The second hunting season of the year has officially begun at Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Nepal’s only designated hunting reserve. This marks an exciting moment for hunters and wildlife enthusiasts alike, as 35 wild animals are scheduled for hunting during the second season, including 13 Naur (Himalayan blue sheep), 10 Jharal (Himalayan thar), and 12 wild boars. The hunting season is set to continue until the end of April.
Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve is a unique protected area that allows regulated hunting activities as part of its conservation and wildlife management strategy. Managed by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, the reserve has gained international attention for its controlled hunting practices, which contribute to Nepal’s conservation efforts while generating revenue.
Bidding Process and Approved Hunting Companies
In early February, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks issued a call for bids for the second hunting season. Six companies were selected and granted permission to organize hunting expeditions within the reserve. The approved companies include 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. These companies are authorized to conduct hunting activities in various blocks of the reserve, where hunters will pursue the designated wildlife.
The approval of these companies follows a rigorous selection process aimed at ensuring responsible hunting practices and safeguarding the reserve’s ecological balance. These companies are tasked with adhering to strict regulations that govern the hunting process, ensuring that it remains within the sustainable limits defined by the reserve’s management.
International Participation and Revenue Generation
Hunters from around the globe have traveled to Nepal to participate in the second hunting season. Notable participants include individuals from countries such as the United States, Argentina, Spain, and France. The appeal of hunting in the pristine and rugged landscapes of Dhorpatan, along with the opportunity to target some of Nepal’s most iconic wildlife species, has drawn a diverse international clientele.
One of the first hunters to successfully hunt a Naur this season was Marcos Olaizola Alcorta, a 70-year-old hunter from Spain. He took down a Naur in the Sundaha block of the reserve, marking the first successful hunt of the season. According to Ranger Sagar Subedi, only two Naur have been hunted so far, indicating that hunting remains a challenging and exclusive experience at Dhorpatan.
The price for permits to hunt the designated wild animals in the reserve varies, with the cost for each animal ranging from Rs. 625,500 to Rs. 800,000. These permit fees contribute significantly to the local economy and the management of the reserve. In the second hunting season, the reserve has already generated approximately Rs. 12.6 million in revenue, as confirmed by the Chief Conservation Officer of Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, Chandrashekhar Chaudhary. The revenue collected is allocated towards the conservation and management of the reserve, ensuring the sustainable future of the wildlife and the local communities.
Hunting Seasons and Regulations
Hunting at Dhorpatan is conducted in two distinct seasons each year: the first season runs from Ashwin to Mangsir (roughly September to November), while the second season spans from Falgun to Baishakh (approximately February to May). The controlled hunting in these designated periods helps maintain the population of wildlife within sustainable levels, while also providing an income stream for conservation initiatives.
The hunting activities at Dhorpatan are closely regulated by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks to ensure that the local wildlife populations, including the Naur and Jharal, remain healthy and well-protected. The revenues generated through hunting permits are reinvested in the conservation efforts to preserve the habitat and biodiversity of the region.
Conservation and Community Benefits
The Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve plays a crucial role in the conservation of Nepal’s high-altitude ecosystems. The regulated hunting approach helps mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, control wildlife populations, and raise funds for further conservation activities. Additionally, the reserve serves as a valuable source of income for local communities, with a portion of the revenue supporting community development programs and wildlife protection initiatives.
The ongoing second hunting season at Dhorpatan is not only a significant event for hunters but also a critical aspect of Nepal’s broader conservation strategy. By balancing wildlife management, sustainable hunting, and revenue generation, Dhorpatan continues to be a model for eco-tourism and conservation efforts in Nepal.
With hunting activities set to continue until the end of April, all eyes will remain on the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, as it plays a pivotal role in the future of Nepal’s wildlife conservation and international eco-tourism.
