American Trophy Hunter Paid $110K To Hunt Endangered Goat In Pakistan

Texas trophy hunter shoots a long-horned markhor goat all while encouraging others to travel to Pakistan and take part in similar hunting expeditions

Bryan Kinsel Harlan made shocking headlines with his $110,000 payment. It wasn’t for a good cause though. The Texas man paid a lot of money so he can take part in an expedition to the northern Himalayan region of Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan. Wonder why?

He just wanted to kill markhor (Capra falconeri), a rare mountain goat. Sadly, the trophy hunter completed his mission and even posed with his kill.

“It was an easy and close shot,” Harlan told reporters in Pakistan. “I am pleased to take this trophy.”

Harlan isn’t the only American to travel all the way to Pakistan to “chase his dream.” Two other men took part in similar disgraceful adventures.

Markhor goats are listed as endangered species. In 2011, the number of these wild animals didn’t go above 2,500. The situation got worse in the past few years. These goats may disappear as a result of deforestation, military activities, poachers, and trophy hunters.

The photo of Harlan’s trophy caused an avalanche of reactions, and people encouraged Pakistani authorities to change their laws and ban hunting. Well, this didn’t even touch Harlan and he is still proud of his success.

There’s a video of the hunting expedition in which Harlan shot the poor animal. In this video, we can see him climb a cliff and then shoot a male markhor. The easy prey was sitting next to a young goat.

In another video, Harlan expressed his gratitude for the opportunity Pakistan provided. According to him, they welcomed him with open arms. Harlan says Pakistan is a safe spot for tourists and even encouraged Americans to come and visit it.

“This is a perfect example of hunters and villagers coming together for a common goal of game conservation,” Harlan said.

Authorities in Pakistan have provided five sanctuaries in India for markhor goats to breed and thrive freely. Trophy hunters are allowed to come for their prey in the area, and authorities “promised” to protect the endangered species from extinction.

A report by The Independent suggests that 80% of the profit from trophy hunters ends up in the hands of “isolated residents” who live in the area. The rest of the money is used by government wildlife agencies.

People condemned these activities, suggesting that tourists should take photos of the long-horned goats instead of shooting them.

Source: www.washingtonpost.com

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