American Lady hunter impressed by Pakistani hospitality, lauds conservation efforts
PESHAWAR, March 21: The first lady hunter of Markhor, Mrs. Renee Snider from America has left for her homeland with good memories about the scenic beauty of Pakistan besides hospitality of its people.
“I am impressed by the hospitality extended to me during my excursion to Chitral for hunting Kashmiri Markhor,” observed Mrs. Renee Sinder while departing for America on Friday (March 20) night.
She also appreciated the efforts made by NWFP Wildlife department for conservation of Markhor which was once an endangered specie, but now its population is satisfactory in Pakistan, informed Anchan Ali Mirza, Managing Director Karakurum Treks and Tours who organized tour of the American hunter.
Mrs. Renee had arrived on March 16, last to Pakistan and was lucky enough in hunting the wild goat with spiraled horns within four days in Tushi game reserve in Chitral district, Anchan added.
He said the lady was very concerned about her security in Pakistan, but had an good impression about the situation after arriving and staying here.
Before arriving, she asked much queries about her security, but found the situation opposite as is portrayed internationally, Anchan added. She also praised the scenic beauty of hilly Chitral valley, he continued.
He informed that Mrs. Renee paid an hefty amount of dollar 84,000 to NWFP government for getting permit to hunt Markhor and Ibex.
The wild animal hunted by the lady hunter was very nice with a horns measuring around 43 inches.
Mrs. Snider had been to Pakistan on several occasions in the past and has hunted in most areas of the country. She is also a member of prestigious Shikar Safari club. This was her first visit to Chitral and first ever experience of hunting Markhor, he added.
“The visit of Mrs Renee Snider has encouraged the officials NWFP Wildlife department and people of Chitral district who are engaged in conservation of wild species”, commented Chief Conservator NWFP Wildlife department, Dr. Mumtaz Malik.
This year, he said, there was an impression that no hunter will come to Pakistan and especially NWFP for hunting Markhor. But the visit of a lady hunter has proved that Pakistan is a safe destination for hunter and tourists, he added.
Dr. Mumtaz Malik informed that NWFP Wildlife department allows hunters, both locally and foreigners, through sale of permits for hunting Markhor and Ibex in Chitral and Kohistan districts under the Trophy Hunting programme.
The amount collected through sale of permits is mostly spent on development of communities engaged in conservation and protection of wild goat.
The Trophy Hunting programme has yield very positive results as the illegal hunting of wild animal has been stopped in the region and now Pakistan has largest population of Markhor.
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