Kathmandu, September 25
The first hunting season of the year has begun in the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve. This season, running from September to December, permits have been issued for the hunting of 10 blue sheep (naur) and 7 Himalayan tahr (jharal).
Chief Conservation Officer Ananath Baral said arrangements are underway with the company awarded the contract by the Department of Wildlife Conservation to bring in licensed foreign hunters. Wealthy hunting enthusiasts from around the world regularly travel to Dhorpatan for hunting.
Over the past few decades, hunters from countries including Russia, the United States, Spain, Denmark, various African nations, and France have come to Nepal to hunt. The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, under the Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Environment, had invited competitive bids from companies last Bhadra to organise the hunts.
Last year, 21 blue sheep and 11 Himalayan tahr were hunted in the reserve across two seasons, generating revenue of Rs 41.7 million. Revenue collection for this year’s first season is currently underway.
Chief Conservation Officer Baral noted that a single blue sheep fetched Rs 2 million last year, and said a count of the blue sheep and tahr population within the reserve will be conducted this year.
Foreign hunters typically travel directly into the reserve area by helicopter. The reserve has designated seven hunting blocks: Surtibang, Phagune, Barse, Seng, Dogadi, Ghustung, and Sundaha.
During hunts, reserve staff are deployed alongside Nepali support personnel to accompany the foreign hunters. The department sets an annual quota for blue sheep and tahr hunting each year, and foreign hunting groups must complete their hunt within the designated block within 15 days.
According to the department, the second season, running from February to May, will also be open for permitted hunting. Established in 1987 (2044 BS), the reserve spans Eastern Rukum, Baglung, and Myagdi districts, with its office located in the Dhorpatan valley in Baglung.
The reserve office reported that around 37,000 domestic and international visitors came to the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve for sightseeing last year.
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