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The wild horse and burro situation in some Western states has long been out of control. But Nevada is certainly the leader in the club house with between 50,000-60,000 wild horses encompassing the state’s public land resource. Unfortunately due to The Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971 , no lethal measures can be taken to deal with the overpopulation of this non native species. Take into consideration that Nevada is already the most dry state in the union ( currently mired in a historic drought) and it’s painfully obvious that native species such as elk, mule deer, antelope and desert big horn sheep are actively competing with wild horses for precious food and water resources.

On this episode of Campfire Conversations I’m joined by our old friend Charles Whitwam of Howl For Wildlife, Everett Headley (also with Howl), and Nevada Wildlife Federation Director Russell Kuhlman. We discuss the dire situation regarding the future of Nevada’s big game species that are all suffering due to the overpopulation of wild horses. Most importantly we hit on SB90 which was introduced the Nevada legislative session this week. This ill advised bill would make wild horses the “State Animal of Nevada” and subsequently afford wildlife managers no recourse whatsoever.

The severity of the bill can’t be overstated. It’s bad news and it’s been brought forth by the emotionally charged pro horse organizations that decry any form of science when it comes to the management of these animals. You might be surprised to learn what is done with some of these horses across the West and the reality that taxpayers are footing the bill to house and feed them. Great stuff as always with our friends from Howl and our new acquaintance in the Las Vegas Wildlife Federation.