GB auctions hunting permits

GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Wildlife and Parks Department auctioned hunting permits for 117 animals for the 2026-27 trophy hunting season on Thursday, with the top permit for an Astore markhor fetching $356,000.

The second Astore markhor permit sold for $301,000, and the third went for $294,000. One additional Astore markhor permit had been carried over from the last hunting season.

A large number of outfitters and hunters participated in the bidding ceremony, which was held at the Forest, Parks and Wildlife Complex in Gilgit. Wildlife officials are hoping to earn Rs650 million this trophy hunting season, which runs from Oct 15 to April 10, 2027.

In the bidding, permits for three Astore markhors, 14 blue sheep and 100 Himalayan ibexes were auctioned.

The Chief Conservator of Parks and Wildlife, Zakir Hussain, said the highest exportable permit for a blue sheep sold for $31,200, while the lowest bid was $25,100.

The highest exportable Himalayan ibex permit in the prime category was sold for $13,200, and the lowest went for $11,500.

Published in Dawn, September 11th, 2026