The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Wildlife Department has achieved a major milestone by auctioning 39 trophy hunting permits for Markhor, Ibex, and the newly introduced Grey Coral, generating more than $1.9 million (Rs540 million) in revenue for the province.

Record-breaking auction

According to officials, the auction for the current trophy hunting season brought in a record $1,913,842. This includes permits for Markhor and Ibex, with the Grey Coral permit introduced for the first time in KP.

Wildlife authorities noted that the high demand for these permits highlights the popularity of KP’s trophy hunting program among international hunters.

First-ever Grey Coral permit

Special Assistant for Wildlife Pir Musawar Khan confirmed that this year marks the first introduction of the Grey Coral hunting permit in the province. The inclusion of Coral alongside Markhor and Ibex is expected to diversify opportunities for hunters and further boost revenues.

Also Read: Russian dove hunting permitted in KP under strict conditions

Revenue for conservation and communities

He stressed that the trophy hunting program is not only about generating income but also about supporting wildlife conservation and the uplift of local communities.

“Revenue from the trophy hunting program will be spent on wildlife protection, habitat improvement, and development projects for communities living around conservation areas,” Khan added.

A couple of days ago, the KP wildlife department granted conditional permission for the hunting of the Russian dove within the province.

The hunting fee was set at Rs25 per bird. Under the issued guidelines, licensed hunters could hunt Russian doves only until October 31, and only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Also Read: KP bans hunting at 57 locations until Dec 2025

A fine of Rs5,000 per bird will be imposed for exceeding the limit of eight birds.

The department also announced a complete ban on hunting across 57 dams, lakes, rivers, ponds and barrages of the province until December.

According to the announcement, hunting was strictly prohibited in 57 water bodies across KP. Authorities warned that strict action would be taken against violators. Hunting had only been be allowed in specific designated places, and any hunting activity before sunrise or after sunset has been declared illegal.

New restrictions for hunters

The department also introduced new rules to regulate hunting practices. Hunters were prohibited from using electronic devices and call birds to lure prey. Each licensed hunter would only be allowed to hunt a maximum of five waterfowl per day.

License and fee requirements

Special licensing fees had also been set for duck hunters. The license fee for a duck hunting dog was fixed at Rs1,500 per year. In addition, a fee of Rs500 per day would be charged for using a special duck hunting gun.