Mickey Jetpur Loc: California

Our photography group is planning a trip to Dayton. NV to see and photograph wild horses. We got this tip from some professional photographers we met at a car show. I am wondering if anyone on the hog has done this trip and do you have any tips and advice for us regarding where and when to photograph, stay, other attractions etc. We will probably stay in Carson City and take a day to visit Virginia City. Our main goal is to find and photograph the wild horses.

Didereaux Loc: Swamps of E TX

Call the cooperative extension service in the county. They work with all the ranchers, and know where the herds are located, watering holes etc. (used to work with them, so know this as fact)

jethro779 Loc: Tucson, AZ

You might also try the following web site.


http://www.wildhorsesofnevadaphoto.com/Pages/contactus.aspx

They do tours.

One thing I will add is if you are going to try and go without any guide, be sure you have a high ground clearance 4wheel drive vehicle as the "roads" are little more than tracks.

BasqueLady Loc: Woodburn OR

I was born and raised in Northern Nevada and lived there for over 45 years
In Nevada I would contact the local BLM office and Wild Horse Preservation League (www.wildhorse.org. As 84% of Nevada is controlled by the BLM and the federal government.
Look for watering holes and range grass the wild horses need to drink and eat. Take a long lens with you can't alway get close to them.Also be aware of rattle snakes, on hot days the snakes will be hiding in the shade on cloudy days and early morning the snakes may be out in the open warming up.
Virginia City is a tourist trap but you might get some pictures there. Check out website (legendsofamera.com) for Ghost Towns and Mining Camps in the area.
Most of all have fun.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

You have received some excellent advice regarding informational resources. As a former long time resident of Western Nevada, I frequently photographed wild horses in the foothills (now suburbs) south of Reno. I strongly urge you to read any and all information you receive, particularly the safety warnings. Wild horses are just that - wild - and in the wrong circumstances, can be very fast and aggressive. Do not try to approach them. Use your longer lenses and enjoy the beautiful pictures of these magnificent animals.

MTG44 Loc: Corryton, Tennessee

When I was in Virginia City last near we saw a lot of wild horses near the train station. The train employees said they usually came by every day. Virginia city was a fun and place and had a lot of historical places to visit.

Itpurs Loc: Carson City, NV

Hi
I live in Carson City, just a few miles from Dayton, NV. The wild horses are almost always hanging around near the main highway. There's also a few herds outside of Virginia City. Should be no problem finding them. Sometimes the mares and colts come right up to you, but If the stallion with them lays his ears back, start backing up and give them distance.
Another good photo opportunity in Carson is the train museum. They have several old restored engines and cars that are fun to shoot.
In Virginia City (sure it may be a tourist trap) but if you get off Main Street, there is great photo ops at the cemetery, the old Chiina town, and some of the original houses are still standing up on the hill.
Enjoy....it will be great fun....

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

The herd in the Dayton area is actually pretty tame and will let you get very close, even feed then once they trust you. Treat them like any other horse on the open range. They are used to people. I shot them many times when I lived in Reno. BLM rangers are seldom around the herd.
I even did a widely published expose of the BLM's helicopter slaughter fiasco of these horse back in 1987.

Bobster Loc: Thousand Oaks, CA

There is another area, about 40 miles north of Las Vegas that has wild horses (Cold Creek)

robertperry Loc: Sacramento, Ca.

Have fun and bring water to drink. It is a desert. Years ago, my dad lived in Carson City. Went up to Virginia City a few times. Best place for your group to eat is the Cafe Del Rio in Virginia City. I've seen wild horses driving up there, too far away to photograph, but what a thrill to see wild horses. Try this, cafedelrio@aol.com phone ( 775 ) 847-5151 Tell Brian and Ardi Shaw I said Hi. Have fun.

Ole_Shutter_Clicker Loc: Sparks, NV

I live in Sparks, NV and frequently drive out to view and photograph mustangs. Heading east from Reno on I-80, following the road south at the Longwood and USA Parkway exits have provided good results.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

MT, how long has it been since you were in the South Washoe/Lyon/Storey Counties and Carson City areas of Nevada? Human encroachment has broken most of the large herds of wild horses into small bands. While a few of these small bands have grown used to humans and will often let them approach, they are still wild and easily spooked - and a nearby spooked horse is a very dangerous animal. As recently as 2012, a tourist was injured by a mare near Geiger Grade. One warning sign has already been passed on; watch the ears and get away (back away slowly and quietly) from any horse that lays its ears back. One other warning - if a horse backs away from you, do not follow! If they just want to get away from you, they will turn and walk or run away, but if they back up while watching you, they are in a defensive stance and can attack.

These wild horses are normally gentle and calm when observed from a distance, but, like bison, can be deadly if they perceive a threat! And for heavens sake, NEVER approach a lone foal, no matter how friendly or curious or gentle it seems; Mama never has her eyes off that foal and is defensive as hell.

Photocraig

There are also a few small herds on the way up Geiger Grade to Virginia City as well. They're used to the Virginia and Truckee Steam Railroad train that travels up there from the Railroad museum in Carson. That's anothr good photo stop.

Dayto is largely flat with sage brush open space whre the wild horses graze. They are pretty docile and try to find mid day shade Try your best to get the golden hours. The days are getting longer as we move toward June 21 and then we'll see the sunrise and sunset moving closer together. Check The Photographer's Ephemeris it's fabulous for telling the times and angles.

Most of teh hrses that I've seen are dark colored and tend to blend somewhat into the hisides in shadow, so be ready. Take plendy of water and PM me when you're going to be there. I'm about an hour North and I'll see if I can be of further assistance.

I'm planning a similar project and I'd love to hear about your experiences. Carson should be cleared of Nevada Legislators for another two, that's right two years so lodging and restaurants should be readsily available.

It is a great time to be in Nevada. Enjoy Virginia City and do some research because there are some hidden photo treasures there. The old St. Mary's of the Mountains Roman Catholic church among the. And the Piper's Opera House is restored.

Genoa is one of if not the oldest settlement in Nevada. There are some nice quaint buildings and shops. It is a good place to spend the too bright high sun times along witht he railroad museum. Also the Stae House in Carson has a very lage silver dome and it is a manageable building to photograph.

Craig

grandmadeb Loc: illinois, usa

wish I was going with you as it sounds like a great time. we are going to the outer banks, I am hoping for some shots of the wild horses there. great opportunity for you. deb