GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan Department of Wildlife and Parks has auctioned hunting permits for 117 animals for the 2026–27 trophy hunting season, with an Astore Markhor permit fetching the highest bid of $356,000.
The auction was held at the Forest, Parks and Wildlife Complex in Gilgit and attracted a large number of hunters. The permits covered three Astore Markhor, 14 blue sheep and 100 Himalayan ibex.
Astore Markhor Permits Draw Highest Bids
According to officials, the three Astore Markhor permits were sold for $356,000, $301,000 and $294,000, respectively.
The wildlife department said an additional Astore Markhor permit was also carried forward from the previous hunting season.
Chief Conservator Parks and Wildlife Zakir Hussain said the highest exportable permit for a blue sheep was sold for $31,200, while the lowest bid was $25,100.
For the prime category of Himalayan ibex, the highest exportable permit fetched $13,200, compared with a lowest bid of $11,500.
Wildlife Department Expects Rs6.5 Billion Revenue
Officials of the Gilgit-Baltistan Wildlife and Parks Department expect the current trophy hunting season to generate around Rs6.5 billion in revenue.
The 2026–27 trophy hunting season in Gilgit-Baltistan is scheduled to begin on October 15, 2026, and continue until April 10, 2027.
The auction forms part of the region’s regulated trophy hunting programme, under which permits are issued for specified wildlife species and categories.