Gilgit-Baltistan trophy hunting revenue dips slightly to Rs303m

GILGIT: As the Gilgit-Baltistan Trophy Hunting Season 2024-25 wrapped up on April 25, the Forest, Parks, Wildlife, and Environment Department of Gilgit-Baltistan revealed that it generated over Rs303.65 million in revenue during the season.

The figure shows a decline of around Rs 6 million in the annual revenue, as during the last trophy season, Rs309.60 million in revenue had been generated.

For every hunting season that begins on November 1 and ends on April 25, the Gilgit-Baltistan Parks and Wildlife Department auctions permits for hunting 118 animals in October. These permits include the hunting of four Astore markhors, 14 blue sheep, and 100 Himalayan ibexes—permissible under the Gilgit-Baltistan Wildlife Act, 1975, following strict regulations.

Also read: G-B trophy hunting: Astore markhor permits finally sold

However, according to the department, by the end of the season, a total of 49 Himalayan ibex, 10 blue sheep, and 4 Astore markhor trophies were hunted, generating a total trophy hunting fee of Rs303,654,180.

Wildlife Conservator Khadim Abbas told HUM News English that eighty percent of this income is allocated to the respective community-controlled hunting areas, distributed through organized events with formal cross-checking. The remaining twenty percent goes to the government.

He said for the current season, Rs24,29,23,344 would be the community share while the government share would be Rs6,07,30,836. Last year, a total of 51 Himalayan ibex, 6 blue sheep, and 4 Astore markhor trophies were hunted, generating a total trophy hunting fee of Rs 309,351,708.

Abbas attributed the slight decline in revenue to a decrease in hunter interest and lower bids for markhor permits. “This year, we saw fewer hunters applying for permits. The highest Astore markhor permit was sold for $160,000, while last year’s highest was $186,000. The remaining three permits this year fetched $150,500 each,” he added.

Last year, the second-highest permit for the Astore markhor was sold for $181,000, the third for $177,000, and the fourth for $171,000.

This year, the Astore markhor permit auction faced challenges as it failed to attract higher bids in the initial two attempts. However, the department eventually auctioned the four permits under a “first-come, first-served” policy.

Currently, 47 Community-Controlled Hunting Areas (CCHAs) are notified in Gilgit-Baltistan for trophy hunting, of which trophies were hunted in 18 CCHAs this season. The department has started issuing the community share to the relevant communities. A ceremony was held on Wednesday in Hunza, where over Rs80 million were distributed among 9 CCHAs of Upper Hunza.