Huntingin Nepal

 In this ecological awakening age hunting seems quite contradictory but Nepal has been a favored ground for hunters since 9th century. In the Himalayan Kingdom, controlled hunting is allowed with proper license and certain seasons of the year. Hunting license is issued by the Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation in Kathmandu and there are a few hunting outfitters who can make arrangements.

The organized hunting parties trek or fly (helicopter) into the high terrain areas in quest of the Himalayan Tahr and the Blue Sheep. Mid-elevation prizes include wild goat and sheep; in the Terai lowlands deer are sought. Hunting in Nepal is permitted only in designated areas, and a licensed guide must accompany hunting parties.

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve is one of the prime habitats of blue sheep, a highly prized trophy animal, which is the main target of hunters. Other game species are Ghoral, Serow, Himalayan Tahr, Black Bear Pheasant and Partridge. Endangered species of the area include the red panda and cheer pheasant.

Besides hunting, Dhorpatan is also an attractive destination for the trekker and wildlife enthusiast as protection has enabled animal numbers to increase in this rarely visited area.

Dhorpatan can be reached from Pokhara within the 5 days of hike away or there is also the option of flying to Dolpa. The best time to visit Dhorpatan is February-April and August-October. Accommodation here is on tented camp which can be provided by the Adventure Silk Road Inc. or at one of the villages.

Besides national parks and wildlife reserves His Majesty's Government of Nepal has also set aside a hunting reserve at Dhorpatan where controlled hunting of some species is allowed. Covering an area of 1,325 sq. km., the reserve is situated on the southern flanks of Mt. Dhaulangiri I (8,167 m.) in districts of Rukum, Baglung and Myagdi in western Nepal.

The area's vegetation is characterised by well-developed mixed-hardwood forest at lower elevation and many plant species of drier climate to the north. Tree species include fir, pine, birch, rhododendron, hemlock, oak, juniper and spruce. As in many other protected environments of Nepal, the reserve includes several villages inhabited by hill tribes as well as people of Tibetan descent who supplement farming with trade and animal husbandry. The reserve is one of the prime habitats of blue sheep, a highly prized trophy animal, which is the main target of hunters. Other game species are ghoral, serow, Himalayan thar, black bear, pheasant and partridge. Endangered species of the area include the red panda and cheer pheasant. Controlled hunting is allowed with proper license and certain seasons of the year. Game license is issued by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation in Kathmandu and there are a few hunting outfitters who can make arrangements for expeditions. Besides hunting, Dhorpatan is also an attractive destination for the trekkers and wildlife enthusiasts as protection has enabled animal numbers to increase in this rarely visited area.