Galkot, Baglung: The hunting season for 2023 has commenced in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, the sole hunting reserve in Nepal, allowing tourists to engage in hunting activities. The National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Department has granted permission for the hunting of eight Himalayan blue sheep (Naur) and six Himalayan Tahr (Jharal) during this season.

The hunting season is divided into two sessions, the first of which runs from the Nepali month of Ashoj to Mangsir. Additionally, the Reserve has permitted the hunting of wild boar. Hunting activities are allowed from October 4 to the third week of November.

The Department conducts a bidding process among affluent hunters globally, and after allocating the number of Naur and Jharal available for hunting, tourists from countries such as the United States, Russia, Germany, and Bulgaria participate through eight enlisted companies.

The Reserve attracts hunters who are willing to pay between Rs 1 million to Rs 2 million for the opportunity to hunt a Himalayan blue sheep. Conservation officials are deployed alongside Nepali assistants to accompany the hunters, ensuring compliance with regulations.

Established in 1987, Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve has become a favored destination for trophy hunting. Tourists often charter helicopters to reach the Reserve, given the challenging road access. The hunters are equipped with necessary weapons, guns, bullets, and cameras. In some cases, hunters return without a catch, while those who successfully hunt a Naur or Jharal are allowed to take the animal's head to their home country as a trophy.