Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve Reports Successful Second Season Hunt

Kathmandu. In Nepal's only 'Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve', 13 blue sheep and 6 wild goats were hunted in the second season (Chaitra-Baishakh) this year. This reserve allows hunting of blue sheep, wild goats, barking deer, and wild boars with written permission in designated areas and times. Hunting is conducted in two seasons: the first season (Ashwin-Kartik) and the second season (Chaitra-Baishakh). This season, two blue sheep and two wild goats were hunted in the Sundaha block, two blue sheep in Seng, five blue sheep in Dogadi, one blue sheep in Barse, one blue sheep and one wild goat in Phagune, and two blue sheep and three wild goats in Ghustung. The reserve office stated that hunters were unable to hunt one blue sheep, four wild goats, and 13 wild boars for which they had permits. This year's second season had a quota for hunting 14 blue sheep, 10 wild goats, and 13 wild boars. This reserve is world-renowned for professional foreign hunters and is recognized as a major global destination for hunting these animals. The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation determines the revenue for hunting through legal processes. Ranger Sagar Prasad Subedi of the reserve reported that the reserve earned revenue of NPR 42.6887 million in fiscal year 2080/81, NPR 27.5604 million in FY 2081/82, and NPR 41.779 million in FY 2082/83 from hunting activities. The average weight of a blue sheep is over 70 kg. Ranger Subedi informed that hunters legally take the trophies (horns, skin, and hooves) of the hunted animals with them. The meat of the hunted animals is consumed collectively in the forest, and other waste is buried. In this season, Nepal Travel Expeditions Pvt. Ltd., Himalayan Safaris Pvt. Ltd., Himalayan Wildlife Outfitters Pvt. Ltd., Open Nepal Wildlife Safari & Trek Pvt. Ltd., Global Safaris Nepal Pvt. Ltd., and Tracks & Trails Pvt. Ltd. had secured tenders for hunting. The department's senior ecologist Haribhadra Acharya stated that companies are selected for hunting through competitive bidding, with the highest bidder chosen. According to department data, the highest bid for hunting one blue sheep was up to NPR 2.3 million, and for a wild goat, it was up to NPR 1.8 million. Senior Ecologist Acharya said, "Hunters are given up to 21 days for hunting. Hunters bring their permitted firearms and ammunition from their country and hunt with them." A support team of 25 to 30 people is deployed for hunters during that period. The population of these wild animals is counted every five years to determine hunting permits. According to the 2021 census, the number of blue sheep was 1,290 and wild goats was 744, informed reserve ranger Subedi. How is Hunting Determined? After counting the animals in the reserve, a specific number for hunting is determined scientifically. After determining the number, only old male animals are hunted, according to the reserve. An assessment is made of male animals over approximately 12 years old, identified through a telescope. Senior Ecologist Acharya explained, "By allowing hunting in this manner, no animal faces the risk of severe decline or extinction. Furthermore, a situation where the animal population becomes excessively large, damaging its own habitat or causing significant damage to local crops, does not arise." Established in 2044 BS, this reserve covers an area of 1,325 square kilometers and spans parts of Rukum East, Baglung, and Myagdi. The reserve is home to 32 species of mammals, with the main animals being blue sheep, wild goats, thar, and Himalayan bears. It also hosts 164 species of birds, including the Danphe, Monal, and Chiru, which are listed as rare and protected birds. This area has been designated as a hunting reserve with the aim of both utilizing and conserving wildlife. Himalayan Safaris Company, one of the hunting organizers in the reserve, reported that this season they obtained permits for hunting two blue sheep, one wild goat, and two wild boars. The operator Mahesh Basnet stated that they hunted two blue sheep but could not hunt one wild goat due to adverse weather conditions. Operator Basnet further explained, "Hunters generally do not show much interest in hunting wild boars and only hunt them if they are easily encountered. However, there is a legal provision requiring hunters to obtain permits for wild boars along with blue sheep and wild goats in proportion to their numbers." Citizens from the United States, France, Spain, Russia, Germany, Belgium, and Denmark came for hunting this season. The companies charge hunters USD 30,000 to 35,000 per tourist for hunting. Hunting companies claim that compared to previous times, poaching and illegal hunting have been controlled in the reserve, leading to an increase in wildlife populations.