An American citizen has legally hunted a Kashmir markhor in the Tushi-Shasha Conservancy of Lower Chitral after securing an official permit from the wildlife department.
The permit cost US $243,000, which equals about Rs. 68.3 million. This trophy hunting activity was carried out under the rules set by the government, which allow a limited number of markhor hunts each year to support conservation and local communities.
The hunter, 75-year-old Thomas Garrick Steele, traveled to the region with the assistance of local guides and community members.
According to officials, Steele successfully targeted a markhor with impressive 55-inch horns from a distance of nearly 250 metres. The hunt was conducted under strict supervision to ensure that all rules were followed and that only the selected animal was taken.
Every year, only three permits for Kashmir markhor hunts are auctioned across different conservancies in Chitral. These permits are highly sought after by international hunters.
The money raised from the auction is shared with local communities, who use it for development projects, education, healthcare, and conservation work. This model helps protect the species by giving the community a financial reason to safeguard the markhor and its habitat.
Wildlife officials explained that trophy hunting is part of a controlled program designed to support endangered species.
Only old, non-breeding male markhors are selected for hunting to avoid harming the population. The controlled trophy hunting programme has been credited with increasing the markhor population in Pakistan over the past few years.
Local residents also supported the activity, noting that it brings income and benefits to the area. The recent hunt has again highlighted the role of regulated trophy hunting in wildlife conservation and community welfare in Chitral.
