Wild Horses

The Owyhee Field Office encompasses three Herd Management Areas (HMAs). The Black Mountain and Hardtrigger HMAs are adjacently located northwest of Murphy, Idaho. The Sands Basin HMA is located about 5 miles west of the Hardtrigger HMA and about 13 miles southwest of Homedale, Idaho.

Herd Management Areas in the Owyhee Field Office have received a significant increase in public use since the 1970s and recreational use along the Owyhee Front continues to increase. This increased recreational use creates greater interaction between the wild horses and the public and can result in direct harassment, indirect disturbances and stress on the horses. If you visit an area where wild horses are present, give them their space and enjoy these beautiful animals from a safe distance.