Gilgit-Baltistan to auction 117 trophy hunting permits

The Gilgit-Baltistan Parks and Wildlife Department will auction hunting permits for markhor, blue sheep, and ibex in an open bidding event scheduled for September 10 in Gilgit. The highest permit base rate is $200,000 for markhor, with $25,000 for blue sheep and $11,000 for Himalayan ibex. Out of the four Astore markhor permits, one was carried over from the previous hunting season, leaving three new permits to be auctioned.

The trophy hunting season will run from October 15 to April 10, 2027, and will be conducted only in designated conservation areas. Last year, Rs350 million was collected from the auctioned permits, falling short of the Rs550 million target. The permit rate increases have been met with opposition from local businesses, who have warned of potential losses for their enterprises and the communities that rely on hunting revenue.