Russian national hunts markhor in Chitral

CHITRAL: Alexey Kim, a Russian national, hunted the fourth and largest non-exportable markhor of the year in the buffer zone of Chitral Gol National Park, officials said on Saturday.

The hunt took place in Singoor Dok, where Kim targeted a 14-year-old markhor with horns measuring 55 inches.

Following the successful hunt, a grand reception was held in Shahmirandeh, which was organised by the Village Conservation Committee (VCC).

Local children and community representatives warmly welcomed the hunter, along with Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Rizwanullah Yousafzai and Chitral Gol Community Development and Conservation Association (CGCDCA) Chairman Saleemuddin. Traditional Chitrali caps and garlands were presented to them in recognition of their contributions.

VCC representatives, including its president Ubaidullah and general secretary Safeerullah, expressed gratitude to the DFO and CGCDCA Chairman. They said that the regulated hunting programmes contribute not only to the region’s economic development but also to wildlife conservation efforts.

Speaking on the occasion, the DFO stated that all four non-exportable hunts conducted this year were highly successful, with hunters securing exceptional trophies. However, he noted that Alexey Kim’s hunt was particularly significant due to the size of the markhor.