Gilgit-Baltistan Trophy Hunting Program Stumbles Amid Controversial Auction and Direct Dealings
The Gilgit-Baltistan Forest, Parks, and Wildlife Department faced an unprecedented setback this trophy hunting season as the auction for rare Astore markhor permits fell through, triggering concerns about mismanagement and undue influence in the bidding process.
Official sources revealed that the department’s 2024-25 season auction program failed to attract competitive bids, with offers peaking at $107,000 per permit—significantly lower than last season’s $186,000. Comparatively, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government secured $185,000 for a single markhor permit this year. Discontent over the low bids prompted the department to cancel the auction. Still, efforts to initiate a second round were stymied when a group of hunters and their intermediaries reportedly boycotted the process, creating a stalemate.
In a bid to salvage the season and generate revenue, the department bypassed the auction process entirely. Sources, requesting anonymity, disclosed that the department sought approval from relevant authorities to directly approach hunters. A baseline price of $150,000 was set, with permits offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The strategy appears to have gained traction, as two hunters have already deposited $151,000 each for the coveted Markhor permits. All four licenses allocated to Gilgit-Baltistan for exportable markhor hunts have reportedly garnered interest.
The fallout from the failed auction underscores the challenges of managing Pakistan’s trophy hunting program, which has been lauded internationally for its community-led conservation model. The program has contributed to a steady annual population growth of 1.5% to 2% for the endangered markhor, Pakistan’s national animal, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Despite these gains, the recent auction debacle has raised questions about governance and transparency within the department.
Earlier in November, the Gilgit-Baltistan Wildlife Department announced the cancellation of bids for this season’s hunting permits, citing low earnings as the primary reason. The auction included licenses for four Astore markhor, 14 blue sheep, and 100 Himalayan ibex. While markhor permits failed to secure competitive bids, other species fared marginally better. Exportable Himalayan ibex permits fetched $6,700, while local permits were auctioned for Rs. 760,000 each. Blue sheep permits, previously valued between $26,000 and $35,000, saw a sharp decline, with bids capping at $11,200.
Pakistan’s trophy hunting program, which exclusively allows foreign hunters to hunt endangered species under stringent regulations, has been a vital source of funding for conservation initiatives. The Gilgit-Baltistan region receives four exportable markhor licenses annually, with 80% of the proceeds going to local communities and the remaining 20% allocated to the government. This act will add more than $600000 to the country revenue.
Writer: Faheem Akhtar
