First Hunting Season for Naur, Jharal, and Wild Boar Begins in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve

The first licensed hunting season for Naur (Himalayan blue sheep), Jharal (Himalayan tahr), and wild boar has officially commenced in Nepal’s Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, the country’s only area where licensed hunting is permitted. The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation has authorized the hunting of 12 Naur, eight Jharal, and 11 wild boars for the current season.

The hunting season kicked off with an Australian hunter, under the Nepal Travel Expedition Company, successfully hunting a Naur. Four licensed companies have been granted permits to organize hunts within the reserve this year, and 12 foreign hunters have obtained licenses through these companies.

According to Pemba Sherpa, Senior Management Officer of the reserve, the Department of National Parks sets the minimum fees for hunting these animals, which start at Rs 150,000 for a Naur, Rs 75,000 for a Jharal, and Rs 10,000 for a wild boar. However, the companies bid for the hunting rights, with the highest bid for this season reaching Rs 1.2 million for a Naur and Rs 725,000 for a Jharal.

The most recent wildlife census conducted in 2021 recorded 1,290 Naur and 744 Jharal in the reserve. Established in 2044 BS (1987 AD), the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve covers an area of 1,325 square kilometers and is home to 32 species of mammals and 164 species of birds, making it a unique conservation site in the country.