Dhorpatan hunting season begins; permits for 10 blue sheep, 7 Himalayan tahr issued

The first hunting season of the year has begun in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve.

During the season, which runs from Asoj to Mangsir, permits have been issued to hunt 10 blue sheep (naur) and 7 Himalayan tahr (jharal).

Chief Conservation Officer Ananath Baral said coordination is underway with the company that received the contract from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation to bring in foreign hunters.

The department had sought competitive bids in Bhadau from companies interested in organizing hunts.

Hunters from Russia, the United States, Spain, Denmark, France and African countries have been visiting Dhorpatan for several decades.

Last year, hunting 21 blue sheep and 11 Himalayan tahr over two seasons generated about 41.7 million rupees in revenue.

Last year, a single blue sheep fetched about 2 million rupees.

Revenue from this year's first season is currently being collected.

The reserve has seven hunting blocks: Surtibang, Phagune, Barse, Seng, Dogadi, Ghustung and Sundaha.

Foreign hunting groups are required to complete their hunt in the designated block within 15 days.

The second hunting season will run from Falgun to Baisakh.

Established in 2044 BS, the reserve spans Eastern Rukum, Baglung and Myagdi districts.

The reserve office said about 37,000 domestic and foreign tourists visited the reserve last year.