GILGIT: Gilgit-Baltistan will auction hunting permits under its Trophy Hunting Program for 2026-27.
The Parks and Wildlife Department will offer permits for three Astore markhor. It will also auction permits for 14 blue sheep and 100 ibexes.
The base price for an Astore markhor permit has been set at $200,000. Blue sheep permits will start at $25,000.
Himalayan ibex permits will have a starting price of $11,000. The rates have been announced through an official auction notice.
The department initially included four Astore markhor permits in the exportable quota. However, one permit was carried forward from the previous hunting season.
Therefore, three new markhor permits will be offered during the upcoming auction. The open bidding will take place on September 10.
The auction will be held at the Forest Complex in Jutial, Gilgit. Interested participants will be able to compete through the open bidding process.
According to the notice, Trophy Hunting will follow the GB Trophy Hunting Guidelines 2019. The hunting season will begin on October 15.
It will continue until April 10, 2027. Hunting activities will only be permitted in officially designated conservation areas.
Officials said the annual quota is based on wildlife surveys. Experts conduct these surveys before authorities determine the number of permits.
The system aims to regulate hunting while supporting wildlife conservation. Revenue from permits also contributes to conservation activities and local communities.
However, the program faced financial challenges during the previous season. GB Chief Conservator Parks and Wildlife Zakir Hussain shared details about the previous auction.
He said the department collected Rs350 million through permit auctions last year. The department had set a revenue target of Rs550 million.
Several permits remained unused during the 2025-26 program. These included two Astore markhor permits and five blue sheep permits.
Ten exportable Himalayan ibex permits also went unused. Hussain said the unused permits resulted in an estimated loss of Rs200 million.
He previously linked the decline to law and order problems in Gilgit and Skardu. Foreign hunters, including Americans, reportedly cancelled their planned trips.
Meanwhile, local businesses have raised concerns about higher permit prices. Business owners and tour operators have opposed rate increases for two years.
They argue that higher rates have affected international demand. They also believe the increases have discouraged foreign clients from visiting the region.
Hunting equipment seller Ikram Beg described the situation as a serious challenge. He claimed base prices increased by more than 300 percent over two years.
Beg said authorities did not properly consider recommendations from stakeholders. He warned that higher rates could reduce Gilgit-Baltistan’s international competitiveness.
He also said lower participation could affect government revenue. It could also reduce financial benefits reaching local communities and conservation programs.
Beg stressed that Trophy Hunting was introduced as a conservation tool. He said its success requires sustainable pricing and strong international participation.
Local businesses have called for a review of the new rates. They also want consultation with communities and wildlife conservation experts.
Stakeholders have further demanded transparent management of the auction process. They urged authorities to ensure full compliance with applicable wildlife rules.
In other news read more about American Hunter Pays Rs7.56 Crore to Hunt Rare Kashmiri Markhor in Pakistan
The upcoming auction will determine participation in the 2026-27 hunting season. Authorities are expected to balance conservation goals with economic and community interests.
