with reservations will be provided with the meeting location and time when their reservation is confirmed. Viewers with reservations should be prepared to:
• Drive in rugged terrain
• Walk long distances across uneven and muddy ground
• Be exposed to possible inclement weather conditions such as rain, snow, wind, and intense sun
• Remain on site until gather operations have concluded for the day
• Bring food, water, folding chair, sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses
• Wear neutral colored clothing (avoid brights and darks)
Please note: There are no restroom facilities at viewing locations and often no cell service. Viewers must not interfere with gather operations.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
All gathered wild horses go to the local coral for adoption. Devil’s Garden Plateau wild horse information and gather updates are available on the web at fs.usda.gov/r05/modoc.
Comments are closed.