Horse Gathering Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

The US Forest Service is seeking information from qualified contractors to provide technical advice, planning support, and operational expertise for the humane gathering of free-ranging horses using bait traps, water traps, or other cost-efficient, low-stress capture methods. The project involves capturing and removing approximately 2,000 horses from national forest system lands on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. The work includes gathering, handling/loading, holding, care, transportation, delivery, and facilitation of the sale of horses from the National Forests. The Forest Service is exploring non-helicopter, low-impact methods and seeks contractor input on best practices, equipment options, operational sequencing, cost considerations, and feasibility for implementing these methods. Key aspects of the project include: • Humane gathering of free-ranging horses using bait traps, water traps, or other low-stress capture methods • Capture and removal of approximately 2,000 horses from national forest system lands • Non-helicopter, low-impact methods • Best practices and equipment options for humane horse gathering • Operational sequencing and cost considerations • Feasibility of implementing low-impact methods