Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve lies in Rukum, Myagdi and Baglung Districts in the Dhaulagiri Himal range in West Nepal. Putha, Churen and Gurja Himal extend over the northern boundary of the reserve. Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve was established in 1983 and was gazetted in 1987. Management objectives of the reserve allow sports hunting and preserve a representative high altitude ecosystem in West Nepal. The reserve extends over an area of 1325 sq. km and is the only hunting reserve in the country to meet the sports hunting needs of Nepalese and foreign hunters of blue sheep and other game animals. The higher elevations remain snow-capped throughout the year. Altitudes vary from 3000 m. to more than 7000 m. The flat meadows above tree line (4000 m), locally known as Patan, is divided into six blocks for hunting management purposes. DHORPATAN HUNTING RESERVEThe reserve is surrounded by villages on all sides except the north. Local people depend on the reserve to meet their requirements for wood, fuel wood, fodder, and pasture. The refugee camp near the reserve headquarters has put more human pressure in the forest. Every year livestock grazing activities begin from February and last until October. More than 80,000 livestock enter the reserve. The majority of people belong to the Mongoloid race, including Magar. Thakali, and Gurung, Amalgamation of different ethnic groups has resulted in a mixed pattern of cultures. Dhorbaraha, a Hindu religious place on the banks of Uttarganga River near Dhorpatan, is in Fagune bloc. Every year on the day of “Janai Purnima”in August, a religious fair is held here which is attended by many local devotees. The magnificent view of Dhaulagiri Himal from Barse, Dogari and Gustung blocs are exceptional. Snag and Sundaha bloc are rich in wild animals. Hunting Endangered Animals in the reserve include Musk deer, Wolf, Red panda, Cheer pheasant and Danphe.
