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Originally Posted by raiderfan
there was a live bounty in alberta for them last year
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Frequently Asked Questions about Feral Horses
Background
Where did these horses come from?
Biologists call these horses feral because they are not true wildlife (i.e. they are not indigenous to the area). It is believed that most of these horses originated from domestic stock that was used in logging and mining operations in the early 1900's. Horses often escaped from these areas, and when the companies ceased operations, all the horses were turned loose.
These horses have now produced several generations of offspring and continue to inhabit the lands around the original operations west of Sundre and Rocky Mountain House.
In the decades since then, many domestic horses have been either been illegally turned loose by their owners for free grazing, or have escaped from adjacent ranches or Indian Reserves into these areas. These horses may also have produced offspring.
What is the purpose of the Feral Horse Capture Program?
The Horse Capture Program together with the Stray Animals Act helps to protect these horses, and to ensure humane treatment in capturing them. Round-up and roping methods are approved capture methods. Snare traps are prohibited.
Those wishing to capture these horses must apply for a licence. All applicants are carefully screened to ensure that:
An operational plan is in place
A satisfactory level of experience in capturing horses is evident
A safe and humane method of capture is stated
The estimated number of horses in the proposed area is given
The intent of the program is to ensure humane treatment of the horses and to strike a balance between the desired long-term survival of feral horses, and protecting the public and natural resources from the impacts of these animals.
How long has the program been in place?
Legislation was passed in 1993 and the existing program was implemented shortly thereafter. An earlier permit system was in effect from 1962 to 1972 when about 2000 horses were removed over the span of the ten years. Some roundups were done as far back as the 1950's.
What happens to the horses after they have been captured?
All captured horses can be inspected to ensure that they are feral horses (i.e. no brands) and that the licence holder has adhered to the conditions of capture.
Livestock Identification Services Inspectors are contacted if any branded horses are captured.
Once inspected and the animals are removed, it is difficult to know for certain where they end up. Most are used by the licence holders for resale, as packhorses, or as rodeo stock. Some are domesticated for various recreational pursuits.
Location
Where are Feral Horses found in Alberta?
The majority of feral horses in Alberta are found in the foothills west of Rocky Mountain House and Sundre. Herds have also been found ranging south of there to the Alberta/U.S. border.
How many feral horses are currently found in the area west of Sundre?
Currently we estimate there are over 750 horses.
It is difficult to determine accurately since these animals exist over a very large area and are difficult to spot in the rugged terrain.
Until recently annual counts since 1982 (in the Sundre area) have shown no significant increase or decrease in the population. These counts are completed at the same time of year over the same area in order to keep the statistics unbiased.
How long have feral horses been around the area west of Sundre?
There have been horses in the area since the 1920's.
Some roundups were first done in the 1950's. Under the original permit system, about 2000 horses were removed from 1962 to 1972.
Today we estimate there are about 750 horses in the designated area. It is difficult to obtain a completely accurate count of the horses since most are found in forested areas.
Are there any concerns with feral horses in this area?
Our concern is for the safety of the public (especially along the highways in the area), for the survival of the horses, and for the protection of the environment.
SRD initiated a licence feral horse capture program due to substantial reports that horses were being captured in an inhumane manner, often by use of snares. The program has eliminated this concern. It has also helped to regulate horse numbers and maintain wildlife habitat.
Licensing
How much does a licence cost?
A licence costs $200.
The application fee is $50, and the licence holder must pay corral fees (if corrals are being used) at a rate of $50 per metal corral or $250 per wooden corral.
How do I obtain a licence?
Licences are issued from the Sustainable Resource Development (SRD) offices listed below. Application forms can be obtained online or at these locations and then submitted at these locations:
Clearwater Forest Area Office - Rocky Mountain House
Tel: 403 845-8250
Southern Rockies Area Office - Calgary
Tel: 403 297-8800
Is there a limit on the number of licences issued or the number of horses that can be removed?
ASRD has the ability to limit the number of licences issued.
Since the program's inception the number of licences issued has not been very high, therefore no quota has been established.
The total number of horses that can be removed can be specified on the licence and a higher ratio of studs maybe specified. Annual counts appear to support the premise that the conservative number of horses removed annually is sustainable.
More Information
What happens to the horses after they have been captured?
All captured horses can be inspected to ensure that they are feral horses (i.e. no brands) and that the licence holder has adhered to the conditions of capture.
Livestock Identification Services Inspectors are contacted if any branded horses are captured.
Once inspected and the animals are removed, it is difficult to know for certain where they end up. Most are used by the licence holders for resale, as packhorses, or as rodeo stock. Some are domesticated for various recreational pursuits.
Is it legal to hunt wild horses?
No, shooting or hunting horses is illegal according to section 444 of the Criminal Code. Specifically, this section says:
"Everyone who wilfully
kills, maims, wounds, poisons or injures cattle, or
places poison in such a position that it may easily be consumed by cattle
is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years."
In the Criminal Code, "cattle" is defined as "neat cattle or an animal of the bovine species by whatever technical or familiar name it is known, and includes any horse, mule, ass, pig, sheep or goat."
If you witness or are aware of any illegal activities with respect to hunting feral horses, report the information to the local ASRD Office to initiate an investigation. This information will then be turned over to the RCMP.
Where can I find more information on feral horses?
Below is a short list of references that pertain to feral horses. This list may be updated from time to time, and further information may be found at Government of Alberta and University libraries.
Garrott, R.A. and L. Taylor. 1990. Dynamics of a feral horse population in Montana. J. Wildl. Manage. 54(4): 606-612.
Garrott, R.A., T.C. Eagle and E.D. Plotka. 1991. Age-specific reproduction in feral horses. Can. J. Zool. 69:738-743.
Mayes, E. and P. Duncan. 1986. Temporal patterns of feeding behaviour in free-ranging horses. Behaviour. 96(1): 105-129.
Rogers, G.M. 1991. Kaimanawa feral horses and their environmental impacts. New Zealand Journal of Ecology. 15(1): 49-64.
Salter, R.E. 1978. Ecology of feral horses in Western Alberta. Masters Thesis. Department of Animal Science, University of Alberta.
Salter, R.E. 1978. Distribution, ecology and management of free roaming horses in Alberta. Alberta Energy and Natural Resources, Alberta Forest Service. ENR Report No. 79.
Salter, R.E. 1979. Biogeography and habitat-use behaviour of feral horses in Western and Northern Canada. Department of Animal Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton. Paper presented at Symposium on the Ecology and Behaviour of Feral Equids, 6-8 September 1979, Laramie, Wyoming.
Salter, R.E. and R.J. Hudson, 1978. Distribution and Management of Feral Horses in Western Canada. Rangeman's Journal. Vol. 5, No. 6. December 1978. pp. 190-192.
Salter, R.E. and R.J. Hudson, 1978. Habitat utilization by feral horses in Western Alberta. Naturaliste can., 105: 309-321.
Storrar, J.A., R.J. Hudson and R.E. Salter, 1977. Habitat use behaviour of feral horse and spatial relationships with moose in central British Columbia. Syesis, 10: 39-44.
Wolfe, M.L., C.E. Legrande and R. MacMullen. 1989. Reproductive rates of feral horses and burrows. J. Wildl. Manage. 53(4): 916-924.
How can anyone disagree with stuff like this? amazing imagination or surging estrogen levels. I know someone near and dear to me that debates the same way. She's right because she says she's right. 
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