Feral Horses in Miller Creek

Update 5/27/2026:

The county commissioners will open a hearing on a resolution related to the feral horses during their public hearing meeting at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 11. The hearing is expected to be open for at least 30 days.

The meeting agenda and related documents will be available the prior Friday at missoula.co/bccmeetings. The public is encouraged to provide public comment at the meeting or by using the comment tool on this page.

County commissioners’ public hearing meeting: 2 p.m. Thursday, June 11.

In-person location: 200 W. Broadway, Missoula County Courthouse Annex, Sophie Moiese Room
Virtual option: Residents can attend the meeting via Microsoft Teams. To join the call on your phone, call 406-272-4824, Conference ID 467 457 758#. To join the meeting on your device, follow the links on the agenda that will be published at http://missoula.co/bccmeetings.

Project Background

It is not clear under state law which agency, if any, has jurisdiction to manage feral horses in Montana. After discussing the issue with the Montana Department of Livestock, Missoula County convened the following agency representatives with subject matter expertise in land and livestock management, ecology and law enforcement:

Dan Bugni, Lindsey Simon, Dustin Datisman, Jay Bodner, Tahnee Szymanski – Montana Department of Livestock
Chuck Casper – MPG Ranch
Natalie Sullivan – MSU Extension Office
Randy Arnold – Missoula County Lands, Culture and Recreation
Chris Lounsbury – Missoula County Commissioners’ Office
Paul Pfau – Montana Highway Patrol
Jeremiah Petersen – Missoula County Sheriff’s Office
Bryce Christians – Missoula County Ecology and Extension
Chet Crowser – Missoula County Office of Lands and Communities
Bart Morris – Oxbow Cattle Co.

The group discussed the following considerations:

History & Biology

Feral horses have been part of the Missoula County landscape for more than a century, with historical accounts dating back to the early 1900s. Private landowners have periodically conducted roundups of feral horses on their properties, The roundups most recently occurred in 1991, 2003, 2012 and 2023 (in the most recent roundup, the horses were sold to buyers interested in their rodeo stock lineage). Horses continue to remain in the area today, and a smaller band has moved closer to residential areas, raising new questions about safety and management.

Horses require about 35 acres per head for sustainable grazing, based on the Animal Unit Month (AUM) standard.
Development pressures are reducing available range.
Populations can double every 4 to 5 years, and gestation lasts about 11 months.
Several bands exist in the Miller Creek and surrounding areas, with some groups consistently in residential subdivisions.

Health Concerns

Feral horses pose limited risk to other species, but domestic horses can be affected.
Diseases of concern include equine herpes, influenza, equine infectious anemia, salmonella, pigeon fever and equine piroplasmosis (which can remain undetected for long periods).
The spread of disease can impact the livelihood of landowners in the area who depend on domestic horses to conduct business.
Vaccines exist for some diseases but are not fully preventative. There are also logistical considerations around how to contain and vaccinate the feral horses.

Public Safety

A documented vehicle collision occurred in September 2025, resulting in the death of one of the feral stallions.
Horses can weigh up to 1,500 lbs., creating significant hazards on roadways.
Stallions may be aggressive and territorial, especially near homes.
Horse bites are extremely strong — capable of crushing bone without breaking the skin.
Dogs and horses do not mix well; protective instincts around foals increase risk to both animals.

Legal and Jurisdiction Considerations

Horses are considered abandoned livestock, not wildlife. This differs from urban deer and other wildlife, which fall the authority under Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
Jurisdiction primarily falls to private landowners, county and state entities, not federal. The horses primarily being on private property is the main complicating factor; if they were on public land, government agencies would have clearer jurisdiction.
Relevant Montana Code Annotated sections:
- Abandoned Horses: MCA § 81-4-5
- Estray Horses: MCA § 81-4-6
- Herd Districts: MCA § 81-4-3
- Additional legal framework: Title 81, Livestock

Community Perspectives

Many residents value the horses and want to see them documented and monitored.
Others express concerns about safety, property damage, and disease transmission.
Local agricultural producers worry about the spread of disease and other impacts on domestic horses and business operations.

Update 5/27/2026:

County commissioners’ public hearing meeting: 2 p.m. Thursday, June 11.

In-person location: 200 W. Broadway, Missoula County Courthouse Annex, Sophie Moiese Room
Virtual option: Residents can attend the meeting via Microsoft Teams. To join the call on your phone, call 406-272-4824, Conference ID 467 457 758#. To join the meeting on your device, follow the links on the agenda that will be published at http://missoula.co/bccmeetings.

Project Background

Dan Bugni, Lindsey Simon, Dustin Datisman, Jay Bodner, Tahnee Szymanski – Montana Department of Livestock
Chuck Casper – MPG Ranch
Natalie Sullivan – MSU Extension Office
Randy Arnold – Missoula County Lands, Culture and Recreation
Chris Lounsbury – Missoula County Commissioners’ Office
Paul Pfau – Montana Highway Patrol
Jeremiah Petersen – Missoula County Sheriff’s Office
Bryce Christians – Missoula County Ecology and Extension
Chet Crowser – Missoula County Office of Lands and Communities
Bart Morris – Oxbow Cattle Co.

The group discussed the following considerations:

History & Biology

Horses require about 35 acres per head for sustainable grazing, based on the Animal Unit Month (AUM) standard.
Development pressures are reducing available range.
Populations can double every 4 to 5 years, and gestation lasts about 11 months.
Several bands exist in the Miller Creek and surrounding areas, with some groups consistently in residential subdivisions.

Health Concerns

Feral horses pose limited risk to other species, but domestic horses can be affected.
Diseases of concern include equine herpes, influenza, equine infectious anemia, salmonella, pigeon fever and equine piroplasmosis (which can remain undetected for long periods).
The spread of disease can impact the livelihood of landowners in the area who depend on domestic horses to conduct business.
Vaccines exist for some diseases but are not fully preventative. There are also logistical considerations around how to contain and vaccinate the feral horses.

Public Safety

A documented vehicle collision occurred in September 2025, resulting in the death of one of the feral stallions.
Horses can weigh up to 1,500 lbs., creating significant hazards on roadways.
Stallions may be aggressive and territorial, especially near homes.
Horse bites are extremely strong — capable of crushing bone without breaking the skin.
Dogs and horses do not mix well; protective instincts around foals increase risk to both animals.

Legal and Jurisdiction Considerations

Horses are considered abandoned livestock, not wildlife. This differs from urban deer and other wildlife, which fall the authority under Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
Jurisdiction primarily falls to private landowners, county and state entities, not federal. The horses primarily being on private property is the main complicating factor; if they were on public land, government agencies would have clearer jurisdiction.
Relevant Montana Code Annotated sections:
- Abandoned Horses: MCA § 81-4-5
- Estray Horses: MCA § 81-4-6
- Herd Districts: MCA § 81-4-3
- Additional legal framework: Title 81, Livestock

Community Perspectives

Many residents value the horses and want to see them documented and monitored.
Others express concerns about safety, property damage, and disease transmission.
Local agricultural producers worry about the spread of disease and other impacts on domestic horses and business operations.

Let us know what you think by logging in or creating an account and submitting your comment below.

Staff do not respond to comments submitted here. If you have a question you would like answered, submit it on the Questions tab.

You need to be signed in to comment in this Guest Book. Click here to Sign In or Register to get involved

Hello! I'm very excited to inform everyone that I'm completely cured from my HSV 1&2 recently. I have used Oregano oil, Coconut oil, Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, Famciclovir, and some other products and it's really help during my outbreaks but I totally got cured! from my HSV with a strong and active herbal medicine ordered from a powerful Traditional Healer and it completely fought the virus from my nervous system and I was tested negative after fews weeks of usage the herbal medicine. I'm here to let you' all know that herpes virus has a complete cure, I got rid of mine with the help of DR SIKIES a traditional Healer from west African and his herbal exploit. Contact him via mail: drsikies@gmail.com /WhatsApp +2348163430143
Via Website:https://drsikiesherbalcuremedicine.weebly.com/
You can reach me via mail Rebeccapwilson5@gmail.com

Rebeccapwilson 4 days ago

Removed by moderator.

evan.tipton 4 days ago

To the Missoula County Commissioners:

I live in Lower Miller Creek. The horses live in my backyard. They trample the trees and shrubs I just put in. They walk up onto my porch and knock my chairs around. They shit on my driveway. My daughter, my wife, and I love them anyway. Our families look forward to the photos and videos we share with them (which your online portal should support - media file uploads - it’s 2026 guys, get with the times).

That’s the comment. That’s the whole thing. The people in this neighborhood who actually live with these horses every day know exactly what they are and what they cost us, and most of us still want them here. So before this hearing turns into a referendum run by people who don’t live in the drainage, I want my voice on the record.

I’m not a casual observer on this. In 2017, I wrote my master’s thesis at the University of Montana, through the Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research, on how to assess the character of place in Montana communities. The work came directly out of the state’s 2007 Tourism and Recreation Charter, which committed Montana to sustaining and enhancing the character of the places its people call home. That commitment has never been seriously operationalized.

The core finding: the character of a place is made up of its built environment, its natural landscape, and its social fabric, and residents are remarkably clear about which specific features, if lost, would change who they are. Those features are what you monitor. Those features are what you protect.

The Miller Creek horses are one of those features. Your own background document confirms they have been part of this landscape since the early 1900s, with roundups in 1991, 2003, 2012, and 2023. That is not a nuisance population. That is a continuous, living piece of the our character that distinguishes this part of the county. Residents value them. Visitors notice them. They are part of why Miller Creek feels like Miller Creek and not a subdivision off an interstate exit.

Now - about the management concerns. I’m not going to pretend these horses are easy neighbors. They’re not. I have the receipts, in plant damage and porch furniture. The collision in September 2025 was serious. Disease risk to domestic horses is real. None of that is in dispute. What I think you already know, these are management problems with management answers: You can refine them over time. You cannot un-remove a herd.

What is in dispute is whether this county is willing to apply its own stated values consistently. We approved a church complex going up along the river in this same drainage. We approve subdivision after subdivision, pushing into the range that used to be open. Development pressure is shrinking the horses’ habitat - your own materials say so - and now we’re going to hold a hearing about whether the horses are the problem? The horses are not encroaching on the community. The community is encroaching on the horses. Be honest about which direction the pressure is actually running.

If the county is serious about the character-of-place language in the state’s own charter, the path forward is not removal. It is:

1. Formal documentation and monitoring of the existing bands — population, range, health.
2. Targeted public-safety mitigation in the corridors where collisions have occurred.
3. Voluntary coordination with private landowners on disease and damage concerns, with real resources behind it.
4. A clear, public commitment that removal is a last resort with defined criteria, not the default option whenever someone files a complaint.

The loudest voices against the horses are not the people whose driveways they actually walk across. I’m one of the people whose driveway they actually walk across, and I’m telling you: keep them. Manage the real problems. Don’t trade a century of this drainage’s character for a tidier neighborhood.

Thank you for opening this to comment. I am available to talk to any commissioner or staff member directly.

Evan T
Lower Miller Creek landowner

Removed by moderator.

evan.tipton 4 days ago

To the Missoula County Commissioners:

If the county is serious about the character-of-place language in the state’s own charter, the path forward is not removal. It is:

Thank you for opening this to comment. I am available to talk to any commissioner or staff member directly.

Evan Tipton
Lower Miller Creek landowner
evan@tomis.tech

Good morning,
I live in upper Miller Creek and absolutely love the horses in our neighborhood.
Some thoughts regarding the management of the horses
1. Reduce the speed limit in the Miller Creek area
2. Come up with a management plan from the county.
Keep in mind the horses have been in our neighborhood long before the homes.
I personally have had the horses in my yard with no problems of any kind.
Again, I am in favor of managing them but keep them in our neighborhood
John G

goldie 5 days ago

Removed by moderator.

Thanksalot 5 days ago

Removed by moderator.

CHARLOTTHOLMES 16 days ago

What a great joy in my heart to share this to the entire public on how Dr Erayo cured me from herpes 1&amp;2 with his herbs. I never believe it will work because the doctors keep saying there is no cure, but I was desperate and needed to get this thing out of my body. I saw a comment online testifying how Dr Erayo cure her from herpes and hpv and i contact Dr Erayo and explain my problem to him and he prepare the cure and send it to me through UPS which i used it just the way He instructed me and thank God today am a beneficiary to this cure. I went to my doctor for a checkup after 21 days of taking the herbs and I did a blood test which i tested Herpes1&amp;2 Negative and my doctor booked me for another appointment after 4 weeks to confirm my result and i retested again after 4 weeks and my result was still Negative and my doctor assured me that the virus is completely gone from my system. So, I will tell you all who are looking for a cure to his/her HIV/AIDS and HERPES that Dr Erayo took research before he could finally get the solution to it and a lot of people are benefiting from him right now. He also cured my uncle and his wife from HPV. Dr Erayo heals with natural herbs. Please i urge you to contact him now through his email address: drerayoherbalhome@gmail.com or WhatsApp him on +2348151937428 and he is capable of curing HIV/AIDS, HERPES, HPV, HSV1&amp;2, COLD SORE, CANCER of all kinds, DIABETES and so many other infections...
WEBSITE;  https://alternativeherbs.weebly.com

Removed by moderator.

CHARLOTTHOLMES 16 days ago

The horses deserve their own management initiative that allows them to stay where they are. We need basic management. We need disposal if one gets hit by a car. We need mercy euthanization if one gets its leg broken. We need trained intervention if a horse becomes territorial in an area where there are people or children. It's not that complicated. Almost everyone wants the horses to stay in Miller Creek.

Gallivanter 19 days ago

Removed by moderator.

I wans cured from herpes 20 days ago

Removed by moderator.

I wans cured from herpes 20 days ago

Removed by moderator.

I wans cured from herpes 20 days ago

PLEASE.... Leave the horses alone. Residents should be greatful there horses and not the occasional grizzly we deal with in Clinton

Z7Pkrq6PjjO@@9K 25 days ago

Removed by moderator.

User1001 About 1 month ago

Alternative medicine has been used over 50 yrs ago to prevent and heal the outbreaks of HSV-1&amp;2 (fever blisters/cold sores) that I take when I feel the symptoms of the tingling around the mouth and when my immune system is down. I take this once before the virus attacks and I don't have to go through those days of having cold sores on my mouth. I have been free of cold sores now for over 5yrs after the use of natural herbs from Dr. AGOMINA in Africa . I have been trying to get in touch with some of the pharmaceutical companies with no avail. This medicine costs less than $399 and will cure you completely without any side effects or reversing back with no incidents of outbreaks. The good part of it is that when you feel the virus about to attack your system you attack it in a different way other than what pharmaceutical companies do. Herbs are the cure to every illness on earth that you think can't be cured. Dr. AGBOMINA&nbsp; has shown a positive impact on treatment and healing for a lot of patients dealing with chronic illness, If you're interested in getting rid of your health issues you can trust him and be cured permanently&nbsp;with natural herbs from Dr. AGOMINA don't&nbsp;hesitate to&nbsp;WhatsApp at +234 7079454282 OR Email him directly for more information at dragbonherbalmedicine@gmail.com .
GET IN TOUCH WITH HIM ON FACEBOOK THROUGH THE LINK BELOW!
https://www.facebook.com/dr.agbominanaturalcure

Removed by moderator.

I NEED A CURE FOR TYPE 2 DIABETIES CALL +2347079454282 About 1 month ago

For years, I depended heavily on medication to control my&nbsp; &nbsp;HPV1&amp;2&nbsp;symptoms&nbsp; . I decided to try natural herbs after doing my research. Slowly but surely, my readings became more stable. I’m grateful for the balance I’ve found through combining herbs with healthier habits. Well all thanks to Dr. AGBOMINA for his genuine and sincerity, I was cured from Herpes with the natural treatment I ordered from him, Now I am free from this virus permanently and my doc has confirmed it after going for a checkup. My result came out negative.&nbsp;&nbsp;If you're interested in getting rid of your health issues&nbsp;VISIT HIS HERBAL STORE &nbsp; IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN GIVEN HERBS &nbsp;A TRY AT &nbsp;:https://dragbonherbalmedic.wixsite.com/solution-center&nbsp;&nbsp;yyou can trust him and be cured permanently&nbsp;with natural herbs from Dr. AGOMINA don't&nbsp;hesitate to&nbsp;WhatsApp at +234 7079454282&nbsp;OR Email him directly for more information at&nbsp;dragbonherbalmedicine@gmail.com&nbsp;.GO ENGARGE&nbsp; ON HIS FACEBOOK PAGE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT EFFECTIVE HERBS THROUGH THE LINK BELOW!
https://www.facebook.com/dr.agbominanaturalcure.

Alternative medicine has been used over 50 yrs ago to prevent and heal the outbreaks of HSV-1&2 (fever blisters/cold sores) that I take when I feel the symptoms of the tingling around the mouth and when my immune system is down. I take this once before the virus attacks and I don't have to go through those days of having cold sores on my mouth. I have been free of cold sores now for over 5yrs after the use of natural herbs from Dr. AGOMINA in Africa . I have been trying to get in touch with some of the pharmaceutical companies with no avail. This medicine costs less than $399 and will cure you completely without any side effects or reversing back with no incidents of outbreaks. The good part of it is that when you feel the virus about to attack your system you attack it in a different way other than what pharmaceutical companies do. Herbs are the cure to every illness on earth that you think can't be cured. Dr. AGBOMINA has shown a positive impact on treatment and healing for a lot of patients dealing with chronic illness, If you're interested in getting rid of your health issues you can trust him and be cured permanently with natural herbs from Dr. AGOMINA don't hesitate to WhatsApp at +234 7079454282 OR Email him directly for more information at dragbonherbalmedicine@gmail.com .
GET IN TOUCH WITH HIM ON FACEBOOK THROUGH THE LINK BELOW!
https://www.facebook.com/dr.agbominanaturalcure

I NEED A CURE FOR TYPE 2 DIABETIES CALL +2347079454282 About 1 month ago

Alternative medicine has been used over 50 yrs ago to prevent and heal the outbreaks of HSV-1&amp;2 (fever blisters/cold sores) that I take when I feel the symptoms of the tingling around the mouth and when my immune system is down. I take this once before the virus attacks and I don't have to go through those days of having cold sores on my mouth. I have been free of cold sores now for over 5yrs after the use of natural herbs from Dr. AGOMINA in Africa . I have been trying to get in touch with some of the pharmaceutical companies with no avail. This medicine costs less than $399 and will cure you completely without any side effects or reversing back with no incidents of outbreaks. The good part of it is that when you feel the virus about to attack your system you attack it in a different way other than what pharmaceutical companies do. Herbs are the cure to every illness on earth that you think can't be cured. Dr. AGBOMINA  has shown a positive impact on treatment and healing for a lot of patients dealing with chronic illness, If you're interested in getting rid of your health issues you can trust him and be cured permanently with natural herbs from Dr. AGOMINA don't hesitate to WhatsApp at +234 7079454282 OR Email him directly for more information at dragbonherbalmedicine@gmail.com .
GET IN TOUCH WITH HIM ON FACEBOOK THROUGH THE LINK BELOW!
https://www.facebook.com/dr.agbominanaturalcure

I support the horses being 'managed' as any other wildlife population in Missoula County. I don't like having deer eat everything in my garden so I built a fence. Likewise, if Miller Creek residents don't want horses in their yard they can build a fence. Don't let your kids approach any wild animal. Reduce the speed limit and add signage in areas where the houses frequent. That being said, I support having a horse management group. If there comes a time when the heard becomes too large, I would support selling some of the horses so that the grasslands do not become over-grazed.

Anaconda About 1 month ago

The horses are one of the most special things about living in the Miller Creek area. It is thrilling to see them! I think the community would be devastated if they were to be removed. I think Fish and Wildlife should take them under their jurisdiction to be the contact for issues that arise with the horses. I think there should be warning signs placed along Lower Miller Creek Rd. And the speedlimit should be reduced or speed tables should be added.

HollyM About 2 months ago

Removed by moderator.

Loysa Rovic About 2 months ago

How To Recover Lost or Stolen Cryptocurrency Visit TREK Tech Corp

The rise of digital currencies has reshaped global finance, offering new opportunities alongside new risks. Lost access, unauthorized transfers, and deceptive platforms continue to affect thousands of individuals and organizations, leaving many uncertain about where to turn.

TREK Tech Corp has become the trusted leader in digital asset recovery, known for its lawful, transparent, and results driven approach. With thousands of successful cases worldwide, TREK Tech Corp provides clients with more than recovery it offers justice, integrity, and peace of mind. Lawful Precision, Real Results

Unlike unverified operators that exploit victims with false promises, TREK Tech Corp is defined by legitimacy. The firm’s “no upfront fee” policy ensures clients only pay after a successful outcome, protecting them from secondary losses. Each case is evaluated carefully, with realistic expectations and tailored strategies.

TREK Tech Corp combines advanced blockchain forensics with proprietary tools like CrossChain Mapping Blockchain (CCMB) to trace assets across multiple blockchains, mixers, and offshore exchanges. This technology, paired with human expertise, makes it possible to solve complex cases often considered irretrievable. Backed by Law and Global Collaboration

What sets TREK Tech Corp apart is its active partnership with global authorities. By working with organizations such as the FBI, Interpol, and national cybersecurity agencies, TREK Tech Corp ensures that recoveries are lawful, enforceable, and credible. Comprehensive Services

TREK Tech Corp provides solutions for a wide range of challenges, including:
Digital asset recovery across major blockchains
Wallet access restoration (Ledger, Trezor, MetaMask, Trust Wallet)
Investment and platformrelated losses
NFT restoration and exchange account support
Contact TREK Tech Corp

If you’ve experienced digital asset loss, time is critical. TREK Tech Corp is ready to help you act quickly and effectively.

Email: trektechcorp1 AT gmail DOT com
Email: trektechcorp AT consultant DOT com

Website: (https : // trektechcorp DOT net)

With TREK Tech Corp, recovery is built on lawful precision, proven results, and unwavering integrity.

Their expertise and professionalism in crypto recovery are exceptional, and I feel extremely fortunate to have found them when I did.

Removed by moderator.

Loysa Rovic About 2 months ago

How To Recover Lost or Stolen Cryptocurrency Visit TREK Tech Corp

If you’ve experienced digital asset loss, time is critical. TREK Tech Corp is ready to help you act quickly and effectively.

Email: trektechcorp1 AT gmail DOT com
Email: trektechcorp AT consultant DOT com

Website: (https : // trektechcorp DOT net)

With TREK Tech Corp, recovery is built on lawful precision, proven results, and unwavering integrity.

Their expertise and professionalism in crypto recovery are exceptional, and I feel extremely fortunate to have found them when I did.

As far as I am concerned, the horses should be left alone. As long as we treat them as wild animals, they do little of no harm to our properties, animals, or people. They are fun to watch just like the elk and deer that roam here. Teach your children to keep their distance and enjoy a piece of wild Montana. People in Miller Creek should use their energy to start asking questions about what Bonneville Power and NW Energy has been and will be doing to the neighborhood. The newly built NW Energy power station has ruined beautiful vistas, added noise, and reduced property values. Bonneville Power is coming next with a large transmission station that should spoil more views and create more disruption. Rural peace and quiet? I don't think so. Could this all be a byproduct of building more data centers in the future? Whatever it is, this power company action certainly has screwed up our rural Miller Creek environment.

bmihelish About 2 months ago

Page last updated: 27 May 2026, 10:49 AM

Feral Horses in Miller Creek

Let us know what you think by logging in or creating an account and submitting your comment below.

Who's Listening

Important Links

Follow Project

Signup Banner

FAQs