The hunters killed 44 wild animals in the only animal sanctuary open for hunting in Nepal. Authorities open the wild life sanctuary for four months -- mid-September to mid-October and mid-March to mid-May -- for hunting. [break]
According to the Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC), altogether 23 foreign nationals, including eight US nationals, had come to Nepal for hunting last year.
A hunter needs to pay Rs 40,000 to state and Rs 65,000 to local community for killing a blue sheep. Likewise, a hunter also needs to pay an additional Rs 5,000 for the protection of the block. Foreign hunters coming to Nepal hail from the US, Australia, Russia and France.
According to DNPWC Spokesperson Tulasi Prasad Sharma, the flow of foreigners coming to inquire about hunting next season has shown no signs of abating.
Only 26 blue sheep and 16 Himalayan Thar can be hunted in the Dhorpatan wild life reserve in a year. The hunters cannot use bullets with capacity more than 300 caliber.
The main objective of the hunters visiting Nepal is to get membership and title of the US-based International Hunters´ Club. Evidences of hunting provided to the Club make them eligible for Grand Slam titles and Super Slam honors.
The DNPWC provides General Hunting License two seasons a year.
Hunting reserves have come into existence in the world not only for wild life conservation but also for adventure. Keeping this fact in view, Nepal established Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve in 1983.
Spread in 1,325 hectares of land, DNPWC authorities allows hunting Himalayan Thar and Blue Sheep in various seven blocks, including Sundha, Dogadi, Gustang, Surtibang, Phagune, Warse and Seng. The hunters are permitted to take the body parts of the hunted animals with them.
According to Sher Singh Thagunna, warden at Dhorpatan Wild Life Reserve, hunting is allowed in all districts except in 35 districts of protected and religiously important areas. The National Park and Wildlife Conservation Regulations 2030 BS allows hunting except in the stated 35 districts.
Altogether four companies, including Nepal Wildlife Safari, Nepal Wild Life Adventure, Himalayan Safari and Track and Trail,s have been making necessary arrangements for hunting in Nepal.
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