Booni, March 17, 2026 : A licensed hunter’s expedition in Brep, Upper Chitral, has ended controversially after a young Himalayan ibex was mistakenly killed, raising serious questions about hunting practices and professionalism in the region.
According to the Wildlife Division Chitral, the hunter, holding legal Permit No. 09 for a trophy ibex, aimed at a large male but shot a smaller one, aged three years, instead in the mountain near Thurjal, Brep.
The wildlife officials cited a rifle scope malfunction as the cause, claiming the incident was unintentional. Video evidence has been shared to support this version.
While the official statement framed the incident as a “human error,” conservationists and wildlife experts argue that the episode reflects poor planning and lack of professionalism. “A true trophy hunt requires meticulous preparation, proper equipment checks, and respect for wildlife regulations.
Accidental killing of young animals points to negligence, not just chance,” said a local wildlife officer requesting anonymity.
The Himalayan ibex is a protected species in the region, and each hunt is meant to target mature males to ensure population stability. Killing juveniles can have long-term ecological consequences, threatening the delicate balance of Upper Chitral’s mountain ecosystems.
Critics argue that relying solely on the hunter’s explanation without stricter oversight sets a dangerous precedent. Calls are mounting for more rigorous training, equipment checks, and accountability measures for licensed hunters in Chitral.
The Wildlife Division emphasized that no laws were violated and maintained that the incident was accidental. However, wildlife advocates warn that such “accidents” are preventable with better planning and professionalism, urging authorities to reassess hunting permit procedures.
This incident underscores the fragile line between legal hunting and wildlife mismanagement, highlighting the urgent need for stricter governance and responsible hunting practices in the region.