Trophy hunting: Astore Markhor permits fail to attract bidders in reauction

GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan Parks and Wildlife Department’s reauction of trophy hunting permits for the Astore Markhor for the 2024-25 season on Monday failed to attract outfitters, leaving the permits unsold.

The department had initially auctioned 118 permits on October 30 for hunting rare species in community-controlled hunting areas (CCHAs) across the region.

These included four permits for the Astore markhor, 14 for blue sheep, and 100 for Himalayan ibex. While permits for four markhor, 12 blue sheep, and 86 ibex were successfully sold, the bids were significantly lower than those received last year, leading to the cancellation of exportable category permits.

Wildlife Conservator Khadim Hussain confirmed to HUM News English that Monday’s reauction saw no participation from outfitters.

“Only one ibex and one blue sheep permit were auctioned. The base price for the ibex was set at $10,000, while the blue sheep’s base price was $25,000. Both permits were sold for a mere $100 above the base price due to a lack of competition,” he said.

When questioned about the future of this year’s trophy hunting program, Hussain said that no decision had been made. However, he said, “If someone approaches the department for a permit at the set price, we will issue it.”

Also read: G-B govt cancels auctioned exportable trophy hunting permits

During the October 30 auction, the highest bids for two Astore Markhor permits in the Danyore and Buji CCHAs were $107,000 each, a significant drop from last year’s record high of $181,000.

The remaining two permits, allocated for Sikanderabad and Tangir CCHAs, were auctioned for $106,000 each, compared to last year’s bids ranging from $171,000 to $180,000.

However, the auctioned permits were canceled on November 1, and a reauction was scheduled for today, which saw no participation for the Astore markhor permits.

During the 2023-24 trophy hunting season, the department reported that 51 Himalayan ibex, 6 blue sheep, and 4 Astore markhor trophies were hunted, generating a total revenue of Rs309.35 million — Rs89 million more than the Rs220 million earned in 2022-23.

Notably, 80 per cent of the revenue from the trophy hunting programme is allocated to local communities, who use it to fund education, health, and development projects. The trophy hunting season runs from November 1 to April 25. However, due to low interest from hunters, this year’s programme has yet to commence.