BAGLUNG: Nepal’s only legal hunting reserve, Dhorpatan, continues to attract wealthy foreign hunters, with expeditions targeting naur (blue sheep) and jharal (Himalayan tahr) generating more than Rs 41.7 million in government revenue over the past year.
Hunting is conducted at Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve that covers approximately 1,325 square kilometres across Baglung, Rukum and Myagdi districts.
Baglung, Rukum and Myagdi districts during two seasons each year. During the first season, the government collected Rs 33.5 million in revenue, while the second season generated Rs 14.374 million.
According to Sagar Subedi, a ranger at the reserve, permits were issued during the first hunting season, from Asoj to Mangsir (mid-September to mid-December), for 11 naur and eight jharal. Foreign hunters who arrived through various hunting companies successfully hunted eight naur and five jharal. However, three naur and three jharal could not be hunted despite the hunters having paid the required fees.
During the second hunting season, from Falgun to Baishakh (mid-February-mid-May), permits were issued for 14 naur and 10 jharal. Hunters successfully hunted 13 naur and six jharal. Subedi said one naur and four jharal could not be hunted due to technical difficulties.
Ananath Baral, Chief Conservation Officer at the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve Office, said some animals covered by hunting permits could not be hunted because of difficulties at shooting sites, hunters falling ill, adverse weather conditions and missed shots.
Dhorpatan is the only place in Nepal where regulated hunting is legally permitted. Foreign hunters pay substantial fees and participate in competitive hunting expeditions targeting naur and jharal. Hunters from countries including the United States, Spain, the Netherlands and Mexico regularly visit the reserve for such expeditions.
The reserve office deploys its staff and hunting guides to designated hunting blocks to assist hunters and ensure that necessary arrangements are made during the expeditions.
The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation determines the annual hunting quota based on wildlife population surveys. The reserve is divided into seven hunting blocks: Seng, Barse, Surtibang, Falgune, Ghustung, Dogadi and Sundaha.
Teams representing commercial foreign hunting companies generally travel to the reserve by helicopter. Hunters are responsible for the costs of transportation, accommodation, logistical support and other related expenses. According to the reserve office, a hunter typically spends between Rs 2 million and Rs 3 million during a 15-day hunting expedition.
Hunters, along with Nepal Army personnel and reserve staff, spend up to 15 days in the forest during each expedition. The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation determines the hunting quota and applicable revenue rates through electronic bidding for each hunting season.
When the costs of hunting permits, wildlife quotas, block fees, licences, helicopter transportation and other expenses are combined, the total cost of a hunting expedition can be substantial. The reserve office said no Nepali hunter has so far participated in competitive hunting for naur and jharal.
Established in 2039 BS, the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve covers approximately 1,325 square kilometres across Baglung, Rukum and Myagdi districts.
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