BLM to conduct Muddy Creek wild horse gather in Emery County

Continued drought conditions including a lack of forage, available water, and an overpopulation of wild horses is prompting the Bureau of Land Management to initiate an emergency removal of excess horses. The roundup is planned to start July 10th 2025. The BLM will gather approximately 150 wild horses from BLM and State of Utah-administered lands using the helicopter drive-trapping method. Horses removed from the range will be transported to the Axtell Wild Horse Contract Off-Range Corral/Pasture in Axtell, Utah.

Opportunities are available for the public to observe daily gather operations through BLM-escorted tours, as long as conditions remain safe for both the horses and participants and gather operations are not disrupted. Observers must provide their own transportation, water, and food. No public restrooms will be available. The BLM recommends weather-appropriate footwear and neutral-colored clothing. Binoculars and four-wheel drive or other high-clearance vehicles are also strongly recommended. Details on the BLM-escorted tours will be updated each evening during the gather and announced daily on the BLM gather hotline at 801-539-4050.

Gather operations will begin on Thursday, July 10, 2025. Individuals who wish to view the gather will have to meet for daily escorted tours at Interstate I-70, Exit 131 - Temple Mountain Road, at the kiosk on the south side of the exit, departing at 5:30 a.m.