GB Wildlife Auction Sees Surge in Trophy Hunting Bids

The Gilgit-Baltistan Parks and Wildlife Department has set a new record by auctioning a hunting permit for the endangered Astore markhor at $370,000.

The auction, held in Gilgit’s forest and wildlife complex, offered permits for four Astore markhors, 14 blue sheep, and 100 Himalayan ibexes under strict guidelines of the Gilgit-Baltistan Wildlife Act, 1975. Hunting season will run from November 1 to April 25.

This year’s base prices were raised to $200,000 for the Astore markhor, $30,000 for blue sheep, and $10,000 for the Himalayan ibex. Last year’s fees were significantly lower at $150,000, $9,000, and $5,500 respectively.

For ibex trophies, the highest exportable bid reached $14,000, while local permits were sold for as high as Rs750,000. Blue sheep trophies fetched up to $37,550.

Officials confirmed that 80 percent of the revenue is shared with local communities, while 20 percent goes to the government. Last year, communities received over Rs2.42 billion.