{
  "id": 3529525,
  "title": "GB to auction hunting permits for 3 markhors, 14 blue sheep, 100 ibexes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/gb-to-auction-hunting-permits-for-3-markhors-14-blue-sheep-100-ibexes-3529525",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-26T14:41:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dawn - Pakistan",
    "slug": "dawn-pakistan",
    "url": "https://www.dawn.com/news/2025436/gb-to-auction-hunting-permits-for-3-markhors-14-blue-sheep-100-ibexes"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Gilgit-Baltistan's Parks and Wildlife Department will auction hunting permits for markhor, blue sheep and ibex during the 2026-27 GB Trophy Hunting programme. Three Astore markhor, 14 blue sheep and 100 ibexes will be available for bidding, with an opening rate of $200,000 for markhor. The auction will take place on September 10 in Jutial, Gilgit. Trophy hunting will occur in designated conservation areas from October 15 to April 10, 2027, under the GB Trophy Hunting Guidelines 2019. Last year, Rs35 million was collected from permits, falling short of the Rs55m target. The 2025-26 program saw unused permits for two Astore markhors, five blue sheep and 10 ibexes, resulting in a loss of Rs20m. Local business owners and tour operators oppose the permit price hikes, citing negative impacts on their businesses and international clients. Ikram Beg, a business owner, argues that the recent 300% price increases without considering stakeholder recommendations are making Gilgit-Baltistan less competitive in the international hunting market. He warns that continued increases could reduce hunting revenue, weaken community incentives and threaten the conservation programme. Despite controversy, supporters of trophy hunting claim it prevents poaching, empowers communities and supports conservation efforts. The challenging terrain and harsh weather in the region make hunting these animals difficult.",
  "summary": "GILGIT: Gilgit-Baltistan’s Parks and Wildlife Department will auction hunting permits for three Astore markhor, 14 blue sheep and 100 ibexes for the GB Trophy Hunting programme 2026-27. The highest permit base rate is for markhor, set at $200,000. The base rate for blue sheep hunting permits has been set at $25,000, and at $11,000 for Himalayan ibex. The auction notice said that out of the…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Dawn",
        "title": "GB to auction hunting permits for 3 markhors, 14 blue sheep, 100 ibexes",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/gb-to-auction-hunting-permits-for-3-markhors-14-blue-sheep-100-ibexes",
        "published": "2026-08-26T14:41:08.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}