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VIEWING WILD HORSES
AND
CAMPING IN WILD HORSE
HERD MANAGEMENT AREAS
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(Photos and graphics courtesy of the BLM)
Most BLM Resource Areas encourage viewing wild horses and some HMAs are
suitable for primitive camping, but those of you entering such areas should
consider a number of important factors.
Wild horses are naturally shy and most wild horse bands inhabit remote,
primitive areas. In many of these areas there are few sources of good water and during certain times of year the horses have to work hard to find enough food to
sustain themselves. The BLM tries to keep horse populations at levels where
the natural environment can sustain these animals, however interference by man
can prevent these animals from accessing needed water and food.
Pregnant mares and mares with foals are particularly vulnerable. Excess human
intervention can actually cause these animals to leave their home territories
for less suitable areas, causing them additional hardship or harm.
Mares and foals have been injured or killed when chased by unwitting, or
malicious, humans or their dogs.
Vehicle travel in these primitive areas can be difficult, especially during
periods of adverse weather. Use of vehicles inappropriate for the terrain,
venturing off approved roads or vehicle trails and/or failing to monitor
weather forecasts can result in you or your party becoming stranded in a very
remote place, probably with no communications to the outside world.
Some HMAs border military installations where civilian travel is
prohibited. Failure to follow maps or heeding warnings can result in your
getting arrested, or worse, finding yourselves in the middle of a live
armament target area.
Some HMAs border or contain designated Wilderness Areas or Wilderness Study
Areas. Vehicles of all types are prohibited in designated Wilderness Areas.
Vehicles must stay on designated roadways in Wilderness Study Areas.
All of these considerations may seem like a great deal to cope with,
however by following a few common sense precautions, you can enjoy your wild
horse viewing and camping experience without harming the horses or other
resident animals... or yourself!
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WILDERNESS ADVENTURE CHECKLIST
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Check with the appropriate BLM Field Office to find out which HMAs
are practical for you to visit, best locations for viewing horses and/or
camping, and obtain directions, maps, vehicle requirements and weather related
information.
Before entering HMAs with poor or unimproved roads, make sure your
vehicle meets the design recommended for safe travel (e.g., 4-wheel drive,
high clearance).
Make sure your vehicle is in good operating condition, your spare
tire is in good condition (and properly inflated), you have plenty of fuel,
etc.
Anticipate changing weather. Bring along warmer clothing,
particularly in the higher elevations. You may need it!
Take adequate supplies of drinking water.
Stay on recommended roads and routes.
Do not enter restricted areas!
Leave ALL gates as you find them
Do not park or camp near water holes or streams. (Stay back at
least 100 ft., preferably a greater distance.)
For best chance at viewing, pick a location downwind from your
anticipated viewing site (such as a watering hole). Binoculars and telephoto
and wide angle lenses for cameras can be very helpful. Be Patient... you could get the opportunity of a lifetime to see bands of horses in their natural environment.
Make camp only in designated areas. Observe local fire regulations.
(Propane stoves are generally preferable to campfires.) Pack out all garbage
when you leave.
Do not try to chase or feed wild horses. (Feeding them is
not helping them!)
Keep any dogs under control. Dogs chasing horses can lead to injury
or fatalities to both the horses and the dogs.
Keep in mind that you are in the horses' home. Be respectful
guests.
Please report anyone found chasing, harassing or attempting to
capture wild horses to the local BLM office.
This is not a BLM operated or BLM sponsored site. It
is run by private wild horse and burro enthusiasts. We are thankful to the
BLM for providing the information which is presented here.
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