The Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Nepal’s only legal hunting destination, concluded its first hunting season of the year with the harvest of 10 Himalayan blue sheep (Naur) and 5 Himalayan thar (Jharal). Out of the permitted quota of 12 Naur and 8 Jharal, the hunting results fell short, according to the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve Office, Baglung.
This season, 12 professional hunters from the United States, Spain, the Netherlands, and Mexico participated through four hunting companies: Global Safaris Nepal Pvt. Ltd., Nepal Travel Expedition Pvt. Ltd., Himalayan Wildlife Outfitters, and Open Nepal Wildlife Safaris Trek Pvt. Ltd. However, one American hunter, despite paying the required fees, did not arrive, and another was unable to hunt a Naur. Additionally, three Jharal remained unhunted.
The Reserve also issued hunting permits for seven barking deer (Banel), but no hunting was conducted. Chief Conservation Officer Chandra Shekhar Chaudhary noted that foreign hunters showed little interest in hunting barking deer, and even local hunters did not apply for permits.
Seasonal and Operational Details
The hunting season in Dhorpatan occurs in two phases annually: October–December and March–May. The Reserve is divided into seven blocks—Seng, Barse, Surtibang, Fagune, Ghustung, Dogadi, and Sundaha. Professional hunters, accompanied by Nepali Army personnel, reserve staff, and porters, often spend up to 15 days in the wilderness.
Foreign hunters pay substantial fees, with a single Naur fetching up to NPR 1.8 million in revenue. The total expenses for a hunter, including permits, helicopter transportation, and other logistics, range from NPR 2 million to NPR 3 million.
The Reserve, established in 1987, spans 1,325 square kilometers across Baglung, Eastern Rukum, and Myagdi districts. It remains a popular destination for adventurous and professional hunters seeking thrilling experiences in remote terrains.
The National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Department oversees the hunting quota and revenue rates through an electronic bidding process each season. Dhorpatan continues to attract foreign hunters with its challenging landscapes and unique opportunities for adventure tourism.
