The Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Wildlife and Parks Department is set to auction trophy hunting permits for 118 animals this season, including four Astore markhors, 100 Himalayan ibex and 14 blue sheep. The bidding ceremony will take place today (Wednesday) at the Forest, Parks and Wildlife Complex in Gilgit.
For the 2025–26 season, the base price of an Astore markhor permit has jumped to $200,000 while permits for blue sheep and Himalayan ibex are set at $30,000 and $10,000, respectively. Last year, markhor permits were priced at $150,000, blue sheep at $9,000 and ibex at $5,500.
Despite offering 118 permits last year, only 60 were sold. The top bid for a markhor reached $161,000, bringing over Rs. 30 million to the GB government.
READ MORE: American Hunter Bags Record-Breaking Markhor in Chitral with Historic Bid
Launched in 1990 in Bar Valley, Nagar, GB trophy hunting programme involves local communities who receive roughly 80% of revenues to support conservation and development. While it has helped protect endangered species, stakeholders fear the latest price hikes could threaten the programme long-term success.
