Nepal’s only hunting reserve, Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, has concluded its second hunting season of the year. In this season, a total of 11 Himalayan blue sheep (Naur) and 7 Himalayan tahrs (Jharal) were hunted.
The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation had issued a tender on Magh 15 (late January) allowing the hunting of 13 Naur, 10 Jharal, and 12 wild boars, totaling 35 wild animals for the second season.
Six companies were granted permits for the hunt:
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Himalayan Wildlife Outfitters Pvt. Ltd.
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Tracks and Trails Pvt. Ltd.
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Himalayan Safaris Pvt. Ltd.
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Global Safaris Nepal
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Nepal Travel Expedition
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Open Nepal Wildlife Safaris
Hunters authorized by the department operated in blocks such as Fagune, Sundaha, Ghustung, and Dogadi of the Dhorpatan reserve.
According to ranger Sagar Subedi of the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve Office, hunters arrived in the reserve on Chaitra 26 (early April). The breakdown of the hunt is as follows:
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Sundaha Block: 2 Naur, 2 Jharal
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Ghustung Block: 3 Naur, 3 Jharal
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Dogadi Block: 4 Naur, 1 Jharal
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Fagune Block: 1 Naur, 1 Jharal
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Barse Block: 1 Naur
Although permission was granted to hunt 12 wild boars, none were hunted.
The second season runs from Falgun to Baisakh (February to May), and hunting was permitted until Baisakh 16 (late April).
Details per company:
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Himalayan Wildlife Outfitters (Kathmandu) was allowed to hunt 2 Naur, 2 Jharal, and 2 wild boars. Only 1 Naur and 1 Jharal were hunted.
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Tracks and Trails Pvt. Ltd. (via American hunters) fulfilled their quota: 2 Naur and 2 Jharal.
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Himalayan Safaris Pvt. Ltd. (Kathmandu): 3 hunters were allowed 3 Naur and 1 Jharal — all were hunted.
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Global Safaris Nepal Pvt. Ltd.: 2 hunters were authorized for 2 Naur, 1 Jharal, and 2 wild boars. They hunted 2 Naur and 1 Jharal.
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Nepal Travel Expedition Pvt. Ltd.: 3 hunters received permission for 3 Naur, 3 Jharal, and 3 wild boars. Only 2 Naur were hunted.
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Open Nepal Wildlife Safaris and Treks Pvt. Ltd.: 3 hunters were authorized for 1 Naur, 2 Jharal, and 3 wild boars. They hunted 1 Naur and 2 Jharal.
This season’s hunters came from the United States, Argentina, Spain, and France.
Dhorpatan hosts two annual hunting seasons: the first from Ashoj to Mangsir (September to November) and the second from Falgun to Baisakh (February to May).
