GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan Wildlife and Parks Department has auctioned 117 hunting permits for the 2026-27 trophy hunting season, attracting a large number of hunters.
The auction was held at the Forest, Parks and Wildlife Complex in Gilgit, where permits for Astore markhor, blue sheep and Himalayan ibex were offered.
A total of three Astore markhor, 14 blue sheep and 100 Himalayan ibex permits were included in the auction.
The Astore markhor permit fetched the highest price, selling for $356,000. The second permit was auctioned for $301,000, while the third fetched $294,000.
According to the Wildlife Department, an additional Astore markhor permit was also carried forward from the previous hunting season.
Chief Conservator of Parks and Wildlife Zakir Hussain said the highest bid for a blue sheep permit reached $31,200, while the lowest bid was $25,100.
Similarly, the highest bid for a prime-category Himalayan ibex permit stood at $13,200, while the lowest bid was $11,500.
Wildlife and Parks Department officials expect the trophy hunting programme to generate around Rs650 million in revenue during the current season.
The 2026-27 trophy hunting season in Gilgit-Baltistan will begin on October 15, 2026, and continue until April 10, 2027.
