Gilgit-Baltistan to auction 117 trophy hunting permits

Gilgit-Baltistan's Parks and Wildlife Department will auction permits for hunting three markhor goats, 14 blue sheep, and 100 ibexes as part of the GB Trophy Hunting program for 2026-27. The highest permit fee is $200,000 for markhor, with blue sheep set at $25,000 and ibex at $11,000. Out of four Astore markhor exportable quotas, one permit from the previous season has been carried over, meaning three new permits will be auctioned on September 10 in Gilgit.

Trophy hunting will be conducted between October 15 and April 10, 2027, within designated conservation zones, and the quota is based on annual wildlife surveys. Last year, the auction generated Rs350 million, falling short of the Rs550 million target, and two permits went unused, resulting in a Rs200 million loss. Business owners and tour operators have criticized the permit fee increases for two years, stating they have harmed their businesses and the local communities that depend on trophy hunting revenue.