Hunting in Nepal Hunting has an extremely long history and may pre-date Paleolithic (pre-pastoral and agricultural societies). Today, man has domesticated few animals such as dog, cat, hare, boar, and etc. Hunting is pursuing animals for food, recreation or trade. It is chasing and capturing or killing of wild animals and birds as a sport or for food. Trophy hunting is a lawful hunting distinct from poaching. People of Nordic countries started it in Europe in the 19th century. Extravagant people do it as a souvenir, especially for hides which is a token of successful hunting or fishing expedition. It is a selective seeking (hunting) of wild game animals. Trophy hunter is a licensed hunter who hunts the wild animal for the sake of trophies and not for meat or any other purposes. Only the person who holds a lawful permit granted by the government or the department of wildlife reserve is allowed to hunt. There are varieties of hunting games- big game, exotic game, game, game meat, game proof, game-trap, hunt, lessee, owner, skin, trophy, wild animal, and etc. People take hunting as recreation, adventurous deed and hobby. What exactly does the trophy mean? It could be skin, shell, feet, head or any other parts thereof of game or any other wild animal in its original identity as a result of a bonafide manufacturing process. The hunter is awarded the trophy/silver cup or shield as a prize for winning the contest. Proud of their achievements, hunters display their hides and trophies on (decorate) the wall of his living room. However, there is a question of morality regarding the hunting sports especially on the cruelty to rare and endangered animals and the revenue collected from the trophy hunters. Does the revenue really benefit the population of game animals and the local economy? Hunting in NepalProfessional hunters and hunting guides are tested before they can be registered. Their knowledge and skills will be examined theoretically and practically. Successful candidates must abide government rules and regulations for hunting. Any person who contravenes or fails to comply with any provision will be punished. No activities other than permitted job or licensed work are allowed in the designated areas. The game scouts rigorously follow and check the hunting performances. Wild life hunting is practiced in Nepal since long for different purposes. The records go back to the early Royal family of Shaha dynasty and their courtiers along with the Rana prime ministers. During the Rana regime, many foreign dignitaries- head of the states/governments and guests such as British queen Elizabeth II used to visit Nepal and entertain hunting. Former president Theodore Roosevelt of the United States and the late King Mahendra of Nepal were considered good hunters. Serzey Yastrzhembskiy, political advisor of the former president of Russia, Vladimir Putin, was one of the many westerners who recently entertained by hunting in Nepal. Nepal has several designated (9 national parks, 3 wild life reserves and 3 conservation areas) National Parks and Wild Life Reserves across the nation. However, the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve which extends over 1,325 sq km is the only area where licensed hunting is allowed as a lawful hunting sport. The reserve adjoins Myagdi, Rukum and the west part of Baglung districts. Its altitude ranges from 3,000 m and reaches as high as 7,000 m. Till 2009, there are only four licensed holders permitted hunting in this area. One day in the fall of 2009, a French team of professional hunters arrives in Nepal. Among them is a renowned Frenchmen, Renaud Desgrees, who had helped to open hunting in China. Most of them have wide experience and are the champions of trophy hunting.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 Able Nepal Travel Agency or at one of the villages.
Posted on: Thu, 03 Jul 2014 09:27:33 +0000
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