An American hunter, Deron James, successfully hunted an Astore markhor in the Sasi region of Haramosh Community Controlled Hunting Area (CCHA) in Gilgit district as part of the trophy hunting program 2024-2025. He acquired the hunting permit for $160,000, marking the final hunt of the season.
Earlier, another American, Justin Ryan, secured a permit for $150,500 and hunted an Astore markhor in the Bunji CCHA. Similarly, Bryan Kinsel Harlan, also from the USA, hunted one in Roundu village, Skardu, for the same amount. The 2024-2025 season’s first Astore markhor hunt took place on January, when Spanish hunter Carlos Mallo successfully hunted one in Jutal. He paid also $150,500 for the permit.
Eighty percent of the money paid for hunting permits goes to the local community, while 20 percent goes to the national Treasury.
This year’s auction faced challenges as initial bids fell short of expectations. Last year, Astore markhor permits fetched record prices, reaching $186,000, $181,000, $177,000, and $171,000. After unsuccessful attempts in October and November, the permits were finally allocated on a first-come, first-served basis at reduced prices of $150,500 to $160,000.
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