On September 2, 2025, the U.S. Forest Service will launch a roundup of 350 wild horses from the Devil’s Garden Plateau in Northern California. Officials say the operation is meant to reduce the herd toward an AML of 206–402 horses, a number set back in 2013.

The Forest Service has hired CD Warner Livestock, LLC to conduct the roundup using helicopters and bait traps. Once captured, the horses will be sent to the Double Devil Corral for adoption.

Public access will be extremly limited. No more than six people will be allowed to view on select days, with entire trap sites closed off from observation. Roundups are already dangerous and stressful for wild horses — limiting oversight only adds to the risk of abuse hidden from view.

Transparency is not optional — it is the law.

September 6, 2025

Contractor CD Warner Livestock, captured nine wild horses today. No foals were among them. To date, six foals have been captured.

Observation was limited. Trees in the area blocked the view of the trap, trailers, and loading.

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Three runs were conducted, each bringing in three horses. The helicopter was out for extended periods between runs.

At the Double Devil Corrals, which are open to the public only one day a week, we observed three mares wearing tracking collars. They had star or triangle hip brands. When asked about the different brands, officials directed that questions be submitted in writing.

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No updates were provided on the front pens 10 and 11, which contain USDA Wildlife Services Fertility Control Study stallions. No information has been given on whether stallions will be intact, treated, or gelded prior to release.

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September 2, 2025

The US Forest Service began the Devils Garden wild horse roundup today, September 2, 2025. The operation is being conducted by the contractor CD Warner Livestock 

Only two runs occurred throughout the day. A total of nine horses were captured and removed, including two foals. The small number of runs resulted in limited activity overall.

Public observation was offered, but the location at Lauer Reservoir provided a highly obstructed view. Trees blocked visibility, leaving observers with no clear sight of the trap site, trailers, or loading area. 

This lack of access prevented meaningful documentation of the roundup itself.

In addition, observers were denied access to the Double Devil Corrals, where captured horses are held. The Forest Service has stated that public access to the corrals will only be permitted on Saturdays. 

Only three members of the public attended today’s observation.

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