http://tribune.com.pk/story/10...53-inch-ibex-trophy/


Link has photo of the ibex.



THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE > PAKISTAN > GILGIT BALTISTAN

Lahore resident claims 53-inch ibex trophy

By Shabbir MirPublished: January 3, 2016



GILGIT: A Pakistani hunter has become the first person to claim a 53-inch ibex as a trophy this year when he hunted the animal in Gojal in Gilgit-Baltistan on Friday.

Hisam Osama Khan, a resident of Lahore, killed the animal at Batura village in Passu valley of the region. He has set a national record for the largest ibex hunt in the country.

“This is the biggest hunt in the country as far as our record shows,” Range forest officer (RFO) Shabbir Baig told The Express Tribune on Saturday. “This will encourage others to adopt conservation practice in G-B and elsewhere.”

The 53-inch markhor was said to be the second largest animal hunted after Iranian king Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi hunted a 57-inch markhor in the mid-1900s.

Under the supervision of Baig, who was representing the wildlife department as well as community members, engaged in the conservation of wildlife in their respective valleys, Khan also hunted another ibex measuring up to 45 inches. A community representative accompanying Hisam Osman said, “It was a good attempt and luckily the trophy animal was healthy.”

Monetary value

The ibex, which has a fixed licence fee of $3,000 for international hunters this season, has reclaimed its population due to trophy hunting programme initiated by G-B government in early 1990s in the region.

“For both hunts, Hisam Osman paid Rs0.4 million,” another official told The Express Tribune. “The fee was comparatively low for Pakistani hunters. The hunter is allowed to take the trophy along with him if he wishes.”

The procedure

The hunt came two months after G-B government sold out hunting permits for four markhors, 60 ibexes and eight blue sheep to national and international hunters.

Under the trophy hunting programme, 80% of the hunting fee goes to the local community while the government spends the remaining 20% on projects for the welfare of forests and biodiversity. The communities use their share on projects aimed at conserving natural resources.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 3rd, 2016.

http://sosttoday.com/legal-hun...-gojal/#.VowAF_krK01


Link has photos.



Legal trophy hunting: Hisham Khan hunts 53” Himalayan Ibex and break the previous record of Shah of Iran

BY SOST TODAY · JANUARY 3, 2016



Passu Gojal: [Press Release]

Hisham Khan 40, a hunter from Lahore Pakistan a set World record by hunting World’s biggest Himalayan Ibex at Yunz locality in Passu village of Gojal Hunza, Gilgit Baltistan on Friday, January 1, 2016. Khan won 53″ trophy and brack the previous record of Shah of Iran, Reza Shah Pehlavi which was 52.8″.

Yunz valley is located between the mighty Batura and Passu glaciers. Previously the record has been held by Late Reza Shah Pehlavi (King of Iran) with record size of 52.8 inches.

On arrival from Yunz valley after the successful historic trophy hunt, the Passu Conservation Committee (PCC) and community of Passu welcomed Hisham Khan and his team in a simple but colorful gathering at Glacier Breeze Passu.
Mr. Ghulam Abbas, secretary PCC welcomed the guests. In his speech, he termed the day an historic one for wildlife conservation, its positive impact and long term benefit to the entire population of the region.


He said, “ Passu remained an old and very potential wildlife centaury
for tourism and hunting in British era, President Ayub visited this village for hunting, whereas, various dignitaries from different countries also visited Passu for tourism and hunting. He declared
Hisham’s hunt as a new era for conservation and development.
Following local tradition, the local community elders included Alija Ashraf Khan, Mr. Ahmed Karim (President Vo), Arbab Muhammad Ismail, Mr. Muhammad Jan, Mr. IqbalHussain and Mr. Amanullah Khan (PresidentPRP) presented traditional gifts to Hisham Khan and his team included Shafa Ali, EnayatNazar, JavedAkhtar, Emayat Shah and Gari Khan from Wildlife and Forest Department Gilgit-Baltistan. GB’s renowned intellectualand poet Mr. Ali Qurban expressed his joy and happiness over the historic hunt and said, “ Gojal is the largest tehsil in Gilgit-Baltistan and has great potential in terms of wildlife tourism and hunting opportunities. Batura Glacier is among world’s greatest wildlife centaury and we believe that through these events, the area and community will get maximum development benefits.

The hunter Mr. Hisham Khan thanked the community for the maximum cooperation extended during the historic trophy hunt. During his speech to the welcome ceremony, he said, “Passu village remained a priority place for me to visit, hunt and enjoy the nature. I am pleased to successfully hunt with a new world record and that is milestone. He suggested that all potential hunting spots in Passu needs easy access and communication like pony treks, winter hut and other important facilities, which will further attract hunters in the days to come. Hisham Khan assured the community that he will represent them in promoting the region and its potentiality towards tourism, hunting and conservation.
Mr. Shafa Ali (a local tour operator) expressed his satisfaction over
the great hunt. He thanked al staff and appreciated their efforts,
commitment and hard work. Mr. Shafa emphasized on community cohesion for better use of local resources included wildlife in the region. He also emphasize on mentorship of junior community hunting guides as well as hunters to carry the local indigenous knowledge and wisdom.
Mr. Ghadir Shah, Ex. Vice President Pakistan People’s Party
Gilgit-Baltistan congratulated Hihsam Khan and his team on the historic trophy hunt. He stressed on holistic approach to exploit and
use of local available resources for common goods. He thanked every individuals who played their effective role in making the hunt a
success and historic.
Mr. Zafar Ali Khan, President Passu Conservation Committee (PCC) said on the occasion that the record trophy hunt revealed that Passu is land of opportunity for biggertrophy size hunting that will definitely attract hunters from around the globe. He further said, “Community of Passu has firm resolve to promote sustainable development through effective conservation strategy, Insha’Allah”.
At the end of the reception “ the guests” enjoyed light refreshment from the community of Passu at Glacier Breeze Restaurant Passu.

Wow! That is 3 huge ibex taken is just a couple of weeks!!!

The conservation program seems to be working and the large old males are living longer and growing their horns.