G-B trophy hunting: Astore markhor permits finally sold

GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan Parks and Wildlife Department has successfully auctioned the four permits for the highly prized Astore markhor under a “first-come, first-served” policy after two failed attempts to attract higher bids for the 2024-2025 trophy hunting season.

Initially, 118 permits were offered during an auction held on October 30, including four for Astore markhor, 14 for blue sheep, and 100 for Himalayan ibex. These permits have been issued for community-controlled hunting areas (CCHAs) across Gilgit-Baltistan.

Despite selling permits for four Astore markhor, 12 blue sheep, and 86 Himalayan ibexes during the auction, the bids were significantly lower compared to the previous year. Consequently, the department canceled the exportable category permits, which included the Astore markhor.

The October auction saw the highest bid for two Astore markhor permits from the Danyore and Buji CCHAs at $107,000 each, a stark decline from last year’s record bid of $181,000. A re-auction held on November 25 failed to attract any buyers for the markhor permits, prompting the department to adopt a “first-come, first-served” approach. This policy led to the sale of all four Astore markhor permits, with prices ranging between $150,200 and $151,000, slightly above the base price of $150,000.

Wildlife Conservator Khadim Hussain confirmed to HUM News English that the permits had been sold to international hunters. “Hunters are showing interest in Himalayan ibex permits. So far, six to seven ibexes have been hunted,” he added.

During the previous 2023-24 trophy hunting season, hunters harvested 51 Himalayan ibex, six blue sheep, and four Astore markhor trophies, generating revenue of Rs309.35 million — Rs89 million more than the Rs220 million collected in 2022-23.

Notably, 80% of the revenue from the trophy hunting programme is allocated to local communities, funding vital education, healthcare, and development projects. The current trophy hunting season runs from November 1 to April 25.