American Hunter Pays Rs6 Million for Punjab Urial Trophy Permit

An American hunter is reported to have recently paid Rs6 million (approximately $20,000) for a permit to hunt a Punjab urial, marking the resumption of trophy hunting in the region after a two-year hiatus.

This event took place in the Chakwal area, where the hunter successfully obtained the first trophy under the new permit system.

As reported, the Ministry of Climate Change has issued a total of 16 hunting permits for urial trophy hunting, generating approximately $3.28 million in revenue. The funds are primarily directed towards community-based organizations (CBOs) that work on conservation and welfare initiatives for the local urial population.

Trophy hunting is seen as a mechanism to support conservation efforts, as it allows for the regulated hunting of older male urials that are no longer capable of mating. This practice aims to enhance the overall health of the urial population by allowing younger males access to breeding opportunities.