Second hunting season begins in Dhorpatan

DHORPATAN: The second hunting season of the year has commenced in Dhorpatan, Nepal’s only hunting reserve.

A total of 35 wild animals have been designated for hunting this season, including 13 Naur (Himalayan blue sheep), 10 Jharal (Himalayan tahr), and 12 wild boars.

The Department of Wildlife and National Parks had invited bids for hunting permits in early February, and six companies have been granted permission, including Himalayan Wildlife Outfits Pvt. Ltd., Tracks and Trails Pvt. Ltd., Himalayan Safaris Pvt. Ltd., Global Safaris Nepal, Nepal Travel Expeditions, and Open Nepal Wildlife Safaris.

Licensed hunters have started arriving in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, with hunting permitted until the end of April, according to Ranger Sagar Subedi from the Reserve Office.

So far, only two Naur have been hunted, one of which was taken down by 70-year-old Marcos Olaizola Alcorta from Spain in the Sundaha block.

Hunters from the US, Argentina, Spain, and France are participating this season. The cost of hunting permits ranges from Rs. 625,500 to Rs. 800,000 per animal.

According to Chief Conservation Officer Chandrashekhar Chaudhary, the second hunting season has generated Rs. 12.6 million in revenue.

Hunting in Dhorpatan is allowed twice a year—the first season falls between Asoj and Mangsir, while the second season occurs in Falgun and Baishakh in the lunar calendar.