Pakistan’s Markhor trophy hunt breaks global record

Markhor hunting is regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious and challenging mountain hunts. The animal’s spiralled horns, which can reach up to 160 centimetres, are among the most coveted trophies in international hunting.

Pakistan is home to five subspecies including: Astore, Kashmir, Kabul, Suleiman, and Bukharan markhor. They are found in the high-altitude ranges of Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan.

The markhor hunting season runs from November to mid-April, with December being peak rutting season when males are most active. Hunters, mostly from the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, pay six-figure sums not only for the trophy but also for the experience of hunting in some of the world’s most rugged and breathtaking landscapes.

With the new record, Pakistan has further cemented its place as a premier destination for trophy hunters. Yet, conservationists stress that sustainability must remain central to the program. By restricting hunting to old, non-breeding males and maintaining strict quotas, officials argue that trophy hunting helps protect rather than endanger the species.

For local mountain communities, however, the impact goes beyond conservation. “A single markhor permit can bring more money to a village than years of farming,” said a local community representative. “That’s why we protect them now. the markhor has become our pride and our livelihood.”