GILGIT: Two Astore Markhors were hunted in Gilgit-Baltistan under trophy hunting programme.

One markhor was hunted by an American citizen while the other was killed by a Pakistani hunter, according to wildlife department.

The American hunter, Richard Daniel Murphy, hunted Astore Markhor having 41-inch long horns in Skardu district.

Mr Murphy is the second American to hunt Astore Markhor in GB during the current trophy hunting programme.

He paid $65,000 to hunt the markhor.

Syed Murtaza, a resident of Islamabad, hunted Astore Markhor having 46-inch long horns in Dushkin conservatory area of Astore district. He had obtained the permit for hunting by paying $12,600.

He is the first Pakistani to hunt Astore Markhor in GB in the current season. The rates of permits under trophy hunting programme are different for locals and foreigners.

So far, five Astore Markhors have been hunted besides a large number of Himalayan Ibex and blue sheep by locals and foreigners in the current season under the trophy hunting programme.

The wildlife department had auctioned four permits for Astore Markhor, 18 for blue sheep and 150 for ibex.

Published in Dawn, March 25th, 2021