The Gilgit-Baltistan Parks and Wildlife Department has successfully sold four coveted permits for the Astore markhor under a “first-come, first-served” policy. This shift followed two unsuccessful attempts to attract higher bids for the 2024-2025 trophy hunting season.
During an auction on October 30, a total of 118 permits were offered, including four for Astore markhor, 14 for blue sheep, and 100 for Himalayan ibex. The permits apply to community-controlled hunting areas (CCHAs) across Gilgit-Baltistan.
Despite an initial sale of permits for four Astore markhor, 12 blue sheep, and 86 Himalayan ibex, the bids were significantly lower than in the previous season. Consequently, the department canceled the exportable category permits, which included the Astore markhor.
The highest bid for two Astore markhor permits in the October auction was $107,000 each, a sharp decline from last year’s top bid of $181,000. A subsequent re-auction on November 25 failed to attract buyers, prompting the department to adopt the “first-come, first-served” approach. This strategy proved successful, with the four Astore markhor permits selling for $150,200 to $151,000 each, slightly above the base price of $150,000.
Wildlife Conservator Khadim Hussain confirmed that the permits were sold to international hunters. “Hunters are expressing interest in Himalayan ibex permits. To date, six to seven ibexes have been hunted,” he stated.
In the 2023-2024 season, trophy hunting generated Rs309.35 million, marking an increase of Rs89 million compared to Rs220 million in the 2022-2023 season. Hunters successfully harvested 51 Himalayan ibex, six blue sheep, and four Astore markhor trophies during the previous season.
