https://www.samaa.tv/208733250...dropping-186-000-bid

Markhor auction: Astor markhor permit breaks records with jaw-dropping $186,000 bid

Official from wildlife department reveals that a total of four permits were allocated for markhor hunting
| SAMAA WEB DESK
Oct 25, 2023

In an unprecedented development, the Wildlife Department of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) issued permits for the hunting of markhors as part of the annual Trophy Hunting season.

The highly anticipated auction resulted in a remarkable outcome, with the permit to hunt the Astor markhor fetching an astounding $186,000, making it the highest bid ever recorded in the region.

Highest bid ever

An official from the wildlife department revealed that a total of four permits were allocated for markhor hunting.

While the Astor markhor took the spotlight with its record-breaking bid, the second and third-highest bids for hunting the majestic creatures were not far behind, standing at $181,000 and $177,000, respectively.

During the auction, the local administration also offered a total of 104 permits for hunting various endangered animals, including 12 blue sheep and 88 ibexes.

These permits signify a delicate balance between wildlife conservation and the controversial practice of trophy hunting, which remains a topic of debate among environmentalists and local communities.

Community benefit

The Trophy Hunting season in Gilgit-Baltistan is set to commence on November 1 and will run until April 25. This six-month window allows licensed hunters to participate in this unique practice, which aims to strike a balance between conservation and economic development.

It is important to note that only 20% of the revenue generated through the sale of hunting permits is deposited into the national exchequer, while the remaining 80% is directed towards the betterment of the local community, specifically in the fields of health and development.

Despite its controversial nature, trophy hunting in the region has received some support from conservationists who argue that it helps in preventing poaching and simultaneously empowers local communities. This debate between conservation and controversy continues to be a defining aspect of the annual Trophy Hunting season in Gilgit-Baltistan.

https://www.technologytimes.pk...phy-hunting-auction/

Record $186,000 For Astor Markhor Permit For Trophy Hunting Auction

October 26, 2023 Abdul khalique



The Astor markhor, a distinctive long-horned goat native to Pakistan, predominantly inhabits the snow-covered northern mountains.

Record $186,000 For Astor Markhor Permit For Trophy Hunting Auction

The wildlife department of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) auctioned permits for the trophy hunting of 104 endangered animals, with the highest permit, to hunt the rare Astor markhor, fetching a record $186,000, as confirmed by a wildlife department official.


The Astor markhor, a distinctive long-horned goat native to Pakistan, predominantly inhabits the snow-covered northern mountains. The substantial fee for this hunting permit ranks among the highest worldwide. Initiated in 1990 in GB’s Nagar Valley, the trophy hunting program has attracted international hunters, who contribute hundreds of thousands of dollars to target a limited number of wild animals in the region. Over time, the program expanded to various areas of GB.

Trophy hunting is a globally debated practice, involving the hunting of rare animals for sport and showcasing their parts as trophies. Conservationists argue that in northern Pakistan, this program serves as a deterrent to poaching and empowers local communities. Markhors typically reside at altitudes of 8,000-11,000 feet, descending to 5,000-6,000 feet during winter, coinciding with the hunting season.

Khadim Abbas, a conservator for GB’s wildlife department, stated, “We had four permits of markhors and the highest permit was auctioned today in the Kargah-Napura-Basin area [of GB] for $186,000.”

Officials note that 80% of the proceeds from the trophy hunting program are allocated to local communities, utilized for education, healthcare, and development initiatives. The hunting season runs from November 1 to April 25. For the 2023-2024 season, the GB government auctioned permits for four Astor markhors, 12 blue sheep, and 88 ibexes.

Abbas reported that the second-highest markhor hunting permit sold for $181,000, followed by another at $177,000. Additionally, eight international permits for blue sheep were auctioned, surpassing the base value of $9,000, with individual permits fetching between $26,000 and $35,000.

For Pakistani hunters, the highest price for a blue sheep permit reached Rs 1,800,000 ($6,440), while the top rate for hunting an ibex was Rs 1,100,000 ($3,935). Abbas confirmed that 80% of the funds collected through the permits would directly benefit local communities, with the remainder deposited in the national exchequer.

Dr. Salar Ali, head of the Department of Environmental Science at the University of Baltistan, emphasized, “The trophy hunting program is spreading awareness among locals and they are playing their best role to control illegal hunting of wild animals in their areas.”

He underscored that before the program’s inception, locals were unaware of the benefits provided by endangered animals. This, in turn, led to an increase in poaching activities. “Now, once they [locals] started to get income from this program, they are playing their role to protect these animals,” Ali concluded.

I’d love to hunt one but that price is getting insane . Keep is mind that the prices quoted are just the government fees. The outfitters charge additional fees.

quote:

Originally posted by larryshores:
I’d love to hunt one but that price is getting insane . Keep is mind that the prices quoted are just the government fees. The outfitters charge additional fees.

Yes correct. Not too many guys are able to go on a +$200,000 hunt, but obviously there are more then enough to drive the price. :-)

Absolutely, lots of guys who have that kinda money ( drop in the bucket )
Good for them, hopefully it gets more money to game management and conservation for the species