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Update 8/7/2026:
An updated resolution was presented to county commissioners at their Aug. 6 public hearing meeting. Commissioners heard public comment, and staff will consider making changes to the resolution based on comment received.
Commissioners will consider the final resolution at an administrative public meeting at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25.
Residents are welcome to attend this meeting in-person or virtually.
In-person location: Second floor conference room, 199 W. Pine St., Missoula
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
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 EHV-1, 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.
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 8/7/2026:
An updated resolution was presented to county commissioners at their Aug. 6 public hearing meeting. Commissioners heard public comment, and staff will consider making changes to the resolution based on comment received.
Commissioners will consider the final resolution at an administrative public meeting at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25.
Residents are welcome to attend this meeting in-person or virtually.
In-person location: Second floor conference room, 199 W. Pine St., Missoula
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
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 EHV-1, 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.
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emailjade12
About 1 month ago
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emailjade12
About 1 month ago
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emailjade12
About 1 month ago
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emailjade12
About 1 month ago
The second draft abandoned horses resolution reflects an excellent improvement from the first one. I have some suggestions to make the final resolution better and avoid some complicates legal issues.
First, please the Currituck County, North Carolina Corolla horses ordinance in this link:
It contains very specific provisions prohibiting unacceptable people's behavior towards the horses which Missoula should adopt in the interest of landowners, public health and safety and the horses.
Second, please clear up the statutory definitional confusion between abandoned horses in MCA Section 81-4-501(1), which applies only to horses 1 year old and older; and estray horses, which apparently applies to all Miller Creek abandoned horses regardless of age. The Miller Creek horse band always includes foals under 1-year old. The draft ordinance language Section 2(2) disclaiming application to estrays effectively excludes application to almost all abandoned horses contrary to ordinance intent.
Third, I strongly suggest Missoula County seek an interlocal agreement with the Montana Livestock Department pursuant to MCA 7-11-104 to clear up the above definitional ambiguity problem involving abandoned and estray horses, perhaps by treating abandoned horses as estrays but allowing the County to handle them for the state, pursuant to MCA Title 81, Chapter 4, Part 6. Alternatively, an interlocal agreement could specify the state's explicit approval of how abandoned horses found in Missoula County may be treated by the County.
I hope these suggestions are helpful. Thanks for considering them.
David Aronofsky
About 1 month ago
Removed by moderator.
Lakethia
About 2 months ago
I’m glad the county is trying to create a lawful and humane process, but I hope this becomes a coordinated management plan rather than just a mechanism for individual landowners to deal with horses once they become a problem.
GraniteRidge4172
About 2 months ago
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emailjade12
About 2 months ago
Removed by moderator.
DAVID SUTTER
About 2 months ago
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DAVID SUTTER
About 2 months ago
Removed by moderator.
anna cassidy
About 2 months ago
Please listen to the overwhelming number of comments here in support of leaving these horses alone. They have been part of the Miller Creek landscape for decades and are a cherished part of what makes this area special. For many of us who live here, seeing them is a genuine joy and a reminder that we still share this place with wildlife. Based on the comments here, I am clearly not alone in feeling that way.
From a public safety standpoint, we should be encouraging people to respect wildlife, including these horses, rather than treating the horses themselves as the problem. Parents should teach their children to observe them from a distance, just as we do with deer, moose, bears, and other wildlife. Living in Montana means accepting some responsibility for safely coexisting with wild animals.
Concerns about vehicle collisions also seem misplaced. If safety is truly the priority, then slowing traffic in the neighborhood would do far more to protect people, pets, and wildlife than removing a small band of horses. Speeding has long been a concern in Miller Creek, and deer are a much more common source of vehicle collisions than these horses.
Most of us moved into this neighborhood long after these horses were already here. We chose to live in a place where wildlife is part of everyday life, and for many of us, these horses contribute to the character and sense of place that makes Miller Creek unique.
I struggle to understand why the County is treating this as a pressing issue when there are much larger challenges facing our community. If resources are going to be devoted to improving life in Miller Creek, I would much rather see attention given to issues like traffic safety and the cumulative impacts of continued residential development, including concerns about emergency access and evacuation. Those are issues that affect everyone who lives here every day.
wildriver
About 2 months ago
Removed by moderator.
benitawilliams
About 2 months ago
I'm a Miller Creek resident who is such a fan of this herd of horses. When they pay us a visit, they mind their own business and have no interest in bothering humans. They move much slower and are much easier to spot on the road. They just want to co-exist and share space. After all, the space was theirs first. Please do not round them up and put them up for auction. Please do not euthanize them. They have the most gentle presence and it's so grounding. When I'm surprised to go outside and find them nearby, it is such a grounding force. With no exaggeration, it truly makes my day. They help my mental health, which is always a struggle. Why can we not protect them as we protect other wildlife in Montana? Isn't that why we live in Montana? Stop driving them out of their own home. It's baby deer season, and you have to keep a much more careful eye out for them on the road, but nobody's petitioning to try to remove them. We love them. And I've never seen the horses anywhere near a busy road. They bring magic to the neighborhood, and I feel so lucky to co-exist in this space with them. Can we not try other things first, like decreasing and enforcing speed limits, putting signs on the roads, teaching children in school how to respect them, coming up with a coalition of people who want to contribute their time, expertise, and money. I was present at the hearing on June 11th, and it was so powerful to have a room full of people who feel similarly. I'll never forget the story told by the daughter-in-law of the man who had the road collision with one of the horses; she said she was there, that her father-in-law is a menace on the road and was surpassing the speed limit by a lot and was also on his phone. She said she'll never let her kids ride in a car with him anymore, and that he and his wife moved across the country. It was such a brave story to share, and really helped paint a vivid and painful story. None of that was the horse's fault. Can we not assign a group of some kind to be responsible for the horses if something like that were to happen again? I haven't lived in this neighborhood very long, and I've still felt heartbroken that the best neighbors I've ever had might be removed. Please listen to the people. We want to help, and we want to protect the horses and their home. They bring such beauty and wonder and awe and are more than welcome near my home. I've lived all over, but Montana is the only place I've ever been able to call home. I feel grateful every day for the nature surrounding us and the wildlife living amongst us. And whenever I say wildlife, I'm including the horses, even if it's insisted they be called feral and not wild. Thank you for listening and taking us seriously.
rainbowdark
About 2 months ago
Herpes is a very frustrating infection that is caused by the simplex virus (HSV). Today, many people are suffering from this annoying virus, and most people also believe that there isn’t any cure. Someone is carrying this virus without showing any symptoms; on the other hand, most people show its signs, and herpes is fully shown within 2-12 days after the explosion to the HSV. Bear in mind that you don’t need to spend a fortune on drugs and medications that won’t work. All you need is to follow Dr.Oise and place your order and be health free again. for more information contact us what’s app +2349116189041 droisemudiamenherbalhome@gmail.com
benitawilliams
About 2 months ago
Herpes is a very frustrating infection that is caused by the simplex virus (HSV). Today, many people are suffering from this annoying virus, and most people also believe that there isn’t any cure. Someone is carrying this virus without showing any symptoms; on the other hand, most people show its signs, and herpes is fully shown within 2-12 days after the explosion to the HSV. Bear in mind that you don’t need to spend a fortune on drugs and medications that won’t work. All you need is to follow Dr.Oise and place your order and be health free again. for more information contact us what’s app +2349116189041..............
benitawilliams
About 2 months ago
Removed by moderator.
Danalbert
2 months ago
Removed by moderator.
emailjade12
2 months ago
Removed by moderator.
emailjade12
2 months ago
I am not a resident of the Miller Creek area, so my personal opinion on the horses' presence may be less relevant here. However, I am a resident of Missoula County, and I do have comments within the scope of this draft resolution.
The draft resolution is largely a restatement of existing state law, drawing heavily on MCA Title 81, Chapter 4, Part 5. Because the proposed process relies substantially on existing statutory authority, it is important that the resolution clearly explain how it relates to and interacts with that authority.
First, Section 3 creates a new county-designated “Official” through whom landowners must proceed before exercising rights otherwise established under state law. The resolution does not explain why this additional bureaucratic layer is necessary, what benefit it provides to residents of the Miller Creek area, what responsibilities the Official will perform beyond those already assigned by statute, or how the position will be funded.
Second, the resolution should clarify how the proposed process relates to MCA 81-4-503, which establishes a mandatory roundup process upon petition. The draft does not indicate whether that statutory process remains fully available to affected landowners or how the two procedures would interact.
Third, Section 2 defines “Abandoned Horses” differently than MCA 81-4-501. The resolution should explain how the county’s definition relates to the statutory definition and whether any legal significance attaches to the difference.
Fourth, Section 7 places all costs on private landowners. However, MCA 81-4-512 establishes an Abandoned Horse Fund that may be available to offset some costs associated with abandoned horse management. The resolution should clarify whether and under what circumstances those funds may be available.
Finally, the process described in the draft resolution appears better suited to livestock operations with the facilities and personnel necessary to capture and hold horses. Many affected landowners in the Miller Creek area lack this infrastructure and may be unable to implement the process. Further, the resolution does not clarify what is to happen if the horses do not remain on a particular complainant’s property long enough for the “Official” to respond and allow the process to proceed. The resolution should address whether the proposed mechanism is realistically available to all residents who may want to use it.
Removed by moderator.
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The second draft abandoned horses resolution reflects an excellent improvement from the first one. I have some suggestions to make the final resolution better and avoid some complicates legal issues.
First, please the Currituck County, North Carolina Corolla horses ordinance in this link:
https://www.corollawildhorses.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/no-domestic-horses.pdf
It contains very specific provisions prohibiting unacceptable people's behavior towards the horses which Missoula should adopt in the interest of landowners, public health and safety and the horses.
Second, please clear up the statutory definitional confusion between abandoned horses in MCA Section 81-4-501(1), which applies only to horses 1 year old and older; and estray horses, which apparently applies to all Miller Creek abandoned horses regardless of age. The Miller Creek horse band always includes foals under 1-year old. The draft ordinance language Section 2(2) disclaiming application to estrays effectively excludes application to almost all abandoned horses contrary to ordinance intent.
Third, I strongly suggest Missoula County seek an interlocal agreement with the Montana Livestock Department pursuant to MCA 7-11-104 to clear up the above definitional ambiguity problem involving abandoned and estray horses, perhaps by treating abandoned horses as estrays but allowing the County to handle them for the state, pursuant to MCA Title 81, Chapter 4, Part 6. Alternatively, an interlocal agreement could specify the state's explicit approval of how abandoned horses found in Missoula County may be treated by the County.
I hope these suggestions are helpful. Thanks for considering them.
Removed by moderator.
I’m glad the county is trying to create a lawful and humane process, but I hope this becomes a coordinated management plan rather than just a mechanism for individual landowners to deal with horses once they become a problem.
Removed by moderator.
Removed by moderator.
Removed by moderator.
Removed by moderator.
Please listen to the overwhelming number of comments here in support of leaving these horses alone. They have been part of the Miller Creek landscape for decades and are a cherished part of what makes this area special. For many of us who live here, seeing them is a genuine joy and a reminder that we still share this place with wildlife. Based on the comments here, I am clearly not alone in feeling that way.
From a public safety standpoint, we should be encouraging people to respect wildlife, including these horses, rather than treating the horses themselves as the problem. Parents should teach their children to observe them from a distance, just as we do with deer, moose, bears, and other wildlife. Living in Montana means accepting some responsibility for safely coexisting with wild animals.
Concerns about vehicle collisions also seem misplaced. If safety is truly the priority, then slowing traffic in the neighborhood would do far more to protect people, pets, and wildlife than removing a small band of horses. Speeding has long been a concern in Miller Creek, and deer are a much more common source of vehicle collisions than these horses.
Most of us moved into this neighborhood long after these horses were already here. We chose to live in a place where wildlife is part of everyday life, and for many of us, these horses contribute to the character and sense of place that makes Miller Creek unique.
I struggle to understand why the County is treating this as a pressing issue when there are much larger challenges facing our community. If resources are going to be devoted to improving life in Miller Creek, I would much rather see attention given to issues like traffic safety and the cumulative impacts of continued residential development, including concerns about emergency access and evacuation. Those are issues that affect everyone who lives here every day.
Removed by moderator.
I'm a Miller Creek resident who is such a fan of this herd of horses. When they pay us a visit, they mind their own business and have no interest in bothering humans. They move much slower and are much easier to spot on the road. They just want to co-exist and share space. After all, the space was theirs first. Please do not round them up and put them up for auction. Please do not euthanize them. They have the most gentle presence and it's so grounding. When I'm surprised to go outside and find them nearby, it is such a grounding force. With no exaggeration, it truly makes my day. They help my mental health, which is always a struggle. Why can we not protect them as we protect other wildlife in Montana? Isn't that why we live in Montana? Stop driving them out of their own home. It's baby deer season, and you have to keep a much more careful eye out for them on the road, but nobody's petitioning to try to remove them. We love them. And I've never seen the horses anywhere near a busy road. They bring magic to the neighborhood, and I feel so lucky to co-exist in this space with them. Can we not try other things first, like decreasing and enforcing speed limits, putting signs on the roads, teaching children in school how to respect them, coming up with a coalition of people who want to contribute their time, expertise, and money. I was present at the hearing on June 11th, and it was so powerful to have a room full of people who feel similarly. I'll never forget the story told by the daughter-in-law of the man who had the road collision with one of the horses; she said she was there, that her father-in-law is a menace on the road and was surpassing the speed limit by a lot and was also on his phone. She said she'll never let her kids ride in a car with him anymore, and that he and his wife moved across the country. It was such a brave story to share, and really helped paint a vivid and painful story. None of that was the horse's fault. Can we not assign a group of some kind to be responsible for the horses if something like that were to happen again? I haven't lived in this neighborhood very long, and I've still felt heartbroken that the best neighbors I've ever had might be removed. Please listen to the people. We want to help, and we want to protect the horses and their home. They bring such beauty and wonder and awe and are more than welcome near my home. I've lived all over, but Montana is the only place I've ever been able to call home. I feel grateful every day for the nature surrounding us and the wildlife living amongst us. And whenever I say wildlife, I'm including the horses, even if it's insisted they be called feral and not wild. Thank you for listening and taking us seriously.
Herpes is a very frustrating infection that is caused by the simplex virus (HSV). Today, many people are suffering from this annoying virus, and most people also believe that there isn’t any cure. Someone is carrying this virus without showing any symptoms; on the other hand, most people show its signs, and herpes is fully shown within 2-12 days after the explosion to the HSV. Bear in mind that you don’t need to spend a fortune on drugs and medications that won’t work. All you need is to follow Dr.Oise and place your order and be health free again. for more information contact us what’s app +2349116189041 droisemudiamenherbalhome@gmail.com
Herpes is a very frustrating infection that is caused by the simplex virus (HSV). Today, many people are suffering from this annoying virus, and most people also believe that there isn’t any cure. Someone is carrying this virus without showing any symptoms; on the other hand, most people show its signs, and herpes is fully shown within 2-12 days after the explosion to the HSV. Bear in mind that you don’t need to spend a fortune on drugs and medications that won’t work. All you need is to follow Dr.Oise and place your order and be health free again. for more information contact us what’s app +2349116189041..............
Removed by moderator.
Removed by moderator.
Removed by moderator.
I am not a resident of the Miller Creek area, so my personal opinion on the horses' presence may be less relevant here. However, I am a resident of Missoula County, and I do have comments within the scope of this draft resolution.
The draft resolution is largely a restatement of existing state law, drawing heavily on MCA Title 81, Chapter 4, Part 5. Because the proposed process relies substantially on existing statutory authority, it is important that the resolution clearly explain how it relates to and interacts with that authority.
First, Section 3 creates a new county-designated “Official” through whom landowners must proceed before exercising rights otherwise established under state law. The resolution does not explain why this additional bureaucratic layer is necessary, what benefit it provides to residents of the Miller Creek area, what responsibilities the Official will perform beyond those already assigned by statute, or how the position will be funded.
Second, the resolution should clarify how the proposed process relates to MCA 81-4-503, which establishes a mandatory roundup process upon petition. The draft does not indicate whether that statutory process remains fully available to affected landowners or how the two procedures would interact.
Third, Section 2 defines “Abandoned Horses” differently than MCA 81-4-501. The resolution should explain how the county’s definition relates to the statutory definition and whether any legal significance attaches to the difference.
Fourth, Section 7 places all costs on private landowners. However, MCA 81-4-512 establishes an Abandoned Horse Fund that may be available to offset some costs associated with abandoned horse management. The resolution should clarify whether and under what circumstances those funds may be available.
Finally, the process described in the draft resolution appears better suited to livestock operations with the facilities and personnel necessary to capture and hold horses. Many affected landowners in the Miller Creek area lack this infrastructure and may be unable to implement the process. Further, the resolution does not clarify what is to happen if the horses do not remain on a particular complainant’s property long enough for the “Official” to respond and allow the process to proceed. The resolution should address whether the proposed mechanism is realistically available to all residents who may want to use it.