GILGIT: The Wildlife and Parks Department of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) has announced the auction of 118 animals for the upcoming 2025-26 trophy hunting season, with bidding scheduled to take place today (Wednesday) in Gilgit.
According to officials, the auction includes four permits for the rare Astore markhor, 100 for Himalayan ibex, and 14 for blue sheep.
The government has significantly raised the base prices this year: $200,000 for an Astore markhor, $30,000 for blue sheep, and $10,000 for Himalayan ibex. In comparison, the 2024-25 season carried lower base rates of $150,000 for markhor, $9,000 for blue sheep, and $5,500 for ibex.
During last year’s auction, 118 permits were offered but only 60 were purchased. The highest bid for a markhor permit reached $161,000, generating more than Rs30 million in revenue for the GB government. Officials noted that in other regions, particularly Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, markhor hunting permits have fetched as high as $500,000.
However, local tour operators and community organizers have voiced concerns that the sharp hike in fees could discourage foreign hunters, reduce business, and ultimately deprive local communities of the income they receive from trophy hunting revenues.
