An American has hunted Pakistan’s national animal and rare wildlife species markhor after splashing a record USD 110,000 permit fee during a trophy hunting season in the country’s northern Gilgit-Baltistan region.
The markhor popularly known as the screw horn goat is Pakistan’s national animal.
US national named Bryan Kinsel Harlan hunted the highest-priced, flared-horned animal from the Sassi-Harmosh community conservation region in Sassi village of Gilgit, Dawn News reported
The Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) wildlife department, Harlan paid a mind-blowing USD 110,000 for hunting the rare wildlife species in the region which is under a conservation programme.
In fact, it is the highest ever permit fee paid in the country. It has been learnt that the foreign hunter with hunting technique hunted the 41-inch markhor trophy, which is deemed as a good-sized trophy, the report said.
“It was an easy and close shot and I am pleased to take this trophy,” Harlan said.
In a Facebook post in 2017, the National Parks Of Pakistan defended the trophy hunting programme by saying, “With All due respect, we would like to acquaint you with the fact that its not hunting that threatens the wildlife, its illegal hunting. Its not hunting permits that cause wildlife go extinct, its poaching what causes wildlife wipe out.”
“And much more that causes wildlife to get vanished is lack of conservation activities”.
On January 21, one more US citizen by the name of Dianda Christopher Anthony hunted the highest-rated Astore markhor after splashing a staggering USD 105,000, days after fellow countryman named John Amistoso hunted the Astore Markhor in the Bunji area of Gilgit, paying around USD 100,000 permit fee.
By far about 50 wildlife animals have been hunted by abroad people as well as national hunters during the trophy hunting season 2018-19.
The trophy hunting programme has been incredibly successful in multiplying the number of markhor and bringing success to the region, as per the officials.