The Kashmir or Pir Panjal Markhor used to be unattainable to the international trophy hunters until recently, The Kashmir Markhor hunting was reserved solely for officers of the British Raj and distinguished guests of the Royal family. The conservation of Markhor is the model on which all other wildlife conservation is based, about 25 years ago a survey was conducted by CITES, WWF in cooperation with the local Wildlife department of Pakistan and only about 300 animals were counted, this is when the Government of Pakistan introduced community based hunting where 4 hunting permits were issued and sold through an Auctions, the highest bidder would get the privilege of shooting this Holy grail of all Capra species. 80% of the tag price was distributed amongst the local community where the Markhor was harvested which encouraged them to stop poaching it as a food source. In a recent survey more then 3000 Markhor were counted.  Legal hunting season for Markhor runs from November through mid-April. The rut occurs in December and often provides a unique advantage for the hunter. In certain places even a drive could be organised to make the animals come down but still the hunter should be in good physical conditions. Acknowledged as the most sought after Markhor, the Kashmir Markhor’s difference lies in the twisting configuration of its kudu like horns. They are hunted in the Chitral Valley in the Khyber  Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. Depending on the hunting area, accommodations may vary. Some of the areas offer good hotel accommodations. On the other hand local guest houses in villages may be used as a means of lodging depending on the locality.

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