First season of big game hunting kicks off in Dhorpatan

The first season of hunting Bharal, Himalayan tahr, and wild boar has commenced in the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve. The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation has permitted the hunting of 12 Bharal, eight Himalayan tahr, and 11 wild boar for this season.

Hunting in the reserve is divided into two seasons, with the first season running from September to October and the second season scheduled for March to April. The first team, led by Nepal Travels & Expedition Company, arrived at the reserve on Oct 9.

Through this company, Australian hunters shot the first Bharal of the season, with each weighing over 70 kg on average. The remaining three companies that have been granted hunting permits are preparing to enter the reserve.

Pemba Sherpa, Chief Management Officer of the park, reported that 12 foreign hunters have received permits this year through four companies. The minimum bid for hunting is set at Rs 150,000 for Bharal, Rs 75,000 for Himalayan tahr, and Rs 10,000 for wild boar. Companies that exceed the minimum bid are awarded permits. The highest bid for Bharal reached Rs 1.23m, while Himalayan tahr attracted a bid of Rs 725,000.

“A permit is also required for hunting wild boars, though foreign hunters show less interest in hunting them,” Sherpa noted. “The minimum cost for boar hunting is Rs 10,000. The total revenue generated from hunting Bharal, Himalayan tahr, and wild boar amounts to Rs 14.5m.”

The hunting companies also contribute funds to local communities to aid wildlife conservation. This initiative not only generates foreign currency for Nepal but also promotes tourism at the local level. The department issued a 15-day notice on September 4 for competitive hunting bids for Bharal, Himalayan tahr, and wild boar in the reserve.

Amrit Thapa, owner of Nepal Travels & Expedition, emphasized the unique experience that hunters enjoy in the world-renowned reserve, despite the geographical challenges. He advocates for modernizing and simplifying the legal processes for weapon permits and hunting. He also highlighted the six-month wait for hunters to export animal hides due to the involvement of multiple agencies, including the Department of Parks, Ministry of Forests, and Ministry of Home Affairs.

Thapa also pointed out the need for government manpower to manage hunting quotas, control poaching, raise public awareness, and involve local communities in wildlife monitoring and census activities.

The Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve is globally recognized for attracting professional foreign hunters. With signed permits, Bharal, Himalayan tahr, and wild boar can be legally hunted in designated periods. Hunters are granted 14 to 21 days to complete their hunts, supported by a team of 25 to 30 personnel. Foreign hunters bring permitted firearms and ammunition from their home countries.

Hunting in this remote reserve is expensive due to helicopter access and the large support teams required. Most hunters come from the United States, Mexico, France, Spain, Russia, Hungary, Ukraine, Canada, and Germany.

Hunters are allowed to keep animal hides, consume the meat, and properly dispose of waste in the forest. However, the Himalayan goral and Himalayan serow are off-limits due to their inclusion in the site’s protected schedule, according to Birendra Prasad Kandel, Senior Conservation Officer of the Reserve Office.

“The reserve is divided into seven blocks: Sundah, Seng, Dogadi, Barse, Fagune, Surtibang, and Ghustung, where hunting is permitted,” Kandel said. He noted that the reserve faces challenges such as encroachment, poaching, demand for firewood, adverse weather, and climate change. However, regulated hunting does not deplete wildlife populations or damage local crops and habitats.

Hunting is restricted to older male species. The population of Bharal and Himalayan tahr is counted every five years, with the latest census in 2021 recording 1,290 Bharal and 744 Himalayan tahr. The number of animals permitted for hunting is scientifically determined.

Established in 1987, the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve covers 1,325 square kilometers, spanning parts of East Rukum, Baglung, and Myagdi. The reserve is home to 32 species of mammals, including Bharal, Himalayan tahr, Himalayan serow, and the Himalayan black bear. It also hosts 164 species of birds, such as the Lophophorus, Satyr tragopan, and Cheer pheasant, which are listed as rare and protected.

In the previous fiscal year, hunting permits were granted for 19 Bharal and 11 Himalayan tahr, generating a total of Rs 42.6m, according to department data.