Recreation in Wild Idaho Horse Herd Areas

(Information and graphics courtesy of BLM, Boise District Office)

With the increasing population in the Snake River valley, more and more people are finding their way into the Owyhee Mountains in search of recreational opportunities such as horseback riding, hiking, off-highway vehicle travel, rock hounding, hunting and more.

As recreational use increases on the Owyhee Front, horses are finding it more and more difficult to avoid contact with humans. It's suspected that increased human presence on the Owyhee Front is contributing to changes in the way wild horses use their herd areas. In some cases, they may be moving out of the domain they've held for so many years.

Wild horses are naturally wary. They are best viewed with binoculars at a distance. When approached, they will normally spook and run for cover.

For more Idaho wild horse information, contact BLM's Boise District Office at 3948 Development Ave., Boise, ID 83705-5389; telephone (208) 384-3300.